Question
Hello Dr. Tsatsos
How many ingrown toenails would a 16 year-old have in one of his big toe nails before you would recommend the permanent surgical removal of part of his toenail? I believe the procedure is called a matricectomy.
Thank you
Ben

Answer
Dear Ben,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661, Roscoe Village 60618, Ukrainian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says,
If the cause of the problem can't be resolved, then a matrixectomy. For example-If the shape of the skin or nail doesn't allow growth, or your child has had this problem for more than a year, then you need to consider. If it's being cut short, bad pedicure, etc and there's a good chance that your child will not cut short or avoid the other cause, then possibly hold off. Ask the doctor the same question
Hope this helps &
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos,Dr Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Ryan Holmbeck, Dr Telva Hernandez & Dr Kevin Massard
Chicago 60661, 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified swimming or wearing a knee bin Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.