Skin, Lumps & Minor Procedures
About this service
Nail bed repair in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic surgically repairs the nail bed after an injury, helping the nail grow back as normally as possible. A crushed, torn, or badly injured nail bed can be painful and, if not treated properly, may lead to a nail that grows back deformed. Your doctor will assess the injury in our rooms, clean the area, and repair the nail bed under local anaesthetic.
This kind of injury often happens from a slammed door, dropped object, or accident at work or home. Prompt treatment gives the best chance of a good outcome, so book an appointment as soon as possible after the injury.
What to expect
- Your doctor examines the injury and may arrange an X-ray to check the bone underneath
- A local anaesthetic block numbs the whole finger or toe
- The damaged nail is lifted away so the torn nail bed can be seen and repaired with fine stitches
- The nail or a protective splint is placed back over the repair to keep the nail fold open
- A padded dressing goes on and you return for checks as the new nail grows
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- A crushed or torn nail from an accident or injury
- A nail that has come away from the nail bed
- Significant pain or bleeding under or around the nail
- An injury involving a door, tool, or heavy object
- Wanting the best chance of normal nail regrowth after injury
Frequently asked questions
Does a crushed fingernail need to be repaired by a doctor?
If the nail has lifted, there is blood under most of it, or the fingertip is cut, the nail bed underneath may be torn and needs repair. Left alone it can heal unevenly and the new nail may grow back deformed.
Will my nail grow back normally after nail bed repair?
A carefully repaired nail bed gives the best chance of a normal nail, but regrowth takes months and some ridging can remain. Your doctor will explain what to expect for your injury.
How is a nail bed repaired?
After numbing the finger or toe, your doctor lifts or removes the damaged nail, stitches the torn nail bed with very fine sutures and then protects it while it heals. It is done in our rooms and you go home the same day.
Ready to book your nail bed repair?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.