I had a bifurcated toenail removed in April - it was supposed to be permanent. It's ba-ack! Is it just me, or did the doctor do something wrong? I've looked on the web, but they don't address my problem.

If a nail is simply removed, it will always grow back. If a "matrixectomy" is done (removing the part which produces the nail), some of it can still grow back, requiring more than one attempt. Depending on how the procedure was done, it can be a fairly big deal, with moderate discomfort for awhile. If you'd had a matrixectomy, you'd probably know it: it's more than just removing the nail. The simplest way is to use some chemical on the matrix; it's quicker, and not very painful, but very possibly will require more than one try if the goal is to keep the entire nail from growing back (usually it's just done on a side, for a recurrant ingrown area). Unless your regular doctor does such things a lot, you're better off seeing a podiatrist.

[This message was edited by sid1114 on 07-08-02 at 12:49 PM.]

[This message was edited by sid1114 on 07-08-02 at 12:49 PM.]

Thanks, Sid. It was a podiatrist, and was supposed to be a permanent removal. I just wasn't sure if regrowth was possible from a properly done job, or if the doctor just didn't know as much as he was supposed to. If it's not out of the realm of possibility, then I'll give him another crack at it.