How Much Does Ingrown Toenail Surgery Cost?
Ingrown toenail surgery costs between $150 and $1,500 in the United States in 2026, with the average patient paying approximately $200 to $500 for an in-office procedure performed by a podiatrist. The wide price range depends on the type of procedure, your geographic location, the facility where it's performed, and whether you have insurance coverage.
According to data from Fair Health and Medicare fee schedules, a standard partial nail avulsion (CPT code 11750) has a national average reimbursement of approximately $200–$350. However, the total billed amount — especially for uninsured patients or those treated in hospital outpatient settings — can be significantly higher. Emergency room treatment for the same condition routinely exceeds $1,000.
The good news is that ingrown toenail surgery is one of the most affordable minor surgical procedures available, and it is almost always covered by insurance when medically necessary. Most patients undergo the procedure in a podiatrist's office under local anesthesia, which keeps costs low and eliminates the need for general anesthesia or hospital facility fees.
Cost by Procedure Type
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Partial Nail Avulsion (simple removal) | $300 | $150–$500 |
| Partial Matrixectomy with Phenol Cauterization | $500 | $300–$900 |
| Total Nail Avulsion (complete nail removal) | $450 | $250–$800 |
| Surgical Matrixectomy (excision of nail matrix) | $750 | $400–$1,200 |
| Bilateral Procedure (both feet) | $600 | $350–$1,500 |
The partial nail avulsion with phenol matrixectomy is the most commonly performed procedure for recurrent ingrown toenails. It offers the best balance of low cost, minimal recovery time, and a recurrence rate of only 2–5%, compared to 30–70% for simple nail avulsion alone.
Cost by State
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $500 | $300–$1,000 |
| New York | $550 | $350–$1,200 |
| Texas | $375 | $200–$700 |
| Florida | $400 | $200–$750 |
| Illinois | $425 | $250–$800 |
| Pennsylvania | $400 | $225–$750 |
| Ohio | $350 | $175–$650 |
| Georgia | $350 | $175–$600 |
| North Carolina | $325 | $175–$600 |
| Arizona | $400 | $200–$700 |
| Colorado | $425 | $225–$750 |
| Mississippi | $275 | $150–$500 |
Prices are highest in New York, California, and major metropolitan areas due to elevated overhead costs and higher cost of living. Southern and Midwestern states consistently offer the most affordable pricing for this procedure.
Insurance vs. No Insurance
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance (PPO/HMO) | $30–$300 | Procedure, local anesthesia, one follow-up visit; subject to copay, deductible, and coinsurance |
| Medicare Part B | $30–$150 | 80% of approved amount after annual deductible; covers medically necessary nail procedures |
| Medicaid | $0–$25 | Full coverage in most states for medically necessary procedures; minimal or no copay |
| Without Insurance | $250–$1,500 | Patient pays full billed amount; many podiatrists offer cash-pay discounts of 20–40% |
Ingrown toenail surgery is considered medically necessary when the condition causes pain, infection, or functional impairment — which covers the vast majority of cases requiring surgery. Cosmetic concerns alone are generally not covered. Most insurers do not require pre-authorization for in-office nail procedures.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
- Consultation/evaluation fee: $75–$200 (sometimes waived if surgery is performed same day)
- Procedure/surgeon fee: $150–$800 (the primary cost component)
- Local anesthesia (digital nerve block): $25–$75 (usually included in procedure fee)
- Phenol or chemical cauterization: $50–$150 (if matrixectomy is performed)
- Sterile supplies and wound dressing: $15–$50 (usually included)
- Post-operative follow-up visit: $50–$150 (one visit often included; additional visits billed separately)
- Prescription antibiotics (if infection present): $10–$50
- Home wound care supplies: $15–$40 (bandages, antiseptic, epsom salts)
Most podiatrists bundle the procedure fee, anesthesia, and one follow-up visit into a single charge. Always ask for an itemized quote before your appointment to avoid surprise costs.
Factors That Affect Cost
Geographic Location
Costs vary by as much as 100–200% between high-cost urban areas (Manhattan, San Francisco) and lower-cost rural regions. The same procedure can cost $550 in New York City and $200 in rural Mississippi.
Facility Type
An in-office podiatry procedure is the most affordable option. Treatment at an urgent care center costs 50–100% more, and emergency room treatment can cost 3–5 times more due to facility fees, ER physician charges, and additional diagnostics like X-rays.
Procedure Complexity
A simple partial nail avulsion costs significantly less than a surgical matrixectomy. Infected toenails requiring drainage, culture, or IV antibiotics add to the total cost. Bilateral procedures (both feet) typically cost 50–75% more than a single-toe procedure.
Surgeon Specialty and Experience
Podiatrists typically charge less than orthopedic surgeons or general surgeons for the same nail procedure. Board-certified podiatrists in private practice often have the most competitive pricing for this specific procedure.
Insurance Plan Details
Your specific deductible, copay, and coinsurance percentages dramatically affect out-of-pocket costs. A patient with a $50 specialist copay and a met deductible may pay only $50, while someone with a $3,000 unmet deductible could pay the full billed amount.
Recurrence and Repeat Procedures
Choosing a simple nail avulsion to save money upfront can backfire if the ingrown toenail recurs. Repeat procedures multiply costs. Investing in a matrixectomy with phenol cauterization the first time often saves money long-term.
How to Save Money on Ingrown Toenail Surgery
- See a podiatrist, not the ER: Unless you have a severe infection with spreading redness, fever, or red streaks, schedule an office visit with a podiatrist. You'll save $500–$2,000 compared to emergency room treatment.
- Ask for cash-pay discounts: Many podiatrists offer 20–40% discounts for uninsured patients who pay at the time of service. Always ask — most offices have a self-pay rate that's lower than the billed insurance rate.
- Choose an in-office procedure: Avoid ambulatory surgery centers or hospital outpatient departments. In-office procedures eliminate facility fees that can add $300–$1,000 to your bill.
- Get the matrixectomy the first time: Paying an extra $100–$300 for phenol cauterization can prevent recurrence and save you from paying for multiple procedures over time.
- Use your HSA or FSA: Ingrown toenail surgery is a qualified medical expense. Using pre-tax dollars effectively saves you 20–35% depending on your tax bracket.
- Compare prices from multiple podiatrists: Call 3–4 podiatry offices in your area and ask for their self-pay rate for a partial matrixectomy (CPT 11750). Prices can vary significantly even within the same city.
- Check community health centers: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offer sliding-scale fees based on income and often have podiatry services available at reduced rates.
Financing Options
| Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| In-Office Payment Plan | Many podiatrists offer interest-free installment plans for self-pay patients | 2–4 monthly payments, no interest |
| CareCredit | Medical credit card accepted by most podiatry offices | 0% APR for 6–12 months on purchases over $200 |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax health savings used for qualified medical expenses | Immediate payment with tax-free dollars; 20–35% effective savings |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Medical-specific personal loan with fixed rates | APR from 5.99%; terms of 24–84 months |
| Credit Card | Standard credit card; best if you can pay off quickly | Variable APR; look for 0% intro APR offers |
Given that most ingrown toenail procedures cost under $500, financing is typically unnecessary for insured patients. However, for uninsured patients facing higher costs, CareCredit's 0% promotional period can make the expense more manageable without accruing interest.
Pro Tips
Tip #1: Don't wait until your ingrown toenail is severely infected. An infected nail requires antibiotics before surgery, adds follow-up visits, and can increase your total cost by $100–$300. Early treatment is cheaper and heals faster.
Tip #2: When calling to schedule, ask specifically: "What is your all-inclusive price for a partial matrixectomy with phenol, including one follow-up visit?" This prevents surprise charges and makes it easy to compare quotes between offices.
Tip #3: If you have insurance, verify that your podiatrist is in-network before your appointment. An out-of-network podiatrist can cost 2–3 times more out of pocket, even for a simple nail procedure. A quick call to your insurance company can save you hundreds.
Tip #4: Ask your podiatrist about the recurrence rate of the specific procedure they recommend. A simple trim or partial avulsion without matrix destruction is cheaper upfront but has a 30–70% chance of recurrence. The slightly more expensive matrixectomy with phenol reduces recurrence to under 5% and is almost always the better value.