Toenail Reconstruction (Pedique and ToeFlex) in Radlett
Cosmetic toenail reconstruction using Pedique gel or ToeFlex paste, applied by podiatrist Michael Abrahams in Radlett. A natural-looking nail over damaged, discoloured or deformed toenails, in around half an hour.
Who is toenail reconstruction for?
Cosmetic toenail reconstruction transforms the appearance of your toenails with an instant improvement. A specialist product is built onto your existing nail to create a durable, natural-looking prosthetic nail that bonds to your own nail. It is designed for:
- Damaged or deformed nails
- Fungal or discoloured nails
- Traumatised toenails (sports injuries, tight shoes and so on)
- Loose or lifted nails
- Thick nails
- Nails that refuse to grow
- Nails you feel self-conscious about
Most often the nail is fungal, has had an ingrown toenail in the past, or has been traumatised and is permanently deformed. That cannot be fixed. Once we have established this, reconstruction is a suitable cosmetic covering for when your feet are on display. If you use nail varnish or gel, the nail can be covered completely. For men, we try to match the colour to your other toenails so that it blends in.
How does it work?
- Assessment. We look at your nail and establish what is going on, for example fungal damage, an old ingrown toenail or trauma. We need some natural nail to mould the reconstruction to: the more nail you have, the stronger the bond.
- Preparing the nail. We thin the nail down to remove the excess, and remove any oils from previous nail varnish and any loose nail. This gives a firm base for the reconstruction.
- Cleaning and priming. The nail is cleaned with alcohol and dried, and a primer is applied.
- Building the nail. Michael moulds the appropriate gel or paste to shape on your nail.
- Setting. The nail is set with a UV light.
- Finishing. The nail is filed and shaped to finish. It is completely set and dry when you walk out of the door, ready to be covered with varnish or gels. It should not be affected by acetone, and it is solid enough to file.
The whole appointment takes about half an hour.
Pedique or ToeFlex?
Pedique
Our first choice for most patients. We have used Pedique for over 25 years with great success. It is a gel that levels very smoothly, so we use it in most cases, except where the nails are very thick. Pedique contains silver and antifungal agents.
ToeFlex
A paste, used when a nail or toe is very deformed, because it lets us shape the nail more accurately. We also use ToeFlex on men, as the colour can be adjusted to match more closely.
We choose the product that suits your nail best at your appointment.
Why a podiatrist rather than a salon?
Pedique and ToeFlex are designed for feet. The flexible formula is less prone to cracking in shoes, and the product is chosen to suit your nail. Because your treatment is provided by a podiatrist, the nail and skin underneath can be assessed too, not just covered.
Results
More before and after photos from our own patients. Tap a photo to see it larger. Results vary, and reconstruction is not permanent: it grows out as your own nail grows.
Female patient · Pedique
More examples
How long does it last?
Toenail reconstruction is cosmetic and temporary, and it grows out with your own nail. The manufacturer suggests around 6 weeks, but many patients have slow-growing nails, and with care it can last 3–4 months.
How long yours lasts varies. Sometimes it lasts a long time and sometimes it does not, sometimes the nail gets bruised and sometimes it does not, and sometimes you will leave it on a little longer than other times. If you have diabetes or poor circulation you can still have it, but we are more likely to change it more frequently.
Winter tip: if your feet are covered up over the winter and no one is looking at your nails, we suggest having the reconstruction removed to let your nails breathe. Removal only is £35.
Looking after your nail
- You can swim and treat the nail as normal.
- Dry it well after swimming or washing: dab it with a piece of kitchen towel, or wipe it with surgical spirit.
- If it gets bruised, the nail can go green or a little black. This generally grows out with the nail and is replaced.
- As the nail grows, trim or file it so it does not get too long.
- Put on socks or tights carefully, so you do not pull it off.
- The nail is secure, but if there is too much pressure on it, it should bend or crack.
How much does it cost?
| Initial appointment, one toenail | £80 |
| Initial appointment, two toenails | £90 |
| Follow-up appointment, one toenail | £60 |
| Follow-up appointment, two toenails | £90 |
| Removal only (a short appointment) | £35 |
If no treatment is undertaken at the initial appointment, the initial charge is £80.
The online booking page shows one, two or more nail options for existing patients, men and women, so please select the one that suits you. To keep it simple there is no initial-appointment option online, but the fee will be higher as shown above.
Is it right for me?
- You need some natural nail. We need some nail to mould the reconstruction to. If you have no toenail at all, there are no treatments we are aware of.
- Healthy nails that were recently damaged will usually just need to grow out. If you must have a cosmetic covering, keep it for the shortest time possible, keep the nail clean and short as it grows, and avoid further trauma.
- It will not fix the nail underneath, although it can push the skin down if the nail is bulbous.
- It is not a permanent fix. It grows out as your nail shifts, which is worth bearing in mind if you live far away.
- If it comes away earlier than expected, or grows thick because your own nail is growing upwards or skewed, you will need to return to have it replaced, filed or removed. No refunds are given.
Frequently asked questions
Does toenail reconstruction treat fungal nails?
How long does an appointment take?
Does it hurt?
Can I use nail varnish, gel polish and acetone?
How long will it last?
Can I swim, wash and wear nail polish?
Can men have it?
Do I need any natural nail?
Can I have it if I have diabetes or poor circulation?
What if it comes off, cracks or gets bruised?
Who will treat me?
How much does it cost?
See it being applied
Watch a nail being constructed.
Ready to book?
Toenail reconstruction with Michael Abrahams at A&A Podiatrists, 9 Station Road, Radlett.
Also see: fungal nail treatment (Lunula laser) · ingrown toenail treatment and surgery