How painful is ingrown toenail removal?

Minimal: Usually done with a local, and depending upon the skill of your doctor the needles aren't bad at all.

Not very: The only thing that hurts a bit is the local anesthetic injection that is necessary to numb the toe. If you are just having the ingrown removed and not cauterized (called a matrixectomy), there is almost no pain afterward. If you are having the matrixectomy, it may be sore for a couple of days (taking otc Ibuprofen or Naproxen is usually all you need).

Nail: The procedure in itself is done under local anesthesia (painless).

It depends: Some ingrown toenail removal procedures are performed without numbing the toe, but often, anesthesia is necessary. Your physician may use a cold spray to minimize the discomfort from the injection. The discomfort experienced from the injection will depend on your pain tolerance and the presence and severity of the infection if present. Following the injection, the procedure should be painless.