Book an appointment Professional nail education
Nail plates can present changes in color, contour, texture, thickness or attachment. Informed observation helps us determine whether a cosmetic service is appropriate or a referral is needed.
Appearance-based terminology
A cosmetic service intended to improve the appearance of a nail plate that is damaged, partially missing, uneven or altered in appearance. A visual consultation helps determine whether the nail and surrounding skin appear suitable for service.
A flexible specialty gel may be carefully applied over an appropriate portion of the natural nail to create a more balanced, natural-looking appearance. It does not correct the underlying cause of a nail change.
Descriptive terms include pitting; longitudinal or transverse ridging; Beau’s lines, which are transverse depressions; leukonychia, or white areas; and koilonychia, a thin, spoon-shaped contour. These observations are not diagnoses and can have multiple causes.
Onychauxis describes increased nail-plate thickness. Onycholysis describes separation of the nail plate from the nail bed. Because thickening, discoloration or lifting may accompany conditions that require clinical evaluation, questionable presentations are referred out before cosmetic service.
Questions before booking?
Review common questions or contact Nail Anatomy to discuss whether a cosmetic service may be suitable.