Post-Surgery Toenail Alternatives: Restoring Appearance & Confidence

Question
When I was in 7th grade and had little idea of what was going on, my mother took me to a podiatrist for ingrown toenail problems on both big toes.  The doctor felt that surgery on the ingrown nails was the best option.  Unfortunately for me (a young naive child), it left my nails very narrow and ugly.  Now I am 25 and trying to hide my ugly nails.  I had discovered that gluing fake toe nails was a self esteem booster, and looked somewhat "normal", or at least better, but then a few months ago, one of my fake nails was accidentally ripped of and took the nail with it.  I figured my nail would just grow back, but it looks weird...  hardened but no nail (wouldn't the nail just grow back? Its been 4 months.)  I just came back from a podiatrist today and was told that the nail was gone forever since the nail bed look destroyed.  I am looking for any and all other options for fake nails or surgery to have "normal" looking fake nails.  At one point I had acrylic nails placed on, but now without a nail I didn't think that was an option.  Please help.  Its so depressing to never be able to wear open toed shoes or flip flops, not to mention embarrassing.  And if you don't have any advice, is there someone else who may have found a solution or who I can talk to?  I'm desperate and will try anything.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
If there is hardened skin left where the nail used to be, it may be enough to hold an acrylic nail. Keep the acrylic as short as possible while still maintaining a natural look.

I've had clients with similar stories who have been able to keep acrylic on the area for several days to a few weeks.

One thing I have heard of: Have an acrylic nail put on your toes, when it lifts off, save it and reattach it with nail glue or even rubber cement. (I have NO idea what sort of potential skin irritation issues might crop up as a result of using rubber cement! It is probably NOT advisable! but I HAVE heard of this being used.)

Some companies are making "press-on" type nails for toes now also, if you can find some that fit and look nice you could build yourself an entire collection of pre-painted toenails.

I think acrylic is still your best option. As long as there is still some of that hardened skin for it to hold on to. You will have to have the acrylic reapplied more often than usual for toenails though.