• Before Treatment – clip and debride toenails, and remove any nail polish.
• During Treatment – the clinician will wipe each nail clean with an alcohol wipe to make sure there is no dirt or debris. Baseline photos will be taken to document nail growth. At the time of treatment, you will feel a mild to moderate heat sensation.
• After Treatment – you can resume normal activity immediately after treatment, with no downtime. Nail polish can be applied 24 hours after the treatment. Use new shoes and wash socks thoroughly in hot water.
• Long Term – follow up photographs will be taken to document nail growth. Over the next several months, most patients see some degree of continuous growth of clear healthy nails.
How many treatments will I need?
Most infections improve after one 15-20 minute treatment, however, it generally takes 2-3 additional treatments done 2-4 weeks apart to achieve the best results. It could take 4-6 treatments for more advanced cases. Consult your clinician for the specific number of treatments that are right for you.
Immediately following treatment, no visual change in the nail will be detected, as it takes time for new clear nail to grow.
What are the possible side effects?
No significant side effects have been reported. You may feel discomfort associated with heat during treatment, but there is no pain involved post treatment. You may also see mild redness briefly after the treatment, but this should resolve in 24 hours.
What aftercare do I need?
After treatment, it is recommended to wear new shoes and socks that have been washed thoroughly in hot water to prevent reinfection and further spread of fungus.
Can the fungus come back?
There is a chance of reinfection as the fungus lives within the environment. Proper post-care
techniques are recommended to help reduce recurrence.
Are there any clinical studies?
In a clinical study, 79% of treated toes demonstrated improved clear nail over 90 days
following treatment.
How does laser treatment compare to other treatment options?
Topical creams and ointments do not penetrate the nail adequately and have to be applied daily.
Oral medications often have serious side effects including damage to your liver. Permanent removal of the nail can result in a disfigured appearance.
What is the cost of treatment? Each treatment (all 10 toes or fingers) is $499.
What causes fungal infection in the nail?
Onychomycosis is a non-life threatening infection of the nails caused predominantly by
dermatophytes, and to a lesser extent by yeasts and non-dermatophytic molds. The nail fungus usually begins growing on the skin around the nail and then enters the nail bed and nail plate.
Where does nail fungal infection come from? Fungi are everywhere—in the air, the dust, and the soil. Shower floors, locker rooms and swimming pools are suspected of being sources of the fungus, although there are no studies proving this fact.
What are the symptoms of nail fungal infection? Infected nails often have one or more of the following undesirable changes in the nail: no
luster, nail brittleness, yellow streaks, thick nails that may separate from the skin, or white spots.
