Fungus Laser Therapy Specialist

What are Fungal Toenails?

Toenail fungus is a condition where a fungal infection is present in or under a patient’s toenails. The fungus causes the toenails to become thick and yellowed. The fungus can also cause the toenail to grow abnormally, which can result in discomfort or ingrowing nails. Athletes are more vulnerable to fungal toenails because they use communal showers at training facilities and because their feet are continually kept in tight, sweaty shoes. People with a compromised immune system are also more vulnerable to fungal infections in the toenails. 

What Causes Fungal Toenails?

Toenail fungus develops when the toenails have been in moist or wet environments and did not receive proper care to clean and dry the toes afterwards. For instance, areas such as communal showers and public swimming pools can often be a breeding ground for fungus. The fungus gains entry at the tip of the nail, where it separates from the skin, and develops there. Most often, the infection is caused by the bacteria trichophyton. 

How are Fungal Nails Treated?

Traditionally, fungal toenails are treated with a combination of oral medications and topical creams and gels the condition is a bit more serious oral medications are used because they have proven to be very effective. The most commonly prescribed medication, which has been effective is Lamisil otherwise known as terbinafine. However, National Foot & Ankle Center offers innovative laser treatments to destroy the fungus and restore the toenails to health. Photodynamic therapy or laser therapy has also shown to be an effective treatment and uses the application of a special light-activated agent or uses a laser to target the affected tissue without damaging the healthy skin. Laser treatment provides quicker resolution of the fungal infection, typically in between 1 and 4 treatments, depending on the severity of the fungal infection. National Foot & Ankle Center provides customized treatment plans for each patient to address his or her specific needs.

PinPointe Foot Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails

Celebrate Clearer Nails Today! Ask us about the  Laser Treatment for nail fungus.

Stop suffering the pain and embarrassment of unsightly nail fungus. PinPointe FootLaser is the easy and convenient treatment that helps turn

your

discolored and disfigured nails into clearer, healthier looking nails.

Let our laser technology take care of your nail fungus. The PinPointe Laser is a patented laser device that clinical studies have demonstrated significantly reduces toenail fungal infection, leading to improved appearance.

We spend quality time with each patient in order to better understand your foot care needs, and, after presenting the options, to recommend the best course of treatment. We work closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to ensure the most effective treatment plan.

The patented PinPointe FootLaser is a specially designed laser beam that goes through the toenail and safely kills the organisms embedded in the nail bed that cause Onychomycosis, more commonly known as toenail fungus.

The PinPointe Laser was introduced in July 2008 after years of research and development. The PinPointe Laser is a major leap forward in medical technology to safely treat toenail fungus.

The laser uses a Nd:YAG crystal. The frequency of the laser is tuned to affect only those cells responsible for the nail infection.

The PinPointe Laser is a patented laser device that clinical studies have demonstrated significantly reduces toenail infection.

The FootLaser is a major leap forward in medical technology, providing the safest and most cost-effective treatment of toenail fungus (onychomycosis).

This breakthrough procedure offers patients successful results with a single treatment, no downtime and no oral medication.

HOW DOES IT WORK? 

The Laser kills fungus that lives in and under the nail. A laser passes through the nail without damaging it or the surrounding skin. Although the existing nail will not become clear immediately upon treatment, the new nail growth will appear normal, as the fungus will no longer be present.

HOW SUCCESSFUL IS THE TREATMENT?

Clinical studies which began in November 2007 have demonstrated a success rate of 88%. These studies also report no adverse effects or injuries associated with this treatment.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

Typically, the patient requires one treatment only.

IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?

Intermittently, patients may experience a sensation of heat or a pinprick. The level of discomfort is not so significant as to require local anesthetic.

IS THERE A RECOVERY PERIOD?

One of the advantages of this breakthrough procedure is that there is no downtime. Patients walk in, walk out, and have no physical limitations following treatment.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCEDURE TAKE?

The laser procedure usually takes approximately 30 minutes.

CAN THE FUNGUS GROW BACK?

The fungus is killed after one treatment; however, as this fungus is commonly found in one's environment, the doctor will strongly recommend post-procedure care that will greatly reduce the possibility of reinfection.

CAN I USE NAIL POLISH AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Polish can be applied 4 weeks following treatment. It is important to remove all polish and nail decoration the day prior to treatment.

IS THIS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

Insurance plans consider this procedure aesthetic/cosmetic and therefore do not provide coverage. If you have a Health Savings Account, Medical IRA or other Flexible Medical Spending Accounts, you can pay for the procedure with these funds. Otherwise, payment can be made with cash, credit, debit card or Credit Care.

HOW MUCH DOES THE PROCEDURE COST?

Contact the office nearest you for a full cost disclosure. The price is comparable to that of taking oral anti-fungal agents for 6 months along with liver function tests, which are indicated with these medications.

Before and After

The patented PinPointe Laser is a specially designed laser that penetrates the nail, skin and soft tissue, killing the fungus in the nail bed that causes onychomycosis which leads to unsightly nail appearance.

The procedure typically requires one treatment with little or no discomfort and is performed in an office setting with no anesthetic being necessary. The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue and treats only the infected area of the toe. This eliminates the need for oral antifungal medications, which have demonstrated potential side effects, including liver damage.

Clinical studies show that PinPointe Laser reduces fungal infection and promotes clear nail growth with a single treatment. It has demonstrated a success rate greater than that found with oral antifungal medications.