Q: How may treatment do I need?

Depending on the severity of the case it is recommended a minimum of 4 treatments per hand or foot. 

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​Q: What do I need to do prior to my appointment?

Remove all nail polish on the foot/hand or both feet/hands being treated.

Q: How long is the first Consultation Appointment?

Approximately 20 minutes, or as long as it you need to make sure you are well-informed and have all your questions answered.

Q: What can I expect at the consultation?

You will fill-out a client intake form during the confidential consultation with our therapist. The Laser Therapy Nail Treatment will be scheduled for another visit. However in many cases, we can perform the first laser treatment session after the consultation on the same day if time permits. 

Q: What can I expect at the Laser therapy sessions?

The Laser Therapy Nail Treatment will be performed only if appropriate and after an initial consultation. Each treatment session  takes approximately 30-45 minutes and all affected toenails and surrounding toenails on one foot are treated.

Q: Is there a recovery period?

No. Walk in and walk out. This is a non-invasive treatment and there is no recovery period, no bandages and no pain relief or anesthetics required. You may return to your normal activities and work right after treatment.

Q: Why is the 4 treatment package advised, when other clinics only perform one treatment?

There is evidence that shows positive results in just one treatment but a large number of patients have found that the results are  slow or are varied in some nails especially with a long-standing fungus infection. The 4 treatment package has shown to give the patient the best chance of "curing" the toenail fungus. By planning on a four treatment package, we maximize the laser usage and address any persistent toenail infection.

Q: How long is an appointment?

The actual laser time is approximately 15 minutes, not including room prep or consultation time. Please plan to spend 45 minutes for your visit. This includes treatment and any additional time for instructions for post-treatment care and consultation.

Q: When is the treatment carried out?

In many cases, patients request the option to have time available right after the consultation to treat the nail immediately.  Other  patients prefer to attend the consultation separately.

Q: When can toenail polish be applied or pedicures occur after treatment

It is recommended that you do not apply any nail polish to the affected toenails prior to treatment. Additionally, we recommend the use of an "anti-fungal" nail polish.  It may also be recommended that you abstain from nail polish until after the second treatment has been completed. This issue is addressed on a case-by-case basis. It is important for all polish and decorations be removed prior to your treatment.

Q: What is so special about this treatment?

The laser treatment for fungal nails is a breakthrough in treating the fungus infection and is applied externally. The beam of laser energy is targeted through the nail to the nail bed, killing the fungus and causing it to become inactive.

Q: What about other lasers?

This particular laser was chosen because of the quality of the laser as well as the speed and safety of delivery of the laser beam. 

Q: Who performs the Laser Treatment?

The Laser Therapy Nail Treatment is performed by our trained therapy staff.  

Q: What if it does not work?

The treatment has been shown to be greater than 75% effective with a single treatment. The effective rate increases with subsequent treatments as part of our 4 treatment package. In an effort to increase clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, we recommend the 4 treatment package.

Q: What about fingernail treatment?

The Laser Therapy Nail Treatment can be performed on fingernails with the same success. With some infections, all the nails would be treated. With others, just the infected or neighboring fingernails. 

Q: Why do all my nails need treating?

Fungal spores are present on the foot irrespective of which nails are affected. Toe spaces, grooves around the nails as well as the sole and arch of the foot are all places where fungi thrive. The dark, moist, warm and enclosed environment of the shoe provides an easy breeding site for fungi. If all fungus is not treated, reinfection is likely. A research study published in The British Journal of Dermatology in 2009 assessed fungi in normal-appearing nails among people who have had Athlete's foot and those who had never had any fungal problems. It concluded that fungi could be isolated from normal-appearing toenails and that the presence of these spores was strongly associated with the presence of athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Subclinical dermatophytes in the nail plate may serve as a reservoir for ongoing local infection.

Q: What if I only have one toenail infected?

Guidelines for use of this technique advise that all the nails should be treated to prevent fungal spores spreading.  With toenails  especially, because they are tightly packed against each other in shoes and in a warm, moist environment, the chance of cross-infection is high. We usually suggest treating the entire foot to minimize the chance of reinfection but in selected cases, we will    treat only one nail.

Q: Are there any contraindications to having toenail fungus laser treatment?

Although considered safe for most people, laser treatment is contraindicated in pregnancy, in disorders that cause loss of            sensation in extremities (neuropathy), sunburned skin, scleroderma, those people with previous skin cancers on the feet or hands, people who have used Accutane (isotretinoin) in the last 12 months, anyone who has had a major skin disease or anyone who has experienced problems with previous laser treatments. Please discuss any skin abnormality or disorder during your consultation appointment.

Q: How much does the Laser Nail Treatment cost?

The Laser Therapy Nail Treatment is applied to all of the affected toenails and surrounding nails on one foot per treatment, even  the ones that appear unaffected. This reduces the chance of re-occurrence or another episode of problems. Please call to find out how much a laser therapy toenail fungus treatment will be for your case.

 
Q: How will I pay for the procedure?

Cash, all credit and debit cards accepted are accepted. If you have questions or concerns about how you will pay of the procedure, please call our office and a representative will be available to discuss all options with you.

Q: Will this procedure be covered by my health insurance?

This Laser Therapy Nail Treatment procedure is considered aesthetic and is NOT covered under any insurance policies.  We do   not file insurance claims for any procedure performed. Most Heath Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) may be used for this treatment. Please contact your individual HSA or FSA regarding coverage.