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Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment

Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common condition estimated to affect up to 10% of the population worldwide. It can cause nails to become yellow or discolored. As the infection advances the nail can become thick, brittle and separate from the nail bed. It can also cause pain when wearing shoes or walking.

This page provides information about the causes of nail infections and available treatment options. The benefits, disadvantages and risk of each treatment is discussed. You should discuss your medical condition and treatment with your doctor.

lanulaWhat is Lunula Laser?
The Erchonia Lunula laser uses low level laser light to target toenail fungus. Lunula is FDA mamet cleared to effectively target the appearance of this unsightly and sometimes painfully troublesome condition. In as little as Four weekly 12 minute treatments, you can regain your flip-flop and barefoot freedom. Unlike other hot lasers (Ouch) that claim to treat toenail fungus or onychomycosis, the Lunula is the only, pain-free, non-thermal laser that has no dangerous smot.e plumes or vapors and requires no anesthesia.

If you've tried other options for toenail fungus such as sprays, lotions or oral prescription pills without lasting results, the Lunula may be your superior option.

It will significantly increase clear nail growth over a six-month period.
Clinical trial results demonstrated ---89% of patients experienced more new clear nail growth over a 6-month period. Find out how to get on your way to bearing your Feet without embarrassment! Ask your doctor today for more information!

Download Lunula Broshure here.

What is GenesisPlus?
GenesisPlus is a Nd:YAG 1064nm laser that has been cleared by the FDA to be both a safe and effective solution for the treatment of nail infection (onychomycosis), more commonly known as toenail fungus. This laser is also a safe and effective procedure for scar reduction and warts.

What causes nail infection? (onychomycosis)

Dermatophytes are the fungi most commonly responsible for causing this condition. They are specialized organisms that live off of keratin which is the main component of nails and skin. The most common fungi that cause nail infection disease are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans. Everyone is at risk for infection because fungus is present everywhere in the environment.

Where does nail infection come from?
Nail infection is caused by contact with dermatophytes which are everywhere in our environment. Common sources of infection include swimming pools, public showers, gyms and nail spas. Tight fitting shoes and nail trauma can also lead to infection. Genetic susceptibility, poor health, weakened immune system from chemotherapy and increasing age are also factors that increase the risk of nail infection.

What are the symptoms of nail infection?

You may suffer from nail infection (onychomycosis) if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Discolored nails
  • Yellow streaks under the nail
  • Distorted or thickened nails
  • Brittle, crumbly or ragged nail
  • Nails separated from the underlying skin
  • Buildup of debris (nail fragments, skin) under the nail
  • White spots or streaks on the nail surface

What treatments are available for nail infections?
Current treatment options for nail infection include oral drugs, topical drugs and laser. No single treatment is effective in all patients and there are risks and benefits associated with each one. Be sure to discuss all your treatment options with your doctor.

Oral drugs can be very effective in eliminating nail infections and restoring clear nails. The drugs must be taken for 12 to 14 weeks and may cause side effects including headache, diarrhea, upset stomach and skin rash. Serious side effects include risk of liver damage and heart failure. Monthly blood tests may be required to monitor liver function. These drugs are not used for patients in poor health or who have liver disease.

Topical drugs are less effective in treating nail infections and restoring clear nails. The drugs are applied directly to the nails daily for up to 12 months. In some patients, the drug is ineffective because it cannot pass through the nail to reach the infection. There are no significant side effects.

Laser procedures are effective in eliminating nail infections and restoring clear nails. Most patients experience at least some improvement. During the procedure most patients experience a warm feeling in their toes. A clinical study reported no adverse effects related to the laser.

How does GenesisPlus work?
Laser light from GenesisPlus passes through the nail and the surrounding tissue. The laser light is absorbed by pigment in the fungi, which causes the pigment to heat, and this heat kills or damages the fungal organism. This can result in your nail growing normally.

What is the Success Rate of the Laser Procedure?
According to the most recent information on laser treatment of fungal nail infections, the improvement is about 85 percent. Results my vary based on the number of treatments, compliance, follow-up visits and application of topical anti-fungal medication after the laster treatment to prevent re-infection.

Will the fungus come back?
Your nail infection should improve following the procedure but you will need to continue with home care techniques to reduce recurrence of the infection as advised by your doctor. There is a chance of re-infection because the fungus is present everywhere in the enviroment.

What to expect from nail laser procedures?

What can you expect for Cutera?
The procedure involves passing the laser beam over the infected nails and surrounding skin. Your physician will repeat this several times until enough energy has reached the nail bed. Your nail will feel warm during the treatment.

Treatment Session Time
A single procedure takes approximately 20 minutes to treat 5-10 nails. Treatment times will vary, so please ask your doctor for more information.
Number of Procedures
Most patients show improvement after one procedure. The required number of procedures will vary depending on how severely each digit is infected.
Before the Procedure
It is important to remove all nail polish and decorations the day before the procedure.
During the Procedure
Most patients describe the procedure as being comfortable with a small hot pinch
at the end that resolves quickly.
After the Procedure
Immediately following the procedure your nail may feel warm for a few minutes. The majority of patients can resume normal activities immediately.
Long Term
If the procedure is successful, as the nail grows you will see new, healthy nail. Nails grow slowly, so it may take up to 12 months to see an entirely clear nail.

Laser Pricing

Dr. Birjandi will evaluate the extent of fungal toenail infection and will recommend a series of treatments. Price will vary based on the number of treatments you will recieve. The interval between treatments can range from 1-4 months based on healthy nail growth. Please contact our office for laser toenail treatment special we are offering to our patients. Toenail fungus treatment with laser is considered aesthetic by insurance companies, therefore it is not a covered service.

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