If you’ve decided to pursue the nail fungus laser treatment for your toenail fungus, congratulations! You have made the first step towards getting the best, most effective treatment possible for toenail fungus. Learning about toenail fungus and different treatment options may leave patients overwhelmed and not knowing what to expect. Here is what you should expect when going in for a consultation for the nail fungus laser.

What is a laser treatment for nail fungus?

Lasers used for fungus removal attack the organisms under the nail without damaging any tissue. Unlike topical medications, the heat of the laser can penetrate through the toenail to reach the fungus and kill it.

Before the procedure, a licensed podiatrist will do a consultation to determine if you have the fungus and if you are a good candidate for the treatment. Then they may file your nails to prepare the area for the laser. This will make it easier for the laser to kill the fungus. We also ask our patients to remove nail polish or decals from their nails before their appointment. The treatment is almost always painless, though you may feel warmth or tingling on the nail bed during the treatment.

After the treatment is concluded most patients display healthy new nail growth without damage to the surrounding tissue. The laser nail treatment can prevent the fungus from spreading and reduce the pain or discomfort associated with infection.

Most patients need just one treatment, though it can take six to nine months for patients’ nails to return to their original appearance. This however will depend on the extent of the infection. While recurrence of infection is unlikely, some fungal infections may return and require additional treatment.

Can I get the treatment done on the same day of the consultation?

If you decide to get the nail fungus laser treatment done with us, you can expect to get it done on the same day as the consultation.  Saving you the time of having to make another appointment!

The doctor will go over each nail individually with the laser to kill the fungus using heat. This procedure is painless and without discomfort. Some patients experience a slight warming sensation, but nothing uncomfortable. The doctor will treat all of the nails on each affected foot, even if there isn’t any visible fungus. This is because microscopic fungal spores can survive under the other nails without being visible to the naked eye. Expect the podiatrist to treat all of your nails to ensure you are fully cured.

After the treatment, you will shortly be able to see a new healthy nail start to grow behind the old damaged one. You can trim off the old damaged nail as you normally would until the healthy nail completely covers your nail bed. To schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for this treatment, give us a call at 1-(800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information.