How the Laser Works
The laser works by penetrating the nail plate and destroys the fungus within the nail. The laser can get much deeper into the nail when compared to a topical product that is applied to the nail. It penetrates the nail deeply without causing some of the potential side effects of taking the oral medication.
What to Expect
The toenails are evaluated to determine if the nails are indeed fungal. Not all thick and discolored toenails are fungal.
Thick toenails are thinned out using an electric nail bur. Each toe of the affected foot is treated with the laser. We do this even if there aren't visible signs of nail involvement. Only a warm sensation may be felt during the treatment.
We recommend that you purchase our post care treatment package to prevent reinfection following your laser treatment. This package includes an anti-fungal shoe spray, anti-fungal skin cream, and anti-fungal nail solution.
How Many Treatments will be Needed
Most patients only need one treatment. Using the post care kit helps prevent the need for a second treatment. It may be recommended that some patients with resistant or significant nail involvement require more than one treatment for beneficial results.
How and When the Nails will Begin to Show Improvement
A clearer, healthier looking nail will begin to grow in from the base of the nail. The thick and discolored part of the toenail will gradually grow out and be clipped off with regular nail trimming. The speed of your visible results depends on how fast your nails grow. It will take about 3 months to begin to see a clearer nail growing in. Final results are noted at 9-12 months. This is about how long it takes for the big toenail to grow from start to finish. Smaller toenails take less time.
Insurance Coverage
Your insurance will cover evaluation of the toenails to determine if they have fungus. This evaluation may be subject to your copay, deductible, and/or co-insurance. At the visit, it will be determined if you have nail fungus, nail scarring, or both. The actual laser nail treatment is not covered by insurance. The affected nail(s) is treated during 3 therapy sessions. The sessions are spaced 4 weeks apart. An after picture is taken about 9 months after initial laser treatment and consistent application of post care products.
Our podiatrist at InStride Foot And Ankle Center Of Durham is proud to offer superior care to patients in the Triangle.
