Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

People suffering from unsightly toenail fungus that are having little success with oral prescription medications or topical treatments now have an alternative. A new technology is available that allows for laser treatment for toenail fungus and the adoption rate amongst podiatrists and dermatologists is growing quickly. The medical procedure uses the Pinpointe Footlaser, an infrared laser beam, to kill toenail fungus and the manufacturer says it has a 88% success rate.

The good news is that the laser treatment is a lot less scary than it sounds. The Pinpointe laser is hand held and looks much like a normal laser pointer. It is applied by the physician or technician directly to the nail to get rid of any fungal growth behind the exposed nail and goes through the skin to the nail matrix from where the nail grows. While some may think of lasers with a small amount of trepidation, the laser treatment is painless for most people. The laser does generate heat but patients report a tingling sensation.

The laser penetrates the nail plate and not only kills fungus but also wipes out bacteria and viruses.  A grid pattern is etched over each nail to make sure every millimeter of the nail is covered.  The doctor will treat every one of your nails, even the ones that don't look bad, just in case there is microscopic fungus present that is unseen by the naked eye.  This may sound like a slow and tedious process but it's important to hit all areas of the nail, just to be safe.  The process takes about  thirty minutes, a small amount of time to wait for a toenail fungus cure.

The best part about getting laser treatment for your toenail fungus is that it's just one single treatment and the results are immediate. Although the look of your nails does not change right away, it completely eradicates the fungus right then and there. You can get your nails painted right after the treatment and go back to playing sports and being active again. Normally it will take six months or so for your nails to grow back completely clear and normal. This the time it takes nail growth to go from the proximal nail fold (the cuticle area) to the end of the toe.

The ideal candidate for fungus toenails, is someone who has exhausted all other methods of eliminating their infections. With such a high initial success rate, the Pinpoint Footlaser System easily outpaces oral drug treatments and home remedies and can even cure the most extreme cases of toenail fungus. 

The cost of the procedure will obviously vary from doctor to doctor but expect to pay anywhere between $900 to $1200 to have it done.  The treatment isn't covered by medical insurance, as it is considered cosmetic surgery.  As always, please consult your physician so you can talk about the benefits of having laser surgery.

In summary, the benefits of Pinpointe Footlaser Treatment are plentiful. There is minimal pain, the procedure is safe and effective, there are no medications to take, and it's just a one time doctor's visit. You'll be in and out in no time and can even get your nails polished as soon as your done. If you are suffering from toenail fungus and want to finally get rid of it once and for all, talk to your primary physician or podiatrist today and ask them about laser treatment for your toenail fungus.