What to expect from Laser Toenail Fungus Removal

 Toenail fungus or onychomycosis is a common condition. Millions of adults worldwide have discolored, thick or brittle nails. Though toenail fungus seems like a cosmetic problem, if left untreated, the infection can enter deep into the skin and cause permanent damage to the nail matrix.

Toenail fungus is very difficult to treat and conventional treatments such as topical and oral medications are often very ineffective. Moreover, the slow working treatment options have plenty of side effects. On the other hand, Toenail Fungus Laser treatment is a safe, effective and faster treatment option.

Patients who have tried the traditional treatment options for fungal toenails must consider the new and effective approach of toenail fungus laser therapy. Clinical studies and trials suggest that this modern and highly advanced treatment method has higher efficacy rates and are therefore considered the best option to regain healthy nails quickly.

How does laser toenail fungus removal work?

The infection causing fungi in the toenail is targeted by a medical grade laser device. The beam of the laser device efficiently penetrates the toenail and kills the fungus for which traditional methods can take months. The laser beam emits heat to quickly kill the stubborn fungi, however, the device is calibrated so that only the fungi are targeted and the rest of the healthy tissues remain safe.

There are two types of laser devices that have FDA approval for toenail fungus. The thermal laser kills the fungi by generating heat and a low level laser device that kills the fungi with dual wavelengths. The latter is a cold laser and is becoming more popular because of the comfortable experience. Not every patient is able to withstand the heat generated by thermal laser devices, therefore, they opt for pain free and side effect free lunula laser therapy.

How long does it take to clear the toenail with a lunula laser?

The treatment is provided in a clinical setting by a licensed podiatrist. They use an FDA approved Lunula laser device to target the affected area for 12 minutes. Depending on the severity of the infection, multiple sessions may be required.

Clinical studies suggest that at least four 12-minute sessions are required to achieve optimal results. Moreover, it takes around three months to have complete regrowth of a healthy toenail.

What to expect during the lunula laser therapy session?

As stated above lunula laser is a low level laser treatment which is absolutely pain-free. Therefore, it does not require sedation or anesthesia to undergo the procedure. Warm and tingling sensations can only be experienced in thermal laser, and if a patient opts for the low level laser, they don’t experience any pain or discomfort. The procedure takes less than an hour and after which patients can immediately resume their schedule.

What is prescribed after the laser fungus removal procedure?

After the procedure, mild swelling and soreness areobserved in some patients. It is absolutely normal and should resolve within the next few hours of the procedure. There is no downtime to the procedure, which means patients can immediately resume activities like wearing shoes, running or working out.

Although, it is recommended to protect the treated area from moisture for the next 24 hours. Swimming and soaking in a bath can be avoided for a duration of 24 hours for optimal results.

Is it worth investing in laser toenail fungus removal?

Toenail fungus is very stubborn to kill. It takes months to get rid of the unsightly toenails with traditional treatment choices. Moreover, surgeries can be painful and the road to recovery apparently makes it a less appealing option. Therefore, opting for laser removal of toenail fungus becomes the most feasible choice.

Laser therapy for hard to kill toenail fungus offers several benefits. The upfront cost of laser treatment is higher compared to pills and ointments, however, laser therapy is totally worth it. It is a non-invasive procedure, which means no pain, no hassle and no recovery time. Secondly, it effectively targets the affected area and therefore healthy regrowth can be experienced quickly. The healthy tissues in the nail bed remain safe during the procedure and within one to two sessions, the fungus gets cleared up and healthy regrowth begins.

Studies also suggest that laser therapy is a long-lasting treatment compared to traditional treatment methods. The efficacy rates of the treatment choice are very high and it can even prevent the recurrence of toenail fungus.

Should you opt for lunula laser therapy?

People with lower pain thresholds must opt for cold laser or lunula laser therapy. It can be an excellent option when the conventional treatments did not respond as expected. However, it is very important to consult with a board-certified podiatrist to make an informed decision. A podiatrist is a licensed foot doctor who can thoroughly assess your condition to determine the severity of the problem. Based on the diagnosis, a podiatrist can suggest whethera laser toenail fungal removal plan is appropriate or not.

Conclusion

Laser treatment for the removal of hard to kill toenail fungus becomes a popular treatment choice. Compared to conventional treatment options, it is a safe, effective, side effect free and pain free procedure. The non-invasive procedure is quick with minimal downtime. If you are worried about your unsightly toenails, consult the experts at Orange County Foot and Ankle Group. Recognized as the best podiatrist inHuntington beach, the clinic offers top-notch toenail fungus removal treatment with the FDA approved lunula laser device.