LASER FOR UNSIGHTLY NAILS

CONDITIONS TREATED:

• Toenail fungus
• Trauma to toenails
• Damage to toenails after surgical procedures
  

I’VE ALREADY TRIED EVERYTHING!

Have you already tried using just about every over-the-counter product available, but none of them are getting rid of your toenail fungus? Have you tried an oral antifungal with no improvement? Perhaps you’ve been told you aren’t even a candidate to take oral antifungals (now what?)!

If you’re tired of fighting fungus and wasting money, follow me as I introduce you to an even more effective and much safer option, laser therapy.

If you’re like me, I’m interested in more holistic options.

All the oral antifungal medications available are well known to be potentially harmful to your liver. In fact, a lot of physicians will not even prescribe them due to the harsh nature of the liver, and the rest of the body.

If any of the above resonates with you, you’re in the right spot!

WHY CHOOSE NORTH TAMPA FOOT CARE?

Because we’re experts in all things toenails! We’ve pioneered custom treatment plans for thick, painful, discolored, fungal, traumatized, unsightly, ingrown nails for years!

IS LASER THERAPY THE RIGHT DECISION FOR ME?

• Safe for children + elders
• Pain-free heat kills the fungus
• Little discomfort
• No side effects
• No downtime-walk in and out
• 4 treatments
• Faster results
• No co-pays (unless you request to see a provider, and this visit can be billed to your insurance)
• No painful blood test (liver enzyme test is required for prescription for oral antifungals)
• No nail removal required 
• No unexpected additional lab fees 
• No prescription oral drugs required
  

Laser therapy is a modern and safe treatment option to eliminate and prevent future fungus concerns. It’s also used to treat thick nails from trauma. Trauma can be either from a direct injury; or after a surgical procedure, such as an ingrown toenail (whether acute or chronic).

Here, we will explore all about laser therapy and determine if this is the right decision for you.

IS THIS COVERED BY MY INSURANCE?

If you have FSA, Health Savings Accounts (FSA) or a Medical IRA the cost can be covered. However, your insurance may consider this cosmetic (much like Botox) and will not pay for you to get rid of toenail fungus. They only cover ineffective prescription topicals and oral medications, regardless of how potentially damaging to your liver. We do encourage you to work directly with your insurance company for approval prior to your appointment. Who knows? Maybe they’ll submit…eventually.

With rising appointment fees and out of pocket co-pays, the cost of the laser therapy treatments is actually less costly than other, more invasive treatments that are “covered” by insurance.

IS IT FDA CLEARED?

Yes, it is FDA cleared

WHAT IS TOENAIL FUNGUS?

Toenail fungus describes a fungal infection to the nail that varies in nature. The appearance of fungus comes in all kinds of different shapes and sizes. It can be small white dots on the surface, thick, yellow/light brown/dark brown discolorations, white striations, and even crumbly nails. Without treatment, this fungal infection can spread to other toenails very quickly. If you’re interested in toenail treatment don’t delay, the quicker you start treatment, the faster you’ll have healthy looking nails.

I'VE HAD FUNGUS IN MY NAILS MANY TIMES, IT JUST KEEPS COMING BACK!

Many of us suffer with recurrent nail infections; or have had a pesky unsightly nail that just won’t go away. Fungus removal is difficult to treat because the fungus can get into the layers of a toenail. It can even grow underneath the nail causing you to constantly dig it out; often it can even become extremely painful; it can even lead to an ingrown toenail. It can become so thick it’s painful to even wear shoes. It can also potentially spread to other parts of your body. We, at North Tampa Foot Care, customize treatment plans so that your toenails will not only improve temporarily, but maintain that improvement long term.

WHAT CAUSES TOENAIL FUNGUS?

Blame it on those pesky dermatophytes, the tiny fungal bodies that are just waiting for a chance to find a home in your toenails. It doesn’t necessarily have to come from a gym locker room. They love warm and moist conditions - like pools, hot tubs and even unwashed socks – which makes them practically impossible to avoid! Those that sweat excessively, or wear boots and non-breathable shoe gear for their job are even more susceptible. Once they’re entrenched beneath the nail bed, nothing short of a comprehensive treatment attack will do 'em justice. Plus, folks with diabetes and weakened immune systems have an extra tough battle since their circulation problems give fungi too much room to roam free... but there's always hope if you stay ahead of this foot-dreaded enemy!

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE NAIL FUNGUS, CAN IT TREAT MY THICK AND UNSIGHTLY NAILS?

Laser therapy is effective on all nail damage, not just fungus. It is not uncommon for those who have had some type of trauma to experience some type of discoloration or thickening of the nail. Good news is here, we can treat ALL nail conditions with laser therapy.



DOES IT REALLY WORK?

Absolutely, for the right candidate. Laser therapy has been approved by the FDA since 2009! Long ago they understood the risks associated with oral medications; and the disappointing results from prescription creams, and the slew of over-the-counter solutions marketed to treat nail issues. These therapies are quickly becoming treatments of the past as they’ve been clinically proven over and over to be ineffective.

Extensive clinical research trials shows laser treatment success being as high as 93% with multiple treatments.

Current oral antifungal prescription options are about 50% effective. While prescription topicals are only 16% effective.

Laser treatment works by heating up the nail layers specific to the fungus; and attempting to destroy the genetic material responsible for fungus growth and survival. Unlike topical therapies, light can actually penetrate through the toenail to reach the fungus making it WAY more effective.

CLINICAL RESEARCH PROVING LASER THERAPY IS EFFECTIVE

Laser-based treatments are now accepted, and proven as an effective way to deal with nail fungus, backed by multiple clinical studies. FDA approval ensures safety in the form of laser foot treatment - a 2016 study found that patients displayed clear nails after 3 or 6 months. But that's not all; further research from 2019 published by the American Association of Family Physicians yielded even more remarkable results along with greater effectiveness than over-the-counter medications: 90% reduction in symptoms and 30% total cure rate within 180 days! The Lasers In Medical Science Journal also reported success rates among patient populations infected on two thirds or more of their nails at 83%. Nail fungus can be treated without concern thanks to modern technology!

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR VISIT

You should remove all nail polish from your nails before your appointment. In fact, wear only nail polish during special occasions when treating nail conditions during the treatment period for optimal results. (More on this below…)

The medical assistant will debride your toenails to reduce thickness, allowing for more efficient penetration of the laser. Next, the laser will be moved over the toenails. It typically takes 1-1.5 minutes to thoroughly address each of the toenails on the small toes and it typically takes 4 minutes to thoroughly address each toenail on the big toes. In total, you can expect that each session takes around 15-20 minutes from the time you sit in the chair to the time you put your shoes back on and walk out of the office. 

As the tissue breaks down, you may have minimal discomfort or a small blister may develop. Although this is extremely rare, rest assured the skin will heal in a few days. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to keep your toe clean and dry as it is healing.

The treatment is almost always painless, though you may feel warmth or tingling on the nail bed during the treatment. Typically, the warmth feels good to those with cold toes.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT? DO I HAVE TO STAY OFF MY FEET?

You could literally go run a marathon after your laser treatment. There is no downtime. You may get into water, workout, get a pedicure, attend a wedding or just complete your day full of errands.

HOW DO I KNOW IF IT’S REALLY WORKING?

You won’t notice the fungus being eliminated overnight. In fact, even effective treatments are not expected to clear an infected nail immediately—it may take up to 12 months until the nail grows out. However, you should see clearing around the cuticle indicating a new, healthy, fungal-free nail is growing out!

Signs of improvement in toenail fungus after laser therapy include:

• The disappearance of yellow, white, or brown discoloration
• The flaky debris under or on the nail is becoming less noticeable
• Reattachment of the nail after trauma; or a long history of nail fungus
• Normal shape and texture are evident
• Elimination of thick nails, bumps, or altered nail shape
  

WILL MY TOENAIL FUNGUS RETURN?

While it is possible that new toenail fungal infections are occur, we, at North Tampa Foot Care, make sure to customize a treatment plan for each patient to ensure the best chance of eliminating the fungal infection and maintaining those awesome results!

CAN I GET A PEDICURE OR PAINT MY NAILS?

As an all-female group of providers, we get it…we like our toenails painted too! However, as you’re making this commitment to get rid of unsightly nails it is best to GO NAKED!

If you have a special event (wedding, beach vaca or a hot date) it’s safe to paint your nails. We offer Dr. Remedy’s Anti-fungal Nail Polish in our office; we have all the latest colors available to you. We also offer medical pedicures in our office to ensure that no cross contamination occurs.

We recommend not keeping it on too long, it is important to remove all nail polish the day before your treatment. Following the treatment, polish can be applied immediately.

WHO IS NOT A CANDIDATE?

Patients with active cancer.

• Those who are pregnant.
• Those who have a dark pigmented lesion underneath the nail (this requires a doctor to determine the cause and determine if you can still get laser therapy).

IS IT SAFE WHILE YOU ARE NURSING?

YES!

Schedule your consultation with our physicians by calling  813-972-4300