Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment
Transform your toenails with our advanced laser fungus treatment. Say goodbye to unsightly, discolored nails and regain your confidence with our proven, FDA-approved laser therapy that safely and effectively eliminates toenail fungus without the side effects of oral medications.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a very common infection that affects one in ten Canadians. This condition is typically identified by white, brown, or yellow discoloration of the toenail and can cause significant embarrassment and lack of self-confidence.
While toenail fungus generally doesn't pose serious health risks in healthy individuals, it rarely goes away on its own and must be medically treated. The infection often causes debris to accumulate under the toenail and may cause the nail to thicken, crumble, and spread to other toenails.
What causes toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is most commonly caused by dermatophytes, which are fungal organisms that create infections of the hair, skin, and nails. Because dermatophytes spread through direct contact, toenail fungus is considered contagious.
Other causes of toenail fungus include:
- Untreated athlete's foot
- Exposure to yeast and molds
- Poor circulation in the feet
- Compromised immune systems
- Walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms and pools
- Wearing tight, non-breathable footwear
- Excessive moisture and sweating
The condition is particularly common in older adults, with the prevalence dramatically increasing with age. It's estimated that upwards of 10% of the North American population suffers from toenail fungus.
Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment FAQ
How is toenail fungus treated with laser therapy?
At Derm.ca, we have tremendous success helping patients eliminate or greatly reduce the unsightly appearance of toenail fungus using advanced laser treatments. Our Laser Fungal Toenail treatments are an effective and FDA-approved remedy for restoring the texture, color, and appearance of infected nails.
This treatment is ideal for those who have tried alternative antifungal methods without success or have experienced reactions to topical or oral medications. Laser therapy offers a safe, effective solution without the potential side effects associated with oral antifungal medications.
How does the laser fungal toenail procedure work?
The laser device emits short pulses of laser energy through the toenail, which works to destroy mold and fungi living within and under the toenail without affecting the actual nail or surrounding healthy tissue. The targeted laser energy penetrates the nail to reach the fungal infection at its source.
The procedure is relatively painless, with most patients reporting only warmth in the treated area and a sensation similar to a very light pinprick. The laser selectively targets the fungal organisms while preserving healthy nail and tissue.
What should I expect during treatment?
Treatment sessions are generally completed within 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after their session with no downtime or recovery period required.
Typically, 2-3 treatments are required for optimal results, though severe cases may require additional sessions. The exact number of treatments needed will depend on the extent and severity of the fungal infection.
What conditions are treated by laser fungal toenail therapy?
Our laser therapy effectively treats various manifestations of toenail fungus (onychomycosis), including:
- Discoloration of the toenail (white, yellow, or brown spots)
- Thickening of the toenail
- Changes in toenail shape
- Crumbling or brittle nails
- Debris accumulation under the nail
- Multiple infected toenails
When will I see results?
The healing process requires patience as your nail goes through its natural growth cycle. Immediately after treatment, the toenail will remain discolored for several weeks. However, within 8-10 weeks, the fungus will begin to dissipate and a new, healthy toenail will start to grow at the base of the toe.
To see maximum results, the toenail must complete its entire growth cycle. It's not uncommon for the process to take as long as 8 months for a completely new, healthy toenail to be fully formed. The timeline can vary based on individual factors such as age, overall health, and nail growth rate.
How long will results last?
The longevity of results depends on various factors beyond the scope of treatment, including lifestyle, occupation, recreational activities, and foot hygiene practices. Maintaining proper foot care and following prevention guidelines significantly impacts the long-term success of treatment.
To prevent toenail fungus from returning, we recommend:
- Dry feet thoroughly after swimming, bathing, or showering
- Never let feet touch floors in public locker rooms or pools
- Wear moisture-absorbing socks and change them regularly
- Avoid shoes that don't breathe
- Spray shoes and feet with anti-bacterial sprays
- Always use sanitized pedicure instruments
- Don't use nail polish over infected toenails
- Maintain good foot hygiene
What are the benefits of laser fungal toenail therapy?
Our laser treatment offers numerous advantages over traditional antifungal treatments:
- Non-invasive procedure with no surgery required
- Performed safely at our Derm.ca clinic
- Proven, effective, and FDA-approved
- No downtime or recovery period needed
- Painless with minimal discomfort
- Does not damage healthy nail or tissue
- Great alternative to oral medications with potential side effects
- No risk of drug interactions or liver monitoring
- Suitable for patients who cannot take oral antifungals
Is laser treatment right for everyone?
Laser fungal toenail therapy is suitable for most patients, including those who:
- Have not responded to topical treatments
- Cannot take oral antifungal medications due to health conditions
- Want to avoid potential side effects of oral medications
- Prefer a non-invasive treatment option
- Have recurring fungal infections
During your consultation, our specialists will assess your condition and determine if laser therapy is the most appropriate treatment option for your specific situation.
How successful is laser treatment for toenail fungus?
Our advanced laser technology has shown excellent success rates in treating toenail fungus. Many patients experience significant improvement in nail appearance, texture, and overall health. The treatment's effectiveness is enhanced when combined with proper foot hygiene and preventive measures.
Success rates can vary based on factors such as the severity of the infection, how long the fungus has been present, and individual patient factors. During your consultation, we'll discuss realistic expectations based on your specific condition.
Get In Touch
Ready to eliminate unsightly toenail fungus and regain your confidence? Our laser fungal toenail therapy offers a safe, effective solution without the side effects of oral medications. Call us at (403) 202-4038 (cosmetic) or 403-457-1900 (medical) or completing the submission form on this page.
One of our specialists will assess your condition, and provide treatment options.
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“I can’t thank Dr. Alanen and his staff enough for the tremendous level of care they provided me. I was in and out quickly and my toenail fungus was treated quickly and efficiently. Derm.ca is the best! I recommend them to anyone who has a dermatology concern.”
Jake P.
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