FAQs

How does the Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment work?

The toenail fungus laser treatment works by using laser light that passes through the nail and the surrounding tissue. The laser light is absorbed by pigment in the fungi, which causes the pigment to heat up, and this heat kills or damages the fungal organism. Your toenail will not fall off as a result of this treatment.  You will not notice a clear nail immediately since it can take at least 3 months for your clear nail to begin to emerge and 6 to 12 months for the entire nail to grow out.

What is the process I go through to receive this treatment?

Call one of our NovoNail  providers to schedule a consultation.  If you are a candidate for laser toenail treatment the foot specialist will review the treatment and answer any questions you may have.  On the day of treatment we typically ask that you bring in a new pair of socks to wear after your treatment and will discuss aftercare to prevent re-infection. We will then schedule your second laser toenail treatment in about 4 to 6 weeks.  With your permission, we will take digital photos of your toenails before treatment and at specific intervals to monitor your progress.  Your comfort, safety and convenience are our priority.

How long does the laser toenail fungus treatment take?

The laser toenail fungus treatment usually takes only 30 minutes.  Typically we schedule four to six treatments depending on severity spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart.  We use a medical smoke evacuator to remove any vaporized fungal particles in the air as well as a HEPA filtration system for patient safety.

Will I be able to walk after the Laser Nail Fungus Treatment?

The laser nail fungus treatment does not harm living tissue. Patients can simply walk in, have the procedure done, and then walk right out and go back to their normal activity as recommend by the foot specialist.

Is the laser toenail fungus treatment painful?

Most patients feel no lasting pain. Some may feel a warming sensation but the temperature does not get much above normal body temperature. No anesthesia is needed for the laser toenail fungus treatment.  Your comfort and safety is our priority.

Are there any after care instructions for the laser nail procedure?

Yes; it is important to know that a comprehensive plan to prevent reoccurrence is critical to long term success and each patient will leave the office with those preventive measures for home care.

Who should not have laser toenail fungus treatment?

If you are pregnant or have skin cancer you are not a candidate for this treatment.

What is the cost for the Laser Toe Nail Fungus Treatment?

Costs for this procedure as well as payment options, are discussed during your consultation.

If I know I want the laser toenail fungus treatment, why do I need a consultation?

Not all yellow toenails are fungal infections.  Other conditions such as nail trauma and several dermatological conditions can mimic fungal infections and will not respond to this treatment.  It is important to have your yellow toenails assessed by our qualified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine to determine if this treatment is appropriate for your particular condition.  Also, if fungal, the nail will be trimmed and thinned out to aid the Laser beam to penetrate through the entire nail to optimize your chances of growing out a clear nail.

When can I paint my nails after the toenail fungus laser treatment?

Toenail polish can be re-applied 24 hours after the laser toenail fungus treatment. It is important to note that all nail polish and decorations have to be removed one day prior to having the laser nail fungus treatment performed.

Is this covered by my insurance?

This procedure may be covered by your Extended Health Insurance Plan.  After your consultation, we can provide you with a pre-authorization request that you can submit to your insurance provider to determine eligibility.  Patients with flexible spending accounts can often use these funds towards procedures such as the laser nail fungus treatment.

How do I pay for the laser nail fungus procedure?

We accept cash, debit, VISA and Mastercard.  There are also several finance companies that specialize in healthcare loans.

Is this Laser procedure guaranteed to cure my fungal toenails?

Unfortunately due to the nature of medicine, we cannot guarantee a cure for your fungal toenails.  Based on several studies, the reported success rate is about 70%.  Thus, there is a chance it may not work due to factors such as severity, length of infection, re-infection, etc. However, it is often effective for many patients.