Is using a laser to treat nail fungus a new procedure?
Lasers have been used extensively for the past 7-10 years for the treatment of nail fungus, resulting in numerous clinical studies. Laser manufacturers have used these results over the years to learn how to better design their equipment, enabling them to maximize therapeutic effects. The Mutifunctional 980nm Diode Laser, designed and manufactured in China, is the latest generation of laser designed specifically for nail fungus therapy. The PrettyLasers’s 980nm Diode laser has been used successfully in Germany and Europe for over two years. We considered it the most advanced laser for the treatment of nail fungus.
What are the benefits of using 980nm diode laser nail fungus treatment over drug treatment?
Oral antifungal medications are toxic, and may cause serious medical complications. As a result, clients that are taking these medications are asked to go through routine blood tests to make sure their liver is not damaged during the treatment.
A laser treatment is completely drug free, meaning it does not impose all the health risks associated with the oral antifungal medications. There are no adverse reactions, injuries, or known side effects from use of lasers to treat a toenail fungus infection.
How does 980nm diode laser treatment compare to drug treatment in terms of its success rate?
Recent studies showed over 90% success rates using the 980nm Diode Laser For Vascular Removal equipment, done over a 3 month period.
Extending the treatment with additional 3 months cured more than 95% of patients.
Common systemic antimycotics drugs, that are used over a period of several months are known to have cure rates of only 40 to 80%.
How long does the treatment take?
The 980nm diode laser for nail fungus treatment takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes per foot.
How many sessions will be needed?
To achieve optimal results, we recommend a series of 3 – 4 treatment sessions, spaced 5 – 6 weeks apart. This is essential to eradicate all fungi spores that may bloom after your initial treatment. However, significant improvement is usually seen after one treatment.
Does the nail fungus treatment require special preparation?
Your nails must be free of any nail polish or coatings. Trim nails and clean as well as possible. After evaluating the condition of your nails, your technician may use a common file to gently prepare the nail surface.
Is the nail fungus treatment painful?
No. The treatment will not cause any pain. You will feel the area under the nail heat up but not to an uncomfortable degree. Your technician can pause the treatment at any time should you become intolerably uncomfortable.
Will the laser cause changes to the nail colour after it is cured?
No. Your nail should grow in clear and healthy with no remaining fungal related discolouration.
What are the possible side effects of 980nm diode laser nail fungus therapy?
Most clients experience no side effects other than a feeling of warmth during treatment and a mild warming sensation after treatment. However, possible side effects may include a feeling of warmth and/or slight pain during treatment, redness of the treated skin around the nail lasting 24 – 72 hours, slight swelling of the treated skin around the nail lasting 24 – 72 hours, discolouration or burn marks may occur on the nail. In very rare cases, blistering of the treated skin around the nail and scarring of the treated skin around the nail may occur.
If I have only one infected nail, can I treat only that one and save time and cost?
Unfortunately, no. The reason for this is that if one of your nails is infected, the chances are that your other nails are infected as well. To allow the treatment to be successful and prevent future self infections, it is best to treat all the nails at once. An exception to this is for the treatment of an isolated fungal infection related to acrylic nail air pockets. In these incidences, we will treat the one affected finger nail.
How can I avoid re-infection after the nail fungus treatment?
Careful steps must be taken to avoid re-infection such as:
- Treat shoes & skin with anti-fungal agents.
- Apply anti-fungal creams to and between toes.
- Use a anti-fungal powder if your feet sweat excessively.
- Bring clean socks and a change of shoes to wear after treatment.
- Keep your nails trimmed and clean.
- Sanitize stainless nail instruments by boiling in water for minimum 15 minutes.
- Avoid salons where equipment and instruments not properly sanitized.
- Wear flip flops in public places.
- Avoid wearing the same pair of socks and footwear on consecutive days.
- Kill fungus on footwear by placing it in a sealed plastic bag into deep freeze for 2 days.
Benefits of Using 980nm Diode Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus
High Efficacy Rates
Though 980nm diode laser toenail fungus removal is a fairly new removal method, having been introduced into the medical community in the mid-2000s and approved by the FDA in 2010, the initial studies showed that it had a clinical response rate of 87%.
It Is Quick, Painless and Requires No Drugs or Anesthesia
Unlike toenail removal surgeries, laser nail fungus removal is a relatively fast procedure that requires no drugs or anesthesia. It’s also said to be painless.
Only One or Few Treatments Are Required
One of the problems with traditional removal methods is that they take a very long time to successfully administer. Topical creams usually must be applied for months, sometimes even years. Laser treatment, on the other hand, usually takes just one session.
Cosmetically, Laser Treatment Looks Better
Facing debridement or complete removal of the nail is a horrifying thought for those who suffer from toenail fungus. Laser methods keep the nail intact, meaning the nail will look better after this treatment than some other treatments.