Laser Treatment of Nail Fungus

Nail Fungus Treatment

Nail Fungus Treatment with Laser

Nail fungus treatment with laser is a treatment method for nail fungus that visibly changes the texture and appearance of the nail. There are several different laser options for the treatment of nail fungus, including those using light therapy or carbon dioxide (CO2) therapy. The use of lasers in the treatment of nail fungus with laser has been approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

What is Nail Fungus? ✓

Nail fungus is one of the most common foot problems. As our patients know, it is difficult to completely eliminate the nail fungus problem. Nail fungus, which is a very resistant microorganism, can occupy a small crack in the skin or a small space between the nail plate and the nail bed and may show regional spread.

Nail fungus problem is seen in 2% to 3% of the general population, and the incidence of nail fungus increases between the ages of 40 and 60. At the same time, half of the patients with nail fungus are likely to have foot pain problems also.

How Is Nail Fungus Diagnosed?

After the examination, your dermatologist will first diagnose the disease by getting help from the laboratory if necessary. Fungal tests are in the form of direct examination or fungal culture tests.

What is the Working Logic of Nail Fungus Treatment?

Laser devices used in laser nail fungus treatment and other laser treatments emit energy pulses that produce heat. In this type of treatment, CO2 lasers or yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) lasers with wavelengths of 870 nm, 930 nm or 1320 nm are used to increase the localized temperature.

In response to the heat it receives during treatment, the infected tissue in the nail or nail root becomes gassed and decomposes. It destroys the fungus in or around the application area.

What is the Success Rate of Nail Fungus Treatment?

Laser Fungus treatment has been approved by the FDA; Scientific studies show that the effectiveness of laser fungal treatments is around 70% to 80%.

What Should the Intervals of Laser Nail Fungus Treatment Be and How Many Sessions Will Last?

The procedure consists of 4 sessions with an average of 15 days intervals and is based on the destruction of the vascular structures in the nail bed where the fungal infection is located, by reaching a certain temperature. Each application takes an average of 30 minutes.

How Many Sessions of Laser Nail Fungus Treatment Should I Get?

Laser treatment of fungal-infected nails may require several sessions of laser fungus treatment. In order for the fungus treatment to be effective, a treatment period between 6 and 18 months is required. This treatment option is considered safe, although it can cause pain in and around the nail.

Is Laser Nail Fungus Treatment Effective?

In the treatment of nail fungus with laser, it can be applied to both fingernails and toenails. These patients experience noticeable improvement in finger and toenails infected with nail fungus.

Laser Nail Fungus Treatment Compared to Other Options

It is known that laser treatment is more effective among other treatment options. There are many nail fungus treatment creams and ointments available over-the-counter. However, they can cause systematic side effects and may need to be used for months. Even if the drug is successful in the treatment of nail fungus, patients may face a different type of nail fungus than before.

Why Should Laser Fungus Treatment be Preferred?

Laser treatment for nail fungus observed in the fingernails and toenails is one of the treatment options as it has no side effects when compared to other treatment options. In sessions, once every two weeks, the treatment is usually completed between 2 or 2.5 months. Laser fungus treatment sessions take between 15 and 20 minutes on average.

What Should I Pay Attention to Before Laser Nail Fungus Treatment?

You should do your doctor and clinical research carefully before laser treatment. In order to increase the effectiveness of the treatment, it is strongly recommended that you receive the treatment by a doctor who is an expert in the field, as it is a treatment method with no side effects.

What should I pay attention to during the treatment of nail fungus with laser?

From the day you start laser treatment, you should not neglect to use the treatment elements recommended by your doctor. You must comply with your session days specified in the procedure. You should not shorten your nails or apply any care without your doctor’s permission. When you enter the healing process, you should not interrupt your communication with your doctor, and you should get their recommendations on how to keep your nails clean and dry, and you should follow these recommendations.

What are the healing signs I should see after the treatment of nail fungus with laser?

If some patients do not show improvement in accordance with the procedures of laser treatment, additional sessions are applied. After successful laser nail fungus treatment, immediate healing effects cannot be expected. In order to see the effect, it takes a period of 6 to 8 months for the healthy nail to grow.

One of the first signs of recovery is the disappearance of the yellow, white and brownish appearance of the nail infected with nail fungus. The disappearance of the scaly skin appearance and the observation of the nail developing in normal nail forms are signs of recovery.

Will I need to use other drugs together with Laser Fungus Treatment?

If your doctor needs it, it is decided according to the condition of the fungus in the nail, thinning or softening creams can be added as an additional treatment.

Are There Any Side Effects of Nail Fungus Treatment?

The laser only works by heating the nail area up to a certain level. As long as it is done with experienced users and approved lasers, it has almost no side effects.

Does Nail Fungus Return After Laser Fungus Treatment?

After successful laser treatment for fungus, there is a chance that the fungal infection may return in in about a year.

What is the Cost of Laser Nail Fungus Treatment?

The price policy of laser nail fungus treatment varies from clinic to clinic. You can contact us for laser fungus treatment application price information.