Does Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Work

It started with one small yellow spot on the toenail. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal. There was no pain, just a little change in colour. But slowly, the nail began to look worse. It turned thick, dark, and rough. Wearing open shoes became embarrassing. Even at home, the toes stayed covered. The nail didn’t just look bad it felt like a problem that wouldn’t go away. Different things were tried. Creams, foot soaks, powders, and even home remedies. Days turned into weeks, but the nail didn’t get better. In fact, it looked even more damaged. Each time something new was tried, there was hope but the fungus stayed. It felt frustrating, like nothing could stop it. Then one day, someone mentioned laser treatment. It sounded strange at first. A laser for toenail fungus? The thickness is reduced. For the first time in months, there was a reason to smile. Laser treatment wasn’t just a new idea, it was a new start for clear, healthy nails (Verywell Health).

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is an infection in the nail caused by tiny living things called fungi. Its medical name is onychomycosis. It’s the same kind of fungus that causes problems like athlete’s foot, ringworm, or jock itch. These fungi live on your skin naturally, but sometimes they grow too much. You can also catch them from someone else like in a nail salon if tools are not cleaned properly. The fungus enters through small cracks in your nail or skin and starts growing under, on, or inside the nail. Fungus loves warm and wet places, which makes your feet a perfect home especially if you wear closed shoes or sweat a lot. Fingernail infections can happen too, but they are less common because your hands stay dry and open most of the time.

Types of Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, can affect different parts of your nail like the nail bed (under the nail), the nail plate (the hard part), and the skin around it. There are a few common types:

• Distal subungual onychomycosis: This is the most common kind. The fungus grows under the nail and affects the skin beneath it.
• White superficial onychomycosis: This one affects only the top surface of the nail. The nail looks white, dry, and crumbly.
• Proximal subungual onychomycosis: This type starts near the base of the nail, close to the cuticle, and spreads from there.
• Candida onychomycosis: This is caused by a fungus called Candida. It can infect both the nail and the skin around it.
• Total dystrophic onychomycosis: This is the most serious kind. The whole nail gets damaged and may even fall off completely. (Medical News Today)

How Does Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Work

Laser therapy works by shining a special light onto the toenail, which goes through the nail to reach the fungus. The laser light targets and destroys the fungus without harming the surrounding skin or tissue. The laser is set at a specific wavelength that only the fungus absorbs. When the fungus absorbs the light, it is destroyed. There are different types of lasers, but the one that doesn’t use heat is popular because it’s pain-free. The laser still targets only the fungus and damages its structure. Laser therapy has been proven effective in clinical studies, which led to the FDA approving laser devices for this treatment (Premier Podiatry). The results take time. You won’t see changes immediately, as the nail needs to grow back without the fungus. It may take a few months, but you’ll begin to notice improvements as the new, healthy nail grows in.

What to Expect

Laser treatment for toenail fungus usually requires one or two sessions. The procedure is quick and simple, typically taking around 30 minutes.

Prepping for Laser Treatment
During your first consultation, your provider will ask about your symptoms. Onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, is often diagnosed based on the appearance of the nail, but your provider may take a sample to examine under a microscope. On the day of the treatment, the dermatologist might clip your toenails and clean off any dead skin (debridement), either before or during the session. Before the procedure starts, your foot will be cleaned with a sterile solution and positioned so the provider can direct the laser accurately (Foot Files).

During the Procedure
Laser treatment for toenail fungus doesn’t require anaesthesia. Once your nail is ready, the dermatologist will use a laser with selected wavelengths to pulse the light. This minimises heat on the skin and lowers the risk of side effects. As the laser breaks down the fungus, you might experience some pain or mild bleeding. If the pain becomes too much, let your dermatologist know so they can adjust the settings.

Recovery
After the procedure, your dermatologist will provide instructions on how to keep your toe clean and dry during healing. You may be given a topical antifungal cream to apply to the nail. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results. The skin will typically heal in a few days, and any follow-up sessions will be spaced two to six weeks apart. It’s important to note that results won’t be immediate. It can take up to 18 months for the infected nail to grow out completely and for you to see the full effect of the treatment.

Signs of Improvement
You’ll start to notice signs of improvement after laser therapy, including:

• The disappearance of yellow, white, or brown discolouration on the affected nail.
• Reduction in flaky debris under or on the nail.
• Recovery of the nail detaching from the nail bed (onycholysis).
• The new nail growing back with a normal shape and texture, without thickening, bumps, or other deformities. 

Pros of Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus 

• Works Well: Laser treatment often works better than creams or pills. Many people see big improvements after a few sessions. Some studies say it works for up to 80% of people (Florida Foot Specialists).
• Few Side Effects: Pills can cause problems like stomach pain or liver issues. Laser treatment usually has no side effects and is safe for most people.
• No Surgery Needed: Laser treatment is non-invasive. This means there are no cuts, no stitches, and no need for sleep medicine. You can go home right after and do your normal activities.
• Not Painful: Most people say the laser feels like a warm pinprick. It is much more comfortable than many other treatments.
• Long-Lasting Results: Laser treatment can keep your nails clear for a long time. If you take care of your feet and go for check-ups, the fungus may not come back.

Cons of Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

• Expensive: Laser sessions can cost a lot sometimes a few hundred dollars each. Insurance may not pay for it, so check before starting.
• Different Results: Laser works well for many people, but not everyone. Some people need more sessions, and sometimes the fungus comes back.
• Not Available Everywhere: Not all clinics offer this treatment. You’ll need to find a trained skin doctor or foot doctor with the right laser machine.
• Not a Sure Cure: Laser helps a lot, but it’s not a 100% cure. Fungus can return if you don’t follow foot care instructions. Keeping feet clean and dry is still important (Foot & Ankle Centers). 

Who Does Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus?

Laser treatment for toenail fungus is usually done by a cosmetic dermatologist. This is a skin doctor who also does beauty treatments like chemical peels, tattoo removal, or Botox.When looking for the right dermatologist, keep these things in mind:

• Board Certification: Make sure the doctor is a certified dermatologist. This means they have the proper training to treat skin problems.
• Special Training: Choose a dermatologist who has experience with laser treatment for nail fungus. Their website should clearly mention this service.
• Reviews: Read patient reviews to learn about their experiences. Look for comments about the clinic’s cleanliness, the doctor’s care, and results from laser treatment.
• Consultation: A good cosmetic dermatologist will offer a free or low-cost consultation. In this visit, they will look at your nails and decide if laser treatment is the right option for you.

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus at Tanja Phillips Aesthetics

At Tanja Phillips Aesthetics, we take pride in offering safe and effective laser treatment for toenail fungus. Our clinic, known as one of the best aesthetic clinics, is led by certified professionals who are fully trained in advanced laser procedures. According to the authentic information available on our official website, our team uses FDA-approved technology to ensure the highest standard of care and hygiene. We understand that toenail fungus can be stubborn and frustrating, especially when traditional treatments don’t work. That’s why we offer a non-invasive, painless, and highly effective laser solution that targets the fungus at its source. Most of our clients experience noticeable improvement after just a few sessions with minimal to no side effects. At Tanja Phillips Aesthetics, we believe in delivering trusted results through professional care. If you’re looking for a reliable, well-reviewed clinic with certified doctors, we’re here to help you every step of the way on your journey to clear, healthy nails.