WE ARE PROUD TO BE THE FIRST OFFICE IN SUSSEX COUNTY TO OFFER LASER TREATMENT FOR FUNGAL TOENAILS. OUR Q-CLEAR LASER CAN HELP TURN THOSE BRITTLE, DISCOLORED, FUNGAL TOENAILS INTO HEALTHY, CLEAR TOENAILS!!
OUR Q CLEAR LASER FOR FUNGAL TOENAILS IS NOW FDA APPROVED!
IF YOU SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH FOR LASER TREATMENT YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM A TEMPORARY REDUCTION IN THE COST OF YOUR TREATMENT!! CALL TODAY! THIS WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME!
Are you suffering from yellow, brown, thickened toenails that sometimes split and periodically cause discomfort in your shoes? Well, now laser treatment is available to finally turn those unsightly toenails into clear, healthy toenails. You no longer have to wear closed toe shoes to hide those toenails but can proudly wear sandals and display those healthy toenails without any embarrassment.
There are various methods of treatment for fungal toenails (onychomycosis) including topical treatment which has a very low success rate especially with moderate to severe nail infections. Oral antifungals are another way of treating the infection however these medications demand bloodwork to be taken while on the medication with the potential for liver toxicity and they are not always successful in eradicating the fungus.
We are very proud to be the first practice in Sussex County to offer laser therapy to our patients. It is safe, in-office procedure that demonstrates over an 80% success rate. With the "Q-switched" Q clear NdYag laser it is painless as well. Most patients will require two treatments and within nine months new, clear, and healthy toenails will be realized!!
SOME RESULTS AT 1) PRIOR TO TREATMENT 2) 3 MONTHS 3) 6 MONTHS
SOME RESULTS AT 1)PRIOR TO TREATMENT 2) 2 MONTHS
Some typical questions regarding the laser treatment:
WHAT DOES A FUNGAL TOENAIL LOOK LIKE??
A fungal toenail can appear discolored being yellow, brown, white and sometimes green or black in color. A mild infection may just appear discolored but a more advanced fungal infection appears somewhat thickened and brittle in consistency and may begin to split and separate from the underlying nail bed.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF THE TOENAILS ARE INFECTED WITH FUNGUS?
Ultimately, a fungal infection is best diagnosed clinically by a physician. There are certainly may clinical characteristics of a fungal toenail such as the ones described above which help make this diagnosis. Occassionally, the toenail may be infected with a yeast or mold. A KOH test, PAS stain, or culture may be performed to help with this diagnosis and this will help histologically identify the infecting organism.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR LASER THERAPY FOR FUNGAL TOENAILS?
There are very few contraindications to laser therapy for fungal toenails. Only patient's suffering from diabetes with certain associated conditions or patient's with peripheral vascular disease and, of course, women who are pregnant are not candidates for the laser treatment.
HOW DOES THE LASER TREATMENT WORK?
The laser is a mid-infrared laser wavelength which penetrates the nail plate thereby eliminating the destructive fungal organisms which cause infection eventually allowing the nail to revitalize as it grows out over the next 7-9 months. The laser also operates to remove the fungus via the principle of dessication whereby the tissues are dessicated and eliminate the medium by which fungus can thrive in the nail plate allowing the newer, healthier nail plate to grow out free of the fungal organisms. An in vitro study utilizing the Q clear laser has demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the dermatophytes primarily responsible for infecting the toenail plate thereby eradicating the infecting organism and allowing a new toenail to grow out.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE AT MY LASER TREATMENTS?
At your scheduled treatment session you will have all of your toenails filed and debrided prior to the treatment. Every toenail plate is treated with the laser including the toenails that do not appear to have the infection as there may be a "sub-clinical" infection occurring where the fungal organisms in the nail plate have not yet damaged the nail plate causing it to turn yellow and brown or become thickened. As each toe is treated with the laser you may experience a mild, warming sensation and a slight tapping sensation as the laser treatment is administered. The treatment renders little, if any at all, discomfort as reported by patients. The laser treatment takes about 20 minutes to treat both feet and there is usually no discomfort experienced after the treatment. Dr. Caswell will discuss post-procedure care to avoid fungal re-infection.
IS IT A PAINFUL PROCEDURE?
As reported by patients receiving the laser treatment there is little, if any, discomfort experienced during the procedure. After the patients have received the treatment the vast majority of patients report no discomfort during the procedure.
HOW MANY LASER TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
Typically, most patients require two treatments to help completely eradicate the toenail plate infection. After the initial procedure a second procedure will be administered six weeks later.
IS THERE ANY POST PROCEDURE RECOVERY TIME?
There is no "recovery time" after the procedure as the patient is able to resume normal activities without any restrictions.
WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?
The procedure is performed right in the comfort of our office.
CAN I USE NAIL POLISH ON THE TOENAILS AFTER THE LASER TREATMENTS?
Patients may absolutely use nail polish on the toenail plates after the laser therapy and it will not affect the outcome of treatment either.
WHEN AM I ABLE TO RECOGNIZE RESULTS OF THE LASER THERAPY?
Within two to four months patients will recognize results of the laser treatment with some clearing of the toenails plates realized. However, the rate of toenail plate growth may vary with every patient and complete results may not be realized for nine months. Within the first four months the patients will notice clear growth of the nail plate at the bottom portion of the nail plate near the cuticle as the infected or diseased portion of the nail plate grows out allowing you to track the progress of treatment.
WHAT IS THE RATE OF SUCCESS OF THE LASER THERAPY?
There is an 80% success rate with laser treatment for onychomycosis.
IS LASER TREATMENT COVERED BY MY INSURANCE PLAN?
Laser treatment is not covered by any insurance plan however most major credit cards are accepted. Additionally, payments plans can be arranged for the patient if needed. Please contact the office to find out how a patient may qualify for a very reasonable monthly payment plan to pay for the procedure.
HOW DO I EXERCISE PREVENTATIVE CARE OF MY TOENAILS SO THAT THE FUNGAL INFECTION DOES NOT RECUR?
Fungal organisms culture best in a moist and dark environment. If these conditions are eliminated fungal organisms as well as yeasts and molds cannot thrive. You cannot eliminate the dark environment as closed shoes provide the dark environment however periodically rotating your shoewear or utilizing shoewear with venting systems or mesh can help dry out your feet or wearing supportive sandals can help as well. Most importantly control the moisture in your shoes so utilize cotton socks to absorb moisture, use anti-perspirants to manage any excessive perspiration from your feet, soak your feet periodically with tea bags to dry out your feet or utilize foot powders or the various foot care products over the counter that help to keep your feet dry.
HOW CAN I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
Call our office today to schedule an appointment for laser treatment at 973-300-9151.