Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses targeted light energy to heat up and kill onychomycosis –– a common but resilient fungus that infects the toenails. Specifically, it uses a handheld device that emits pulses of energy that produce heat. The heat causes the fungus to die, preventing it from spreading to your other toes.

Laser treatment doesn’t emit enough heat to destroy the entire infection. As a result, it’s important to undergo a series of treatments several weeks apart.

To determine if you’re a candidate for laser treatment, your Advanced Foot & Ankle Center provider reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms, and examines your toes and toenails.

Toenail fungus starts out as a small white or yellow dot. As the fungus spreads, it causes your nails to thicken and crumble.

Most fungal infections are visible to the eye, but if your symptoms are severe, your provider might also take clippings of your nails and send them to a laboratory for analysis. If you have a fungal infection, you’re a candidate for treatment.

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Center, laser treatment occurs on an outpatient basis.

At the beginning of your appointment, your provider cleans and debrides your feet. To do that, they use special tools to remove dead tissue and trim your toenails. Then, your provider cleans and sterilizes your feet.

You lie down on an exam table and your provider points the laser at your affected nails. The laser emits light energy that heats up the fungus, causing it to die. The length of treatment depends on the severity of your fungal infection, but most people finish within 30 minutes.