Laser Treatment of Fungal Nail Disease
Half of all Americans are infected with toenail fungus (onychomycosis) by the age of 70. This condition not only poses a cosmetic issue, causing nail discoloration and deformity, but also can have a serious impact on quality of life, causing pain while walking and creating a social stigma that can inhibit routine activities, such as wearing open-toed shoes.
Our physicians offer treatment of toenail fungus with GenesisPlus, a noninvasive laser system that is an effective solution without side effects.
GenesisPlus is a new approach to treat nail fungus that puts patient safety and comfort first. The system, designed by Cutera, applies laser energy to the nail plate and surrounding tissue. The laser light gradually heats the fungus and promotes the growth of healthy, clear nails. Following the procedure, the nail becomes clearer and healthier looking as it grows out.
Traditional approaches to treating nail fungus are largely limited to oral drugs that are associated with adverse side effects and prescription topicals and home remedies that have not been proven effective. Despite limitations associated with these approaches, however, it is estimated that Americans currently spend about $2.1 billion annually on treating nail fungus with prescription drugs alone.
Given the serious emotional, social, and financial impact of nail fungus, it is important to note the benefits of this new technology.
Please call us at 401-861-8830 for an evaluation and to learn more about this safe alternative to traditional treatments for onychomycosis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Therapy to Treat Fungal Toenails
GenesisPlus is a new laser perfected for safely and effectively treating onychomycosis (toenail fungus). By targeting the fungus directly, GenesisPlus gets to the source of the problem immediately.
Tiny pulses of light from the GenesisPlus laser pass through the toenail to the fungus underneath. The fungus is irradiated without any damage to the surrounding nail or skin.
Depending on how many toes are affected, the GenesisPlus laser procedure will take 20 to 30 minutes.
Most people feel a slight warming sensation during the procedure. No pain medication is needed; for most people, the treatment is easy to tolerate.
Typically, three treatments are performed at three-month intervals.
You can resume your normal activities immediately.
You won’t notice anything immediately following treatment. However, as your nail grows out, the new nail growth should be clear. Toenails grow slowly—especially nails infected with fungus. So, it may take 6 to 12 months for your toenail to clear.
Reinfection with toenail fungus may be acquired anywhere from your environment, for example, in damp areas such as public swimming pools. Consult with your healthcare professional to understand how to prevent toenail fungus from recurring.
While it is important to remove nail polish, decoration and jewelry prior to treatment, you can reapply nail polish 24 hours after treatment.
Combination therapy with pulse dose oral treatment (one pill per week) and maintenance with topical solution, along with nail trimming, is required for more severe cases.
Our doctors are specially trained and experienced in the use of this new laser technology for the treatment of fungal nail disease.
This treatment is not covered by insurance.