LASER NAIL THERAPY
HMC Foot & Ankle offers cutting edge laser treatment for fungal toenails. We use the first FDA cleared laser indicated for the treatment of fungal toenails, the PinPointe Footlaser®. We are an authorized Laser Nail Therapy Clinic, and participates as a provider of the nation's largest laser nail clinic. PinPointe Footlaser is a safe, effective, generally painless procedure that can be used as primary treatment or complement to oral and topical medications to improve results.
休士頓診所足科中心提供最先進的雷射治療真菌腳趾甲。我們使用 PinPointe Footlaser®, 是第一個FDA批准的激光用於治療真菌腳趾甲。它是一種安全，有效的，通常無痛的治療，可以用來作為主要的治療或補充口服和外用藥物來提高效果。無需麻醉。
FREE CONSULTATION! No obligation. Get your questions answered and determine if you are good candidate. Schedule an appointment today.
免費諮詢。無義務。 回答您的問題, 而且了解您的症狀是不是雷射治療能幫助。還因您的愉悅!
Q: What do I need to do prior to my appointment?
A: Remove all nail polish. Bring a clean pair of socks with you or wear sandals.
Q: What can I expect at the consultation?
A: A client intake of required information and a confidential consultation with our podiatrist. The laser nail treatment will be scheduled for another visit. In certain cases, if time permits, the first laser session can be performed the same day.
Q: How long is an appointment?
A: The actual laser time is approximately 15-30 minutes, not including room prep or consultation time. Please plan to spend an hour of time for your visit. This includes treatment, and additional time for instructions for post treatment care to prevent future re-infection.
Q: When is the treatment carried out?
A: In many cases, patients request the option to have time available after a consultation to treat the nail immediately. Other patients prefer to attend the consultation separately. In either case there is no obligation to have the treatment and we would advise if we felt it would be unsuitable.
Q: What can I expect at the laser therapy sessions?
A: The laser nail treatment will be performed only if appropriate and after an initial consultation and questionnaire answered. Each session takes approximately 30-60 minutes, with treatment.
Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Most people feel no pain. Some people feel a warming sensation or pinprick.
Q: Is there a recovery period?
A: No. You may return to your normal activities after treatment, including work.
Q: How many treatments are advised?
A: The evidence so far shows excellent results in just one treatment but a number of patients have found that the results are slow or are varied in some nails especially in a longstanding infection. Sometimes several re-treatments are needed to address persistent infection or re-infection during the time the nails grow out.
Q: How soon can I begin to see results?
A: It may take up to a year for new nail to grow out, replacing the existing nail. Please note that the existing nails will not change. The shape of the nail may not change, as laser only treats the color appearance of nails. As the nail grows out, you may begin to see the base of the nail grow out clear around three months time.
Q: Why is laser treatment a good treatment for fungal toenails?
A: The laser treatment for fungal nails is a breakthrough in treating the fungus infection. The laser is applied externally. There is no requirement for oral or systemic medication that can cause side effects. Topical treatments work poorly and require long-term application. The beam of laser energy is targeted through the nail to the nail bed, eliminating the fungus within.
Q: What laser do you use?
A: We use the PinPointe Footlaser®, which was the first laser specifically studied for use for nail fungus, and has shown to be a safe treatment while delivering a high quality laser since 2007.
Q: Who performs the laser treatment?
A: Laser treatments are performed by licensed podiatrists in our office.
Q: What if it does not work?
A: The treatment has been shown to be greater than 70% effective in a single treatment. The effective rate increases with subsequent treatments (second and third rounds).
Q: What about fingernail treatment?
A: The laser therapy can be performed on fingernails with the same success. With some infections, all the nails would be treated; with others, just the infected or neighboring fingernails. Treatment of fingernails would need to be performed by a licensed provider or doctor that is trained in treating disorders of the hand. If you believe that you have fingernail involvement, we will refer you to a specialist.
Q: Why do all my nails of the foot need treating?
A: Fungal spores are present on the foot irrespective of which nails are affected. Toe spaces, grooves around the nails as well as the sole and arch of the foot are all places where fungi thrive. The dark, moist, warm and enclosed environment of the shoe provides an easy breeding site for fungi. If all fungus is not treated, reinfection is likely. A research study published in The British Journal of Dermatology in 2009 assessed fungi in normal-appearing nails among people who have had athlete's foot and those who had never had any fungal problems. It concluded that fungi could be isolated from normal-appearing toenails and that the presence of these spores was strongly associated with the presence of athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Subclinical dermatophytes in the nail plate may serve as a reservoir for ongoing local infection.
Q: Are there any contraindications to having laser nail treatment?
A: Although considered safe for most people, laser treatment is contraindicated in pregnancy, sunburned skin, scleroderma, those people with previous skin cancers on the feet or hands, people who have used Accutane (isotretinoin) in the last 12 months, anyone who has had a major skin disease or anyone who has experienced problems with previous laser treatments. Those with psoriasis may not benefit from laser treatment. Please discuss any skin abnormality or disorder with our podiatrist prior to treatment.
Q: Will this procedure be covered by my health insurance?
A: This Laser Nail Procedure is considered aesthetic and is NOT covered under any insurance policies. Houston Medical Clinic does not file insurance claims for any procedure performed. Most Heath Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) may be used for this treatment. Please contact your individual HSA or FSA regarding coverage.