Why Laser Treatment Works When Other Options Fall Short
Many patients come to us after spending months or even years trying other treatments. Understanding why those approaches often fail helps explain why laser therapy is a superior option for most patients.
Topical Creams and Nail Solutions
Over-the-counter antifungal creams are widely available, but they are largely ineffective for toenail fungus. The nail plate acts as a physical barrier, and most topical treatments simply cannot penetrate deeply enough to reach the fungus living beneath it. Patients may notice temporary cosmetic improvement, but the infection persists.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Prescription oral medications such as Lamisil (terbinafine) can be effective, but they come with significant drawbacks. They require a treatment course of several months, regular blood tests to monitor liver function, and carry the risk of drug interactions and allergic reactions. Not all patients are candidates for oral antifungals, particularly those on multiple medications or with liver conditions.
Laser Treatment: A Smarter Approach
The PinPointe FootLaser used at LA Foot Laser works differently. It emits a tightly focused beam of near-infrared light that passes through the toenail and directly targets the fungal organisms embedded in the nail plate. The energy from the laser heats and destroys the fungus without damaging the surrounding nail or skin tissue.
Based on the studies submitted to the FDA, laser treatment demonstrates a higher clearance rate than oral medications. Unlike oral antifungals, the laser requires no blood testing, has no interactions with other medications, and carries no risk of liver toxicity or systemic side effects.
What to Expect During Your Laser Treatment
We understand that many patients feel anxious about medical procedures. Here is a clear, step-by-step overview of what your experience at LA Foot Laser will look like.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your first visit begins with a thorough physical examination of your nails and feet. Dr. Harounian will confirm the presence of a fungal infection, assess its severity, and discuss all available treatment options with you. He will take the time to answer your questions and explain what to expect throughout the process.
Step 2: Preparing for the Procedure
Before your treatment appointment, you will need to remove all nail polish and nail decorations from your toenails. This ensures the laser can reach the nail plate without any interference.
Step 3: The Laser Treatment
The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes. All ten toenails are typically treated during each session, even if not all nails appear visibly infected. This approach helps prevent the spread or recurrence of the fungus. Most patients feel little to no discomfort. Some report a mild warming sensation, and a very small number feel a brief pinprick sensation. There is no anesthesia required.
Step 4: After Your Treatment
There is no recovery period. You can walk out of the office exactly as you walked in, return to work, and resume all normal daily activities immediately. There are no bandages, no wound care, and no restrictions on footwear.
Step 5: Monitoring Your Results
It is important to understand that your nails will not appear clear immediately after the procedure. The laser kills the fungus, but the nail must grow out naturally to reveal healthy new growth. On average, a toenail replaces itself over six to nine months. Most patients begin to see visible healthy regrowth within the first three months. Toenails that are severely thickened or heavily infected may require more than one treatment session for optimal results.
