Questions and Answers about Laser Treatment to get Rid of Toenails Fungus
Where does toenail fungus come from?
The organism that causes fungal toenail infections is everywhere. The fungus is a living organism and spores are essentially the seeds that can sprout a fungal infection. However toenail fungus really has to have 3 basic ingredients to start to grow.
1. Moisture
2. Warmth
3. Darkness
Unfortunately, shoes have all 3 of these ingredients. So the inside of your shoes are perfect incubators for toenail fungus.
What is laser toenail fungus treatment?
Lasers have been used to treat medical conditions since 1962, but the use of medical lasers in treating toenail fungus is new. In fact it is the newest treatment for toenail fungus and has only been available for a few years. The laser that is used to treat toenail fungus is a 1064nm wave-length YAG laser. The way that the 1064 laser works is that is delivers light energy to gently heat the toenail bed and kill the toenail fungus and fungal spores. This process makes the laser ideal for the safe and effective desired result of toenail clearing. The 1064 nanometer laser energy alters fungal cellular metabolism and at increased temperature (42°C), fungal organisms' cell components are damaged. There is also a photo-chemical effect that further damages fungal cell enzymes and proteins. Fungal cell membranes are also damaged by the laser resulting in fungal death and toenail clearance. To put it in layman's terms...the laser zaps the nasty little bugs!
Who does the Laser Treatment at home?
One of America's Top Podiatrists. Some practices use nurses or technicians (not doctors) to perform the Laser treatment procedure in their offices. We believe it is best to have the most qualified people performing the laser Toenail Fungus Treatment. During your house call laser treatment, you will have a true expert performing your fungus removal procedure. Dr. Segler is a nationally recognized podiatrist who is well-known for his award winning research publications. He is also a sought-after lecturer who is invited to speak at medical conferences several times each year where he shares his expertise with other foot and ankle surgeons. A few years ago, Dr. Segler was recognized as one of "America's Top Podiatrists."
Does the laser toenail treatment hurt?
No. The laser does generate some heat as it kills the fungus in the toenail, but it isn't really painful. You may feel some warmth in the toenail area. If you do, we simply move the light energy to another area of the toenail and the warm sensation immediately dissipates.
What are the advantages of laser toenail fungus treatment?
1. Kills the fungus in only a few minutes. The fastest treatment available.
2. No medication risks.
3. Very low hassle. No pills. No pain.
What are the disadvantages of laser toenail fungus treatment?
1. Expensive.
2. Insurance typically won't pay for treatment with a laser.
3. Works only on minimally deformed nails.
How long does it take for the laser toenail fungus treatment to cure the toenail fungus?
The fungus is effectively killed by the laser at the time of treatment, in only a few minutes.
How fast will I see results after the laser toenail fungus treatment?
Although the fungus is effectively killed by the laser at the time of treatment, the toenail still has to grow out. The healthy toenail typically grows out at a rate of about 1mm per month. If the nail is only 1/4 involved, it will probably look clear and healthy in about 3-4 months. If the toenail is 50% involved, it will probably take 5-6 months to see a completely clear and healthy-appearing toenail. A toenail that is 100% infected will take almost a year regrow into a healthy nail after the laser procedure.
Will my insurance pay for the laser toenail fungus treatment?
No. At present most insurance companies classify the laser toenail treatment as a cosmetic procedure. The laser toenail procedure is new and it often takes a period of time before insurance carriers adopt and pay for new procedures. At present we are not aware of any insurance carriers who are covering the procedure.
Is Athlete's Foot related to toenail fungus?
Yes... Athlete's foot is nothing more than a fungal infection in the skin of the foot. The organism that causes athlete's foot the exact same organism that causes toenail fungal infections. If you are prone to developing athlete's foot then you are much more at risk of developing a fungal toenail infection.
The whole time that you have an athlete's foot infection, the fungus is growing within the layers of the skin. As the fungus grows it separates the layers of the skin and you get the peeling it is the most common sign of athlete's foot. As the skin peels, it sheds fungal spores into your shoes. And there those little fungal seeds sit, inside your shoes, just waiting for the opportunity to start a toenail fungal infection.
For this reason, if you have athlete's foot or are prone to getting athletes foot you need to keep this under control to prevent another case of toenail fungus.
If you get athlete's foot often then you have to take particular care to make sure that you don't develop athlete's foot because it can lead to another toenail fungus infection later. The basic routine that we have found to be most likely of reducing your exposure to the fungus in preventing reinfection after the laser toenail procedure is as follows:
1. Laser treatment to directly kill the fungus within the nail plate and nail bed.
2. Over-the-counter Lamisil spray topical when you feel you have been exposed or anytime you believe you are developing athlete's foot. This should help to prevent the developing athlete's foot from spreading to the toenails and turning into the case of toenail fungus re-infection after the laser treatment.
3. Kill the fungus in all of your shoes with the Steri-Shoe ultraviolet sterilizer. You should order this now so you will have it before your laser procedure. It is the most effective way to ensure that you don't have viable fungal spores looming inside your shoes that could lead to a reinfection later.
Where in the Bay Area can I get an at-home Laser Treatment?
We perform house calls all over the Bay Area, including: Alameda, Albany, Atherton, Belmont, Belvedere, Berkeley, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Corte Madera, Cupertino, Daly City, Danville, Dublin, Emeryville, Fairfax, Fairfield, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hayward, Hercules, Hillsborough, Lafeyette, Larkspur, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Mill Valley, Millbrae, Moraga, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Napa, Newark, Novato, Oakland, Oakley, Orinda, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Petaluma, Piedmont, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Rodd, San Anselmo, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo,San Rafael, San Ramon, Santa Clara, Sausalito, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Tiburon, Union City, Vacaville, Walnut Creek, Woodside, Bay Area, San Francisco Bay Area.
If you have a tight work schedule we can even see you in your own office. We often do house calls in the financial district for executives so that they can be seen between meetings. When there is no time to waste, a house call is definitely the best treatment and just what the doctor ordered!
Going to the doctor is usually time consuming and difficult...not so when we come to you! We can usually see you within the next day or two. Our practice has been built on physician flexibility, not patient flexibility. Just let us know what works best with your work and family routine and we will accommodate your schedule.
Is Laser Treatment Guaranteed to Work? Any guarantees/warranties there?
Although I could guarantee that I can kill the fungus with in the toenails, that is only part of the treatment.
For example, if there is any Athlete's Foot...it is related to toenail fungus. Athlete's foot is nothing more than a fungal infection in the skin of the foot. The organism that causes athlete's foot the exact same organism that causes toenail fungal infections. If you are prone to developing athlete's foot then you are much more at risk of developing a fungal toenail infection. The whole time that you have an athlete's foot infection, the fungus is growing within the layers of the skin. As the fungus grows it separates the layers of the skin and you get the peeling it is the most common sign of athlete's foot. As the skin peels, it sheds fungal spores into your shoes. And there those little fungal seeds sit, inside your shoes, just waiting for the opportunity to start a toenail fungal infection.
For this reason, if you have athlete's foot or are prone to getting athletes foot you need to keep this under control to prevent another case of toenail fungus.
If you get athlete's foot often then you have to take particular care to make sure that you don't develop athlete's foot because it can lead to another toenail fungus infection later.
There is a risk of reinfection even after laser treatment. Success (defined as clear, healthy toenails) requires all of the following.
1. Laser treatment to directly kill the fungus within the nail plate and nail bed.
2. Prevent and/or treat athlete's foot so that the organism doesn't spread back into the damaged toenails and turning into the case of toenail fungus re-infection after the laser treatment.
3. Wash all of your socks and hot water to remove the active from filaments and toenail fungus spores from the socks it's that they don't get back into the toenails and reinfected toenails.
4. Kill the fungus in all of your shoes to ensure that you don't have viable fungal spores looming inside your shoes that could lead to a reinfection later.
5. Apply a topical antifungal daily to the toenails to help prevent re-contamination and retard the growth of fungal spores while waiting for healthy toenails to grow out.
There is no guarantee...simply because I can to control all of the steps you and/or your husband must take to ensure success. I can only ensure a thorough laser treatment that will kill the fungus. But you must do the rest.
Although we will make every effort to eradicate the toenail fungus at the initial visit, you will have to do a number of things to prevent recurring infection. Because we have no control over see you for a follow-up visit after your initial treatment, we cannot guarantee success with a single laser treatment. If you see the need and request an additional follow-up laser treatment, there will be a charge for the follow-up house call.
How many laser treatments session does it take to cure toenail fungus?
In most cases, we have found that a single laser treatment can kill the fungus that causes the toenail infection. Our approach is a different than many other laser practices. You can learn more about why some doctors recommend multiple laser treatments here.
How much does laser toenail fungus treatment cost?
Regular rate is $949, performed right in your home or office.
How much is a house call to evaluate my toes for toenail fungus?
$500, for a toenail fungus evaluation house call performed right in your home or office.
How can I really tell if I have toenail fungus, or if laser toenail fungus treatment may help? Click here to get a FREE toenail web consultation.
Call now to book your laser treatment and get clear toenails again! 415-308-0833
How do I book my laser appointment online?
Just click on the "Book Online" button below....
The organism that causes fungal toenail infections is everywhere. The fungus is a living organism and spores are essentially the seeds that can sprout a fungal infection. However toenail fungus really has to have 3 basic ingredients to start to grow.
1. Moisture
2. Warmth
3. Darkness
Unfortunately, shoes have all 3 of these ingredients. So the inside of your shoes are perfect incubators for toenail fungus.
What is laser toenail fungus treatment?
Lasers have been used to treat medical conditions since 1962, but the use of medical lasers in treating toenail fungus is new. In fact it is the newest treatment for toenail fungus and has only been available for a few years. The laser that is used to treat toenail fungus is a 1064nm wave-length YAG laser. The way that the 1064 laser works is that is delivers light energy to gently heat the toenail bed and kill the toenail fungus and fungal spores. This process makes the laser ideal for the safe and effective desired result of toenail clearing. The 1064 nanometer laser energy alters fungal cellular metabolism and at increased temperature (42°C), fungal organisms' cell components are damaged. There is also a photo-chemical effect that further damages fungal cell enzymes and proteins. Fungal cell membranes are also damaged by the laser resulting in fungal death and toenail clearance. To put it in layman's terms...the laser zaps the nasty little bugs!
Who does the Laser Treatment at home?
One of America's Top Podiatrists. Some practices use nurses or technicians (not doctors) to perform the Laser treatment procedure in their offices. We believe it is best to have the most qualified people performing the laser Toenail Fungus Treatment. During your house call laser treatment, you will have a true expert performing your fungus removal procedure. Dr. Segler is a nationally recognized podiatrist who is well-known for his award winning research publications. He is also a sought-after lecturer who is invited to speak at medical conferences several times each year where he shares his expertise with other foot and ankle surgeons. A few years ago, Dr. Segler was recognized as one of "America's Top Podiatrists."
Does the laser toenail treatment hurt?
No. The laser does generate some heat as it kills the fungus in the toenail, but it isn't really painful. You may feel some warmth in the toenail area. If you do, we simply move the light energy to another area of the toenail and the warm sensation immediately dissipates.
What are the advantages of laser toenail fungus treatment?
1. Kills the fungus in only a few minutes. The fastest treatment available.
2. No medication risks.
3. Very low hassle. No pills. No pain.
What are the disadvantages of laser toenail fungus treatment?
1. Expensive.
2. Insurance typically won't pay for treatment with a laser.
3. Works only on minimally deformed nails.
How long does it take for the laser toenail fungus treatment to cure the toenail fungus?
The fungus is effectively killed by the laser at the time of treatment, in only a few minutes.
How fast will I see results after the laser toenail fungus treatment?
Although the fungus is effectively killed by the laser at the time of treatment, the toenail still has to grow out. The healthy toenail typically grows out at a rate of about 1mm per month. If the nail is only 1/4 involved, it will probably look clear and healthy in about 3-4 months. If the toenail is 50% involved, it will probably take 5-6 months to see a completely clear and healthy-appearing toenail. A toenail that is 100% infected will take almost a year regrow into a healthy nail after the laser procedure.
Will my insurance pay for the laser toenail fungus treatment?
No. At present most insurance companies classify the laser toenail treatment as a cosmetic procedure. The laser toenail procedure is new and it often takes a period of time before insurance carriers adopt and pay for new procedures. At present we are not aware of any insurance carriers who are covering the procedure.
Is Athlete's Foot related to toenail fungus?
Yes... Athlete's foot is nothing more than a fungal infection in the skin of the foot. The organism that causes athlete's foot the exact same organism that causes toenail fungal infections. If you are prone to developing athlete's foot then you are much more at risk of developing a fungal toenail infection.
The whole time that you have an athlete's foot infection, the fungus is growing within the layers of the skin. As the fungus grows it separates the layers of the skin and you get the peeling it is the most common sign of athlete's foot. As the skin peels, it sheds fungal spores into your shoes. And there those little fungal seeds sit, inside your shoes, just waiting for the opportunity to start a toenail fungal infection.
For this reason, if you have athlete's foot or are prone to getting athletes foot you need to keep this under control to prevent another case of toenail fungus.
If you get athlete's foot often then you have to take particular care to make sure that you don't develop athlete's foot because it can lead to another toenail fungus infection later. The basic routine that we have found to be most likely of reducing your exposure to the fungus in preventing reinfection after the laser toenail procedure is as follows:
1. Laser treatment to directly kill the fungus within the nail plate and nail bed.
2. Over-the-counter Lamisil spray topical when you feel you have been exposed or anytime you believe you are developing athlete's foot. This should help to prevent the developing athlete's foot from spreading to the toenails and turning into the case of toenail fungus re-infection after the laser treatment.
3. Kill the fungus in all of your shoes with the Steri-Shoe ultraviolet sterilizer. You should order this now so you will have it before your laser procedure. It is the most effective way to ensure that you don't have viable fungal spores looming inside your shoes that could lead to a reinfection later.
Where in the Bay Area can I get an at-home Laser Treatment?
We perform house calls all over the Bay Area, including: Alameda, Albany, Atherton, Belmont, Belvedere, Berkeley, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Corte Madera, Cupertino, Daly City, Danville, Dublin, Emeryville, Fairfax, Fairfield, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hayward, Hercules, Hillsborough, Lafeyette, Larkspur, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Mill Valley, Millbrae, Moraga, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Napa, Newark, Novato, Oakland, Oakley, Orinda, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Petaluma, Piedmont, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Rodd, San Anselmo, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo,San Rafael, San Ramon, Santa Clara, Sausalito, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Tiburon, Union City, Vacaville, Walnut Creek, Woodside, Bay Area, San Francisco Bay Area.
If you have a tight work schedule we can even see you in your own office. We often do house calls in the financial district for executives so that they can be seen between meetings. When there is no time to waste, a house call is definitely the best treatment and just what the doctor ordered!
Going to the doctor is usually time consuming and difficult...not so when we come to you! We can usually see you within the next day or two. Our practice has been built on physician flexibility, not patient flexibility. Just let us know what works best with your work and family routine and we will accommodate your schedule.
Is Laser Treatment Guaranteed to Work? Any guarantees/warranties there?
Although I could guarantee that I can kill the fungus with in the toenails, that is only part of the treatment.
For example, if there is any Athlete's Foot...it is related to toenail fungus. Athlete's foot is nothing more than a fungal infection in the skin of the foot. The organism that causes athlete's foot the exact same organism that causes toenail fungal infections. If you are prone to developing athlete's foot then you are much more at risk of developing a fungal toenail infection. The whole time that you have an athlete's foot infection, the fungus is growing within the layers of the skin. As the fungus grows it separates the layers of the skin and you get the peeling it is the most common sign of athlete's foot. As the skin peels, it sheds fungal spores into your shoes. And there those little fungal seeds sit, inside your shoes, just waiting for the opportunity to start a toenail fungal infection.
For this reason, if you have athlete's foot or are prone to getting athletes foot you need to keep this under control to prevent another case of toenail fungus.
If you get athlete's foot often then you have to take particular care to make sure that you don't develop athlete's foot because it can lead to another toenail fungus infection later.
There is a risk of reinfection even after laser treatment. Success (defined as clear, healthy toenails) requires all of the following.
1. Laser treatment to directly kill the fungus within the nail plate and nail bed.
2. Prevent and/or treat athlete's foot so that the organism doesn't spread back into the damaged toenails and turning into the case of toenail fungus re-infection after the laser treatment.
3. Wash all of your socks and hot water to remove the active from filaments and toenail fungus spores from the socks it's that they don't get back into the toenails and reinfected toenails.
4. Kill the fungus in all of your shoes to ensure that you don't have viable fungal spores looming inside your shoes that could lead to a reinfection later.
5. Apply a topical antifungal daily to the toenails to help prevent re-contamination and retard the growth of fungal spores while waiting for healthy toenails to grow out.
There is no guarantee...simply because I can to control all of the steps you and/or your husband must take to ensure success. I can only ensure a thorough laser treatment that will kill the fungus. But you must do the rest.
Although we will make every effort to eradicate the toenail fungus at the initial visit, you will have to do a number of things to prevent recurring infection. Because we have no control over see you for a follow-up visit after your initial treatment, we cannot guarantee success with a single laser treatment. If you see the need and request an additional follow-up laser treatment, there will be a charge for the follow-up house call.
How many laser treatments session does it take to cure toenail fungus?
In most cases, we have found that a single laser treatment can kill the fungus that causes the toenail infection. Our approach is a different than many other laser practices. You can learn more about why some doctors recommend multiple laser treatments here.
How much does laser toenail fungus treatment cost?
Regular rate is $949, performed right in your home or office.
How much is a house call to evaluate my toes for toenail fungus?
$500, for a toenail fungus evaluation house call performed right in your home or office.
How can I really tell if I have toenail fungus, or if laser toenail fungus treatment may help? Click here to get a FREE toenail web consultation.
Call now to book your laser treatment and get clear toenails again! 415-308-0833
How do I book my laser appointment online?
Just click on the "Book Online" button below....
House calls for Laser Fungus Removal
We serve all of the following areas: Albany, Atherton, Belmont, Belvedere, Berkeley, Brisbane, Burlingame, Colma, Corte Madera, Cupertino, Daly City, Danville, Dublin, Emeryville, Fairfax, Fairfield, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hayward, Hercules, Hillsborough, Lafeyette, Larkspur, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Mill Valley, Millbrae, Moraga, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Napa, Newark, Novato, Oakland, Oakley, Orinda, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Petaluma, Piedmont, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasanton, Portola Valley, Redwood City, Ross, San Anselmo, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo,San Rafael, San Ramon, Santa Clara, Sausalito, South San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Tiburon, Union City, Vacaville, Walnut Creek, Woodside, Bay Area, San Francisco Bay Area.
Call Now! 415-308-0833
Call Now! 415-308-0833