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Our doctors are pleased to offer use of the patented PinPointe FootLaser , which received FDA clearance in 2010, for treatment of onychomycosis.   The NuvoLase PinPointe FootLaser kills the pathogens that cause toenail fungus with a gentle laser/light beam.  The treatment is safe and painless and can be done in our office.  Most patients are very pleased with the results of the laser treatment.  We hope the questions below will help you understand the benefits, limitations and minimal risks associated with this medical procedure.


Frequently Asked Questions

How Does The Laser Work? 

The patented PinPointe Laser System is specially designed to shine through your toenail and destroy the specific pathogens embedded in and under your nail causing the infection.  The Footlaser operates in the very tight spectrum of near infrared light.


Is The Treatment Painful? 

There is no discomfort associated with the gentle laser light beam during or after your treatment.  The laser does not harm healthy tissue or affect your activity in any way.  A feeling of warmth or tingling is how some patients describe the sensation.


Is The Treatment Safe? 

Yes, in the clinical studies there have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or know side effects associated with laser treatment. Unlike oral medications on the market today for fungal toenails, there are NO risks to the liver or kidneys.  there are no age or health restrictions.  Rare side effects could include: discoloration of the nail, slight or mild pain during treatment, redness or swelling in the tissue area surrounding the nail.


How Long Does The Treatment Take? 

The laser procedure usually takes 10 minutes or so to treat a big toenail and up to 30 - 45 minutes for all 10 toenails. The laser treatment is usually applied to all of the toenails on both feet, even the ones that appear uninfected. This reduces the chance of re-infection. You will be seen for follow up visits to check your progress at 2-3 months and 4-6 months after the initial treatment, at which time you may also have a retreatment with the laser.


Is There A Recovery Period? 

No! The treatment does not harm you in any way. You will be able to put on your shoes and socks and walk out of our office, just as you walked in.


Does It Really Work? 

Clinical studies reveal that over 50% of the treated nails show improvement following treatment.  Severe or chronic cases may require repeat treatments. In certain cases, the doctor may recommend concurrent treatment with a prescription strength topical antifungal nail laquer. An antifungal cream may also be prescribed if an athlete's foot infection is also present.


How Soon Will I See Improvement?

On average, a toenail will replace itself every 6 - 12 months. Healthy new growth should be visible after 3 - 6 months at the base of the nail bed as your nail grows.


Will The Fungus Come Back? 

You will be instructed before you leave our office on post treatment protocol and preventative care techniques to reduce the possible recurrence of the infection. While the fungus is usually killed in one treatment, some individuals are more likely to become re-infected than others as fungus is everywhere in the environment. At one of your follow up visits, the doctor may recommend another laser treatment. Should you notice the start of an athele's foot infection, we recommend that you immediately contact our office for instructions as this type of infection can lead to recurrence of toenail fungus.


When Can I Paint My Toenails Or Have A Pedicure? 

While you can apply polish or have a pedicure immediately after the treatment, our office recommends that you wait until 2 weeks after the laser treatment. A day prior to the treatment you will need to remove all toenail polish or nail decorations.

Is This Covered By My Insurance? 

Laser treatment is considered esthetic and therefore is not covered by insurance plans. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, cash, check or you may use your HSA or Flexible Spending Account from work.


How Much Does It Cost?

You will need to schedule an initial appointment where the doctor will evaluate the current condition of your toenails.  He will review all treatment options for treating the nail fungus and recommend a specific treatment plan.  The fee for the visit will be submitted to your insurance plan.  If you have Kaiser or do not have health insurance coverage, the fee for the consultation appointment is $100.00.  There may be the need to obtain a nail culture to determine the specific fungi causing the infection.  This specimen will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation and the laboratory will submit a claim to your insurance.  For patients without billable insurance, the doctor can quote and estimate lab fee for cash paying patients.

The treatment fee varies depending upon the number of toenails infected and severity of the infection.  The standard procedure fee is $900.00 for both feet and $500.00 for one foot.  If the nails are slow to respond with normal growth, some of the nails may need another laser treatment. Usually there is no charge for the 2nd and/or 3rd treatments if it is done within 12 months of your initial laser treatment.