- Office 5, Level 1, 300 Point Cook Road, Point Cook, 3030
Fungal Nail Laser
We eliminate fungal nail infections effectively and safely using laser treatment.
Fungal nail infections are a frustrating problem that leaves many feeling dissatisfied with the appearance of their toenails. Once a fungal infection takes hold, it progressively worsens and continues to infiltrate the nail. This means that over time, nails that start off with a simple white streak or a yellow spot can turn thick, flaky, moth-eaten and completely discoloured.
Alongside being a problem for patients, fungal nail infections spent decades being deemed the “enemy of the podiatrist” because of their difficult-to-treat nature. This is because the fungus affects not only the surface of the nail, but within and beneath the nail, too. As a result, traditional anti-fungal creams, lacquers and ointments have low treatment success rates as they can’t penetrate the protective surface of the nail that is designed to keep foreign substances out. While oral medications are an alternative, these are not suitable for everyone due to the risk of side effects, and many don’t wish to add another medication into their bodies. Enter: fungal nail laser.
Fungal Nail Infection
The K-Laser is one of the two types of lasers we have available at our clinic, and the one we use to eliminate fungal nail infections. The K-laser works by producing infrared wavelengths of light that in this case will concentrate on the toenails and target the fungus. The way the laser works means that it can penetrate on a deep level and reach the fungus in areas where creams and ointments can’t. It works by:
Proven Results
Treating fungal nail infections with laser has been extensively studied in many publications and trials and shown success rates of up to 85%, substantially exceeding those of topical creams and oral medications. In our experience, where treatment fails is when reinfection quickly occurs due to the heavy presence of fungus in a person’s home environment without taking the right steps to protect their feet. Clinically speaking, when the treatment is completed, the existing fungus present on the nails has been damaged to the point that it can no longer grow or spread.
While effectively destroying the fungus is critical, so is preventing reinfection. This is where we excel in helping teach you how to protect and look after your feet and manage any potential sources of fungus in your environment. One way we do this is using the Sterishoe UV light. We ask that you bring in the pairs of shoes that you commonly wear to your fungal nail treatment, and we will sanitise them using UV light to help keep your shoes a safe environment, as fungal spores commonly linger here. We also recommend:
We also recommend avoiding situations where fungus can thrive by:
Yes, after you’ve completed your treatment you can paint your toenails. We recommended using a new polish that has not come in contact with your infected nails previously, and one that contains antiseptic and antifungal qualities like the Drs Remedy range.
The K-Laser has multiple tips. Aloof nails are initially scanned using the Therapy Tip, however the discoloured & fungal nails are the only ones to be treated by the ENT Tip.
No, you may feel some tingling or other sensations but no pain.
Once the fungus is destroyed with laser treatment, it’s time for the nail to grow out healthy and clear. The time it takes for your nails to grow can vary from person to person, but averages 9-12 months for a full nail. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your nails in the meantime, we highly recommend having cosmetic nail restoration after your fungal nail treatment. This is also performed by our podiatrists, and immediately enhances the appearance of your nails, giving them a full, natural and healthy appearance. This specialised treatment does not harm the nail beneath, and creates a flexible, breathable, non-porous nail.
Think of it like throwing a ball through your window. If the ball breaks the window and you have the window repaired, will that stop the window from breaking if another ball hits in the future? The same applies here. While this treatment doesn’t prevent you from contracting a new fungal nail infection in the future, it does effectively treat your existing infection, and we teach you the strategies to help prevent future infections to the best of your ability.
