The First Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

The PinPointe Laser is a clinically proven laser device to treat toenail and fingernail fungal infections.

• After a single treatment, 70-85% of patients experienced improvement.
• No risks or side effects (such as liver damage) can be seen with oral anti-fungal medications.
• Higher cure rate than topical (20% cure rate) or oral (40% cure rate) anti-fungal medications.
• Usually less expensive than the typical course of oral anti-fungal medications.
• Convenient, comfortable, in-office procedure.

What is the treatment like and do I need to do anything before or after?

• The PinPointe Laser Procedure takes only 20-60 minutes to perform and is usually completely painless.
• No anesthetics or pain medication is needed.
• No downtime.
• Usually, only one treatment is needed.
• We usually recommend treating all 10 nails, even if not all nails appear infected. This is because the other nails often carry the fungus within them and could become infected later. We can however treat just one foot or hand if the other side appears completely normal and you do not wish to prevent infection on the other side.

What can I expect after my treatment?

• After the PinPointe Laser kills the fungus in your nails your new nail growth should grow in normally. Since toenails take 12-18 months to grow out and fingernails 6-9 months, your nails may not look improved until months after your treatment. It could take over a year for your big toenail to look completely normal, less time for other nails. You should see gradual improvement starting at the base of your nails, within 1-3 months.
• Some patients may need a second treatment. If no improvement is seen by 6 months or if nails appear to be worsening, we recommend a second treatment. We discount the second treatment if it is performed within 18 months of your first treatment.

Is there anything I can do to prevent re-infection?

• Throw away old athletic shoes and slippers or wash with bleach in your washing machine. Wipe the inside of your other shoes with a bleach and water solution. Wear flip-flops in the shower and at the gym. Using topical anti-fungal creams and/or powders after your treatment can also help prevent reinfection. UV light disinfecting devices are also available for your shoes at www.sterishoe.com.
• You will receive aftercare instructions that will teach you how to prevent re-infection.

Is there anything I should do prior to my treatment?

• Remove your nail polish and clip your nails down as short as possible before you arrive for your treatment.
• As an option, you may visit a nail technician prior to your laser treatment and ask her to thin your infected nail(s) to a thickness of 1 mm (only the nails that look infected.) This may increase the chance of cure with Pinpointe Laser treatment to 90-95%. Your debrided nails will be very thin however until new nails gradually replace them and they might be sensitive and prone to breaking for many months, due to their thinness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the PinPointe Nail Laser work?
A: The PinPointe Nail Laser kills fungus that lives in and under the nail. The laser light passes through the nail without causing damage to the nail or the surrounding skin. At the time of the procedure, the toenail will not become instantly clear because it takes time to grow out.

Q: What can I expect in the doctor’s office?
A: The process begins with a consultation in which your provider, who will explain the procedure that is to be performed and any follow-up visits that may be required.

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: Most patients feel no pain. Some may feel a warming sensation. An isolated few may feel a slight pinprick.

Q: Is there a recovery period?
A: No. The treatment is a walk-in/walk-out procedure.

Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: The PinPointe Nail Laser procedure typically takes about 20 minutes.

Q: Will the fungus grow back?
A: The infection improves after one treatment. However, there is a chance of reinfection because the fungus is present everywhere in the environment. Your will recommend care techniques to help reduce a recurrence of the infection.

Q: When is it safe to paint my nails or have a pedicure following treatment?
A: You can apply polish immediately after the treatment. It is important that you remove all nail polish and nail decorations the day before your treatment.

If you'd like to learn more about PinPointe laser treatment, please consult with a podiatrist.