Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment: Is It Worth the Investment?

September 19, 2024
Restore Podiatry Staff

Toenail fungus is one of the most prevalent conditions in the United States, impacting about 10% of the population. Toenail fungus, often referred to medically as onychomycosis, is caused by an excessive amount of fungus growth leading to infection. The fungus will eventually damage the underlying tissues in the toenail if you don’t get the proper treatment. So, today we ask the question: Does laser really work for toenail fungus?

Can Severe Toenail Fungus Be Treated With Laser?

Before we jump to conclude the success of laser treatment for toenail fungus, it’s important to understand what actually the laser treatment is.

Laser therapy is a quick, efficient, painless treatment. Your podiatrist will welcome you when you arrive for a session. They will adjust the laser and examine your feet. The laser will directly treat the affected area. The toenail fungus laser treatment takes about ten to twenty minutes for each foot. You shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort during this period.

You can return home and resume your regular walking after the procedure. It will take several treatments to completely eradicate the underlying fungus. Since the fungus’s damage will not go away right away, the nail will not instantly return to normal. A new nail typically takes six to twelve months to grow.

Success Rate of Toenail Laser Treatment

The success rate typically ranges from 80-85%, but there have been reports of up to 88-95% efficacy for laser therapy of toenail fungus. Since traditional oral or topical antifungal drugs typically have lower success rates with substantial side effects, this treatment is highly respected for its ability to enter the nail and target the fungus directly.

The idea of receiving any kind of laser treatment could be unsettling. Lasers have been successfully employed in the healthcare sector to treat a wide range of conditions, from gum disease to eye surgery. The same can be anticipated from laser treatment for nail fungus, which is why podiatrists frequently suggest it for better outcomes.

It’s a treatment without any injections, no drugs, no surgery, and no side effects. Practically, it’s a non-invasive laser treatment that will cause you no pain. A consultation with the doctor is the best option to treat your fungus.

How Much Does It Cost For Fungus Laser Treatment?

The cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus in the U.S. can vary based on the severity of the infection and the number of treatments needed. Generally, the cost ranges between $200 to $1,500.

For example, some clinics offer a “full-force” treatment package for the best laser toenail fungus treatment, typically consisting of four sessions, which can cost around $800. Other clinics provide a “pay-as-you-go” option for less severe cases, starting at $285 for the first treatment and $175 for each additional session within three months.

If you’re looking for the best toenail fungus laser treatment Hicksville, NY, prices can vary based on the provider. So it’s best to consult with a local podiatrist to get an accurate estimate for your specific situation.

While it may seem expensive, it’s no less expensive than the branded medications that the doctor may suggest for fungal treatment. The most important thing to remember is that laser treatment has no side effects and it is almost 95% successful for most patients.

How Much Do Other Toenail Antifungal Treatments Cost?

Other treatments for toenail fungus are a little less expensive than laser therapy. Oral generic drugs or over-the-counter topical treatments usually cost less than $100. Topical medications might not cost more than $20. However, oral drugs may take several months to work, while topical therapies may take longer than a year. So that cost is considerable if you look at it at large.

Stronger prescription oral medications can run up to $500. The cost of branded medications will again increase. These medications work better. For instance, terbinafine can be purchased at Walmart for as little as $10 for a 90-day supply. In contrast, name-brand medications, such as Lamisil, an antifungal, can cost up to $500.

So, while these treatments are cheaper as compared to laser treatments, it takes time to cure the condition. And when you compare the overall cost for the entire year that you take medication, it will amount to a month of laser treatment therapy. So, it’s a good thing to consult a doctor on the laser treatment. Maybe you can get a good deal and get rid of your fungus as soon as possible.

How Effective is Laser Therapy for Fungus Toenails?

To put it simply, laser therapy is very effective. It works by using strong lasers to cut through the nail and reach the fungus developing underneath. Notably, it causes the death of the fungus that forms on the skin to avoid its growth while leaving the tissue and skin intact. The laser is put in such a position that the wavelength only gets to the affected area of the diseased tissue.

Fungal infections are extremely difficult to treat due to insufficient blood supply to the extremities. The immune system can only but sparsely respond to the possibility of an infection, meaning that it is rather risky. Also, this factor heightens if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.

Antibiotics function as a type of “pseudo-immune system” by preventing fungal development or eliminating the fungus. However, this is a gradual process without immune support. On the other hand, laser therapy works wonders when it comes to treating the fungus directly

Conclusion

In most cases, laser therapy can be a good option for you if the fungus has gotten under your skin. However, if you’ve caught the fungal growth at its early stage, you might be able to treat it with mild medications. The best course of action is to consult with a Podiatrist to get the right treatment for your condition.

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