Average Cost Of Laser Toenail Fungus Removal

People who suffer from toenail fungus aren’t just looking for a quick fix. They want a permanent solution that won’t come back. Laser toenail fungus removal is the treatment of choice for many people because it’s effective, relatively painless, and very affordable. Let’s take a look at how much laser toenail fungus removal costs and what you can expect when you get treatment.

Laser toenail fungus removal is a simple procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office. It involves applying a special laser to the nail, which uses heat to kill the fungus and stimulate new tissue growth. The whole process only takes about 15 minutes and does not require anesthesia.

But how much does it cost?

In this article we will discuss pros and cons of laser treatment for toenail fungus and does insurance cover laser treatment for toenail fungus

Laser Treatment of Fungal Toenails

Successful treatment of fungus of the nail unit may reduce thickness, improve appearance, and make trimming easier. However, treatment is not generally considered medically necessary unless other factors are present such as diabetes, poor circulation, excessive pressure, or lack of normal sensation.

Options include:

• Not having treatment and living with the condition
• The use of liquid antifungals such as prescription Penlac which reports a 7% cure rate and 44% improvement rate.
• The use of prescription oral Lamisil which reports up to a 66% success rate with need for blood tests to monitor for possible liver damage.
• Laser treatment

How does the laser treatment work?

• Dr. Penn uses a Q-Switched NdYAG laser which is one of the most advanced dermatologic lasers currently available. In 3-10 billionths of a second, impulses of high power laser energy pass through the nail to the nail bed and nail growth area with typically no damage to the nail or surrounding skin. At the time of the procedure the fungus is expected to be destroyed. However, no visible change is seen until the nail begins to grow out. In a few months, a more normal nail is expected to appear with complete regrowth of the nail taking up to 9-12 months.

What is the recovery period?

• No post treatment pain has been reported. You may resume all normal activities immediately. If you have any questions or problems, please contact our office.

Is the procedure painful?

• Most people do not feel any pain. Some patients may experience slight warmth or occasional snapping sensation during the procedure. If you have any pain during the procedure, the laser power can be decreased slightly to eliminate any pain. No anesthesia is needed.

How long does the procedure take?

• The amount of time varies on the degree of involvement of the nails. Very thick nails are mechanically reduced to a more normal thickness with specialized equipment. The laser is then applied typically taking only a few minutes. Overall, a visit for consultation and treatment will usually take about 30 minutes.

Can the fungus return or not go away?

• The fungal infection is expected to improve with just one treatment. Clinical reports to date have been encouraging with most patients noticing significant improvement. As with all medical procedures, a 100% guarantee is not possible. In addition, since fungus is present everywhere in the environment, reinfection may occur. Dr. Penn will recommend preventative strategies to reduce the chance of reinfection. Changing socks and shoes frequently is helpful, as well as controlling perspiration if present.

Can I polish my nails or have a pedicure?

• You can apply polish to the nail immediately after the laser treatment. However it is important to remove all nail polish prior to your treatment.

How much does laser treatment cost?

The cost varies depending on the number of nails involved and severity of the infection. The national average for laser treatment is between $500 and $1200. However, since our practice offers the most state-of –the-art laser equipment, we can provide the most effective treatment in less time and at a reduced cost. Our fees range between $295 and $565. A free consultation can be provided to determine if you are a good candidate for laser treatment. Please refer to our fee schedule for costs. The charges are based on the number of nails with obvious involvement. Follow up visits are provided during the first year at no charge. Payment plans are available through CareCredit.

The Cost of Laser Nail Fungus Removal

Are you interested in getting a laser treatment for toenail fungus but are not sure if you can afford it? Does it work and is the cost worth it? These are all perfectly good questions and ones that you might be wondering about if you have only heard recently about the treatment.

In this post, we will take a look at the average cost of getting toenail fungus laser treatment near you. Moreover, we will take a look at how it works and what you can expect out of it. Only then can you decide whether it is the right nail fungus treatment for you.

A review of nail fungal infection laser treatment
Would you like to have clear healthy nails again? Without having to take potentially toxic oral medication? Lance Penn Podiatrist explains the different fungal nail treatment options​

Lasers have been used for treating all sort of problems from hair loss and corrective eye surgery to the eradication of toenail fungus. Most podiatrists (doctors that specialise on foot and ankle problems) readily recommend laser treatment against toenail fungus, and for good reasons.

Unlike antifungal medications which are often ineffective against moderate to severe cases of toenail fungus, laser treatment has a higher success rate and is more convenient. The average cost per session of laser is $140.

Is it for you?

Given the figures mentioned above, you might be wondering – is laser nail fungus treatment worth it? For you to arrive at an answer, it would be best to understand how toenail fungus removal works.

Now it is not that complicated; a specialised laser energy is directed to the afflicted toenail and seeps deep into the nail bed where the fungal infection thrives. Hence unlike oral or topical antifungal treatment, a laser-based approach targets the problem right at its source and patients can expect their nails to get back to normal after one to three sessions depending on the severity of the problem.

Arrange a consultation and see before and after pictures of toenail fungus laser treatment
Of course, the best way to learn about what nail fungus laser treatment can do for you is to talk with one of our experts here at “Modpod Sports Podiatry”. Our doctors will show you pictures indicative of the kind of results you can expect out of laser toenail fungus removal. Call us today on 1300 809 87 and get all the help you need with just about any foot or ankle problem.

How effective is the laser procedure?

Current studies show benefit in 80% to 88% of nails. It does take a few months to start seeing healthy nail growth. The laser has received FDA-Clearance for treatment of Nail Fungus.

How does the laser work?

The laser works by emitting a laser light near the infra red spectrum and produces heat, that penetrates the nail and surrounding tissue, causing nail fungus to die. The treatment takes less than 20 minutes. Normally there is no pain but sometimes you may have warm or tingling sensation. 

What do I do to get my nails ready for treatment?

You will need to remove all polish and lotions from the nail bed area the day before treatment. We may need to trim the nail before treatment but we will take care of that if its necessary.

What is the care after Laser treatment?

There is no time off work or activities. You can polish the nails or get a pedicure immediately after treatment. You will need to spray all of your shoe with a anti-fungal spray to reduce the possibility or re-infection.

How much does Laser Treatment cost?

The cost is $600.00 for one foot and $800.00 for both. This includes a follow-up evaluation and treatment if necessary within 1 to 3 months. Nail fungus laser treatment isn’t covered by insurance but  you can use Health Savings Accounts for payment.

If you have had the fungus for more than ten years and it is very resistant to treatment, you may need a maintenance program to control your nail fungus. For patients who fall into this category, we advise a maintenance program that consists of a treatment six months following discharge and an additional treatment in another six months (approximately one year following your original discharge). It is our experience that only about 15 percent of all patients need the maintenance program.  Fee for each treatment in the maintenance program is $100.00.

Pros And Cons Of Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

Pros

• It goes quickly: The treatment of all of your toes can be treated in a single office appointment that is quite short in duration.
• This works really well… It is possible to cure the majority of an infection with just one treatment. When compared to other topical medications, it is more successful at reaching to the root of the problem than any other such medication.
• It has been successful: According to some study, laser therapy dramatically improved the condition of up to 85% of patients.
• The absence of any adverse effects: Additionally, in contrast to certain medications, the laser does not produce any discomfort and does not endanger the health of the liver.
• Nothing can be considered a restriction: When that is complete, you will be able to immediately resume your activity!

Cons

• There is no guarantee that it will work: Even though the vast majority of people claim to have achieved success, not everyone will.
• On the other hand, the infection could come back: Fungus does not have a “cure,” which means that you can still get it again.
• Continue to be required to wait for recovery: As is the case with any other method, your nails will not give the impression of improvement until they have grown out.

Does Insurance Cover Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

Health insurance plans do not cover nail fungus laser therapy since it is regarded as an aesthetic procedure. Yet, many patients have tried taking those for months at a time without result, and the cost of laser treatment is LOWER than that of many oral prescription anti-fungal treatments.