If you have toenail fungus, you know it can be a frustrating and embarrassing problem.
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that grows under the nail and can cause discoloration and thickening of the nail. It’s common in older people and diabetics, but anyone can get it. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so it’s particularly prevalent in areas with warm climates or high humidity.
The good news is that there are many treatments for toenail fungus—including topical solutions that you can apply directly to your nails at home. In this article we’ll review one of those treatments: HyperBlue HyperBlue Laser for Toenail Fungus.
In this article, we’ll also discuss best laser for toenail fungus and pros and cons of laser treatment for toenail fungus.
A specially designed laser beams through the toenail and safely kills the organisms embedded in the nail bed that cause Onychomycosis – more commonly known as toenail fungus.
The procedure requires one or a small number of safe, quick treatments with little or no discomfort and is performed as an outpatient service with no anesthesia. The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue and treats only the infected area of the toe. No drugs or topical ointments are used, eliminating the total-body side effects of traditional oral medications.
Clinical studies show that the laser kills toenail fungus and promotes clear nail growth with a single treatment in better than 80% of cases. The laser treatment is safe, effective, and most patients improve usually after their first treatment.
Our new Hyper Blue 1530 Laser will get rid of your Nail Fungus without the issues of oral medication or the time consuming topicals. Our Laser will get your nails back to their old glow in 3-4 treatments depending on the severity of the infection. The Laser uses wavelengths that will penetrate the nail and eliminate the destructive fungus that was causing the infection and leaves the nail revitalized as it grows out.
- Safe, painless treatment
- No side effects or drugs
- No liver enzyme test required
- No recovery time, just walk in and walk out
- Only 10 minutes required to treat toe nails on both feet
- How does the laser work?
The laser light causes a temporary increase in clear nails, the laser light passes through the toe nail without causing damage to the nail or the surrounding skin. At the time of the procedure, the toe nail will not become instantly clear, it takes time to grow out. - What can I expect in the provider’s office?
A consultation with your provider, the procedure to be performed and any follow-up visits as prescribed by your provider. - Is the procedure painful?
Most people feel no pain. Some people feel a warming sensation. - Is there a recovery period?
No. Just walk in and walk out. - How long does the procedure take?
The laser procedure takes less than 10 minutes. - Will the fungus come back?
Your provider will recommend care techniques to reduce recurrence of the infection. There is a chance of reinfection because the fungus is present everywhere in the environment. Preventative maintenance treatments are also recommended. - When can I paint my nails or have a pedicure?
You can apply polish immediately after the treatment. It is important to remove all nail polish and nail decorations the day before your treatment. - How do I pay for the treatment?
Credit cards, cash, money orders are all accepted. You may also use your Medical IRA, Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account. - Is this covered by my insurance?
If you have a Health Savings Account or Medical IRA, 100% of the cost can be covered. However, in most situations, this procedure is considered aesthetic and therefore health insurance plans do not provide coverage. - Is it FDA cleared?
Yes, it is FDA cleared for the temporary increase of clear nail in patients with.
hyper blue laser for toenail fungus cost
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.
Is the laser treatment covered by my health insurance?
- No, the procedure is considered cosmetic and is not covered by any health insurance.
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.
Best Laser For Toenail Fungus
Laser treatment (using a 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser or perforated CO2 laser) for the treatment of onychomycosis has a high mycological cure rate and high safety record, and can be used successfully for the treatment and cure of onychomycosis.
Pros And Cons Of Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus
Early Studies Show High Efficacy Rates
Though laser toenail removal is a fairly new removal method, having been introduced into the medical community in the mid-2000s and approved by the FDA in 2010, the initial studies showed that it had a clinical response rate of 87%.
It Is Quick, Painless and Requires No Drugs or Anesthesia
Unlike toenail removal surgeries, laser nail fungus removal is a relatively fast procedure that requires no drugs or anesthesia. It’s also said to be painless.
Only One or Few Treatments Are Required
One of the problems with traditional removal methods is that they take a very long time to successfully administer. Topical creams usually must be applied for months, sometimes even years. Laser treatment, on the other hand, usually takes just one session.
Cosmetically, Laser Treatment Looks Better
Facing debridement or complete removal of the nail is a horrifying thought for those who suffer from toenail fungus. Laser methods keep the nail intact, meaning the nail will look better after this treatment than some other treatments.
It’s a Last Option for Recurrent Infections
When topical creams and antifungal pills don’t work in clearing up an infection (which happens often, as onychomycosis has a recurrence rate of 10% to 50%), laser removal may be a last option, short of surgically removing the nail.
Cons of Using Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
It’s Still Considered Experimental Treatment
Because few studies have been done on the efficacy of laser toenail fungus treatment and none have been done on the long-term effects of the method, it is still viewed as experimental treatment with questionable success results.
Some Argue the Treatment is Ineffective
In a recent study done with the Noveon laser, only 1/3 of patients saw results — meaning treatment could be hit or miss, depending on each individual case.
Possibility for Tissue Damage in Some Cases
As with any medical treatment, there is a slight risk involved. Though it is rare, some doctors argue that there is a possibility for skin and tissue damage when the laser beam is directed to the deepest levels of the nail.
It’s Expensive
Toenail fungus removal lasers — two being the PinPointe FootLaser and the Cutera GenesisPlus — are quite expensive for medical facilities to purchase, so the fees for patients to use them are quite high. One laser toenail fungus removal session could cost anywhere from $600 to $1500 — and it’s a process generally not covered by health insurance.
Before deciding whether or not to try laser toenail fungus removal, be sure to consult with a podiatrist or a dermatologist about your condition. Toenail fungus comes in many forms and can look like other foot diseases and ailments, so it’s important to get a positive diagnosis and professional advice before spending money on expensive treatment options.