Hot Laser Therapy for Toenails
At Coastal Foot & Ankle Center in Naples, Florida, Dr. Christopher Calcagni offers hot laser therapy as an effective, noninvasive treatment option for patients suffering from stubborn toenail fungus, as well as painful warts and unsightly varicose veins.
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is an infection that causes changes in the appearance and texture of toenails such as:
- Discoloration that is usually yellow, white, or brown
- Flakiness under or on the nail
- Detachment of the nail from the nail bed beneath it
- A thickening of the nail or a change in texture
- An abnormal change in the shape of the nail
In treating onychomycosis, the laser device emits pulses of energy that deliver heat to body tissues. The laser energy penetrates the toenail to reach the fungus beneath the nail bed. The mold or fungal cells absorb the heat, which kills the microbe.
Before you undergo hot laser therapy, Dr. Calcagni will evaluate your nail symptoms and possibly file down the nail. The procedure itself typically lasts no more than 30 minutes and involves maneuvering the laser over the affected nails.
Although a single treatment may treat the problem, additional treatments may be necessary, depending on the results. In any case, it may take six to 12 months to determine if the treatment has been successful once the nail has grown out. Nevertheless, hot laser therapy has been found to outperform the use of oral and topical medications to treat the condition.
Whether you’re dealing with toenail fungus or some other foot or ankle condition, Coastal Foot & Ankle Center has a solution to your problem. Dr. Calcagni is a highly skilled podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon with specialized training in minimally invasive and noninvasive procedures and is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for patients with foot and ankle injuries.
To arrange an appointment with Dr. Calcagni, contact Coastal Foot & Ankle Center in Naples, Florida, today at (239) 596-7024 or simply use our convenient online request an appointment form.