SmartFoot Podiatry
LASER TREATMENT FOR
TOENAIL FUNGUS GETS
RESULTS.. FAST!
New Tech
We now offer the latest in Laser technology
Q-CLEAR™ compact laser system which is FDA cleared for the treatment of onychomycosis (Fungal Nails) as well as Vascular Lesions, plantars warts Vericose veins, Common Nevi (moles), Pigmented Lesions, Tattoo Removal, Café-au-lait spots, Seborrheic Keratoses, Skin Resurfacing, Hair Reduction, Telangiectasias, and Port Wine Stains
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment of the nail may reduce excessive thick-ness, improve appearance, and make trimming easier. It may also resolve the underlying fungal infection and prevent additional infection by opportunistic organisms. Generally speaking, the earlier treatment is begun, the better the outcome. That said, treatment of fungal or dystrophic nails is not generally considered medically necessary unless other factors are present such as diabe-tes, poor circulation, excessive pressure, pain, or lack of normal sensation.
The Q-Clear™ is the ONLY Laser System in the market with such great results and no side effects.
The Q-Clear™ laser system has been cleared by the US FDA for multiple indications including “temporary increase of clear nail in patients with Onychomycosis. Its Clinical study showed more than 95% efficacy and no pain. It is one of the few FDA cleared lasers for fungal nails that the efficacy is on its 510K
How can I use Q-Clear™ 1064nm?
The Q-Clear™ 1064nm wavelength is indicated for:
1. Podiatry – for incision, excision, vaporization of soft tissues including:
• Matrixectomy
• Warts including periungual, subungual, and plantar warts
• Radical nail excision
• Neuromas
Treatment for toenail fungus is safe and effective. It’s fast, painless…and takes less than 10 minutes per treatment.
Toenail fungus affects nearly 25 million people around the United States, alone. The toenail fungus causes the toenail to be very hard, thick and turn yellow. If you have a fungus infection and you are thinking about different treatments, there are a few options:
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Not having treatment and living with the condition.
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The use of liquid antifungals such as prescription Penlac which reports a 7% cure rate and 44% improvement rate.
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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.
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Laser treatment with no side-effects.
2. Dermatology / Plastic Surgery
• Lesions of the skin and subcontaneous tissue
• Spider veins
• Debridement of decubitus ulcer
• Treatment of keloids
3. General Dermatology
• Dark ink tattoo removal
• Treatment of pigmented lesions (particularly Nevus of Ota)
• Removal or lightening of hair
• Skin resurfacing with or without adjuvant preparation
• Treatment of common Nevi
The Q-Clear™ Laser System is indicated for use for the temporary increase of clear nail in patients with onychomycosis (e.g., dermatophytes Trychophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, and/or yeasts Candida albicans, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do we use a laser system to treat Fungal Nails?
Dr. Dix uses the Q-Clear™ Nd:YAG laser system, which has been FDA approved for treatment of fungal nails and for a variety of other podiatric and dermatologic conditions. Clinical studies have shown this laser system to be highly effective in improving nails that have been discolored or deformed due to fungal and certain other infections. In clinical use, treatments using the Q-Clear™ laser system have been shown to be substantially more effective in clearing nails than treatments relying on topical or systemic medications. There have been no reported incidents of any significant adverse effects due to these treatments.
How does the laser treatment work?
The Q-Clear™ laser system targets the fungi disrupting the growth of healthy nails. It is designed not to harm (”anti-target”) the healthy
tissues surrounding the nail. It does this by sending a high intensity burst of light, with just the right characteristics (wavelength, uence, and
temporal format) to pass through the nail plate without injuring the underlying skin. At the time of treatment no visible change is seen. A more normal nail is expected to appear as the nail grows out. Usually some improvement can be seen within a few months following treatment, but complete regrowth of the nail may take up to a year.
What pre-treatment preparation is required?
It is important to remove all nail polish prior to your treatment. It is also important to have all nails as clean and clear as possible. An extra pair of clean, unworn socks should be taken with you to the treatment session.
What is the recovery period?
In most cases, no recovery period is needed. You may resume all normal activities immediately. You can even apply nail polish immediately after the laser treatment. In some cases, usually those involving prolonged fungal infections or open lesions in or around the nail, some additional therapy and some recovery period may be needed. To forestall reinfection, use of a topical anti-fungal medication may be recommended. After treatment attention should be given to keep shoes disinfected and dry. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our office.
Is the procedure painful?
Most people do not feel any pain. Some patients may experience slight warmth or an occasional snapping sensation during the procedure. If you experie nce any unpleasantness during the procedure, please let us know immediately, as the laser settings can be adjusted to alleviate it. No anesthesia is used before or during treatment.
How long does the procedure take?
The amount of time varies on the degree of involvement of the nails. Very thick nails may be mechanically or chemically reduced to a more normal thickness prior to treatment. The laser treatment is then applied. Typically, the treatment takes only a few minutes. A visit for consultation and treatment will usually take less than 30 minutes.
How many treatments will be needed?
Most often one treatment is sufficient to permit the nail to begin more healthy growth. In some cases, particularly those where there had been prolonged or more severe involvement, additional treatments may be needed. Observation and retreatment, if needed, is usually done
at two to three month intervals. It is important to continue preventative measures to reduce chances of reinfection.
Can the nail not improve?
The nail is expected to improve with just one treatment. Clinical reports to date have been encouraging with most patients noticing significant improvement. However, as with all medical procedures, a 100% guarantee is not possible. Please ask about additional measures you can take to maintain healthy nails. Changing socks and shoes frequently is always helpful. Fungi love to grow in warm wet places, so keeping shoes and socks dry is important. Also, the use of certain topical antifungal medications may help prevent reinfection.
Is the laser treatment covered by my health insurance?
The procedure is not usually covered by health insurance. If you are diabetic, paraplegic, or have a problem with circulation to your feet your insurance may cover some or all of the cost of treatment.
What is the cost?
The cost varies depending on the number of nails involved and severity of the infection. We will be happy to discuss our fee schedule with you prior to your treatment.
Miami FL, USA
ALL AGES CAN BENEFIT FROM A FOOT EXAM
