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    What Are Fungal Nail Infections?

    Around half of all nail disease can be attributed to onychomycosis, or nail fungus. This common disorder appears most frequently in the toenails but can be well-treated with medications or laser therapy. Nail fungus can be contracted through contact with contaminated surfaces at the gym, in communal showers, or in any moist, warm environment. As with many ailments, it is easiest to treat nail fungus when it first occurs. As time passes, the nail can sustain more damage, which may also spread to the nail bed. Symptoms of nail fungus include:

    • Loss of nail luster
    • Brittleness
    • Yellowness
    • Discolored streaks
    • Nails that separate from the nail bed
    • Spots

    How Is Nail Fungus Treated?

    Nail fungus is a prevalent issue for patients all over the world. However, there are a wide array of treatments available that can help patients improve the appearance of the nails and reclaim their confidence going barefoot. These include:

    • Topical treatments – These are medications and ointments applied directly to the nail on a daily basis.
    • Oral treatments – These are medications taken by mouth to eradicate fungal infections.
    • Surgery – The nail can be completely removed via a surgical procedure.
    • Laser therapy – Laser therapy is the ideal way to remove fungus from the nails. It is painless and quick, and there is no downtime to contend with.

    What Does Laser Therapy For Nail Fungus Entail?

    Before your session, you should clip your nails and remove any nail polish. Your nail will be cleansed of any debris, dirt, or oil. During laser nail fungus removal, the laser heat warms the nail and the nail bed, killing off the infection and enhancing the growth of the clear portion of the nail. The nail may feel slightly warm during your session but this is only evidence that the treatment is working. 

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    Why choose Korman Plastic Surgery?

    Dr. Joshua Korman is a Fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of aesthetic expertise. He is a prolific author, speaker, and mentor, shaping the scientific minds of tomorrow through his role as Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery at Stanford University’s School of Medicine. Thanks to his impressive cosmetic results, state-of-the-art techniques, and compassionate demeanor, Dr. Korman has been named a “Top Doctor” by Castle Connoly for seven years in a row.

     He has appeared frequently as a contributor to ABC’s “20/20”, CNN, The New York Times, and Ebony Magazine. When he’s not helping his patients in San Jose, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Carmel to achieve their vision of a more attractive, inviting appearance, Dr. Korman is active as a humanitarian, traveling the globe to deliver superior medical care to underserved populations.

    What Are The Benefits Of Laser Nail Fungus Removal?

    Laser nail fungus removal comes with a wide range of advantages, including the following:

    • An excellent alternative to oral and topical medications
    • Selectively targets the fungal infection, leaving the healthy skin and nail bed intact
    • Highly effective treatment with a high rate of patient satisfaction
    • Long-lasting, reliable results
    • Minimal pain and discomfort
    • No negative side effects
    • Safe for all ages
    • Quick treatment time
    • Patients can immediately resume their normal activities
    • Natural-looking nail appearance after growing out
    • Enhanced self-confidence
    • Expanded choices when it comes to footwear
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    Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Laser Nail Fungus Removal?

    Ideal candidates for laser nail fungus removal are healthy individuals with realistic expectations for their results. They may be dealing with an unsightly fungal infection in the nails that has compromised their appearance and has led to symptoms such as nail brittleness, yellow streaks, discoloration, and poor nail texture. Laser therapy is an excellent choice for those who wish to avoid other treatments that come with higher risks. Dr. Korman and his team will conduct a thorough and detailed consultation, assessing your nail health and reviewing your overall medical history to determine your candidacy for laser nail fungus removal.

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    Is there any downtime after treatment?

    After treatment, the targeted nail may feel warm for several hours. Avoid picking at or scratching your nails. You can wash the nail with mild soap and water as needed, taking care to pat the area dry rather than rubbing it. You should avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks after your treatment, as this will reduce the likelihood of dark or light spots.

    Using bleach, clean all surfaces in your home where you walk barefoot, including inside the shower. This will help prevent the possibility of future reinfection. You might also want to buy some new shoes and socks. It can take 3-6 months to see the full results of your laser treatment, as this is the usual amount of time it can take for the nail to grow out.

    Nail Fungus Removal FAQ

    Is nail fungus removal painful?

    How many sessions will I need?

    Are there any side effects?

    Is nail fungus removal painful?

    There is minimal discomfort associated with laser nail fungus removal. During your session, you may encounter short-lived sensations of warmth, tingling, or stinging. These are normal side effects and most patients find them very tolerable.

    How many sessions will I need?

    The exact number of sessions you will need depends on factors such as the severity of your infection, the number of nails to be treated, whether the infection has spread to the nail bed, and your personal reaction to laser therapy. In general, patients can expect to undergo 4-10 sessions spaced out 4-8 weeks apart in order to achieve their ideal outcome.

    Are there any side effects?

    The only side effects to speak of with laser nail fungus removal are mild soreness or sensitivity in the treated nails. You may also encounter minor skin peeling around the edge of the nail. These symptoms usually fade within a few days, however, and are no cause for concern.

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