FAQs

When is the treatment carried out?

In most cases, the laser treatment is carried out immediately after the consultation.

How long is an appointment?

An appointment lasts an hour and a half with consultation and treatment.

Is there a charge for the consultation?

We do not usually make a charge for the initial consultation element of the treatment in order to determine if the PinPointe FootLaser treatment is suitable. We do request that you let us know in advance if you specifically do not want any treatment carried out on that day so we can allocate a shorter time for this (15 minutes). Consultation only appointments are usually available until 3pm at Harley Street and until 8pm in Radlett. Out of these hours a £50 charge is made, refundable against any treatment.

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of the treatment is £750. This includes the consultation, treatment of all the toenails with the PinPointe FootLaser and two follow up appointments – usually at 6 and 12 months. We will also provide antifungal spray to use on your feet initially and also advise you on prevention of re-infection and footcare.

Can I pay by instalments?

A 0% finance plan can be arranged to pay over 10 months for example. We can discuss this with you.

What if I only have one toenail affected?

The guidelines for use of this technique have advised that all the nails should be treated to prevent fungal spores spreading. With toenails especially, because they are tightly packed against each other in shoes and in a warm moist environment the chance of cross infection is high. See the question below…

Why do all my nails need treating?

The scientists at Patholase whilst researching the PinPointe FootLaser technique had detected that fungal spores could be present on otherwise healthy nails and advised that all nails should be treated to reduce the chance of reinfection.

A research study published in The British Journal of Dermatology by Walling –June 2009 assessed fungi in normal appearing nails in people who have had tinea pedis (athletes foot) and those who had never had any fungal problems.

In those cases who had tinea pedis (athletes foot), 17% had a positive result for fungus (dermatophytes) even though the nails looked normal. In the control group who also had normal nails but no previous athletes foot, one person (1.5%) had a positive result for fungus.

The conclusion was that dermatophyte fungi could be isolated from normal-appearing toenails and that the presence of these dermatophytes was strongly associated with the presence of tinea pedis. Their conclusion was that subclinical dermatophytes in the nail plate may serve as a reservoir for ongoing local infection.

What about finger nail treatment?

The PinPointe FootLaser can be used on finger nails. Finger nail treatment is assessed on a case by case basis. In some infections all the nails would be treated, in others, just the infected or neighbouring fingers.

How effective is the treatment?

The treatment has been shown to be greater than 88% effective in clinical studies. Over the past year in USA where many thousands of patients have been treated in many clinics throughout the country, this effectiveness is being maintained and improved.

How successful is this treatment at The London Nail Laser Clinic

78% of patients seen by The London Nail Laser Clinic, have reported improvements in their condition (as of 19/01/10).

What if it does not work?

The treatment has been shown to be 88% effective in a single treatment. If a second treatment is required, this is usually carried out at about 8-12 months and is chargeable at 50% of your original fee. The cases where there is total involvement of the nail and where all the nails are affected are more likely to require this second application.

Does it hurt?

The majority of patients have found the treatment to be painless. Where there is discomfort, it is usually a brief pinprick feeling or heat and rapidly passes as the nail cools.

Will the nail infection return?

As part of the consultation, advice to reduce the chance of re-infection is given. In many cases, the use of regular anti-fungal creams or sprays, avoiding walking barefoot in wet public areas, good hygiene and shoe rotation techniques are suggested.

How do you know there is a fungal nail infection?

There are specific clinical signs and details that are highly suggestive of a fungal infection. If there is a doubt then nail clippings can be taken and sent for culture. However there is a 30% false negative rate with clippings and other investigations can be carried out in these cases if suspicion is strong.

Is this covered by health insurance?

The large insurers – BUPA and AXA-PPP do not currently provide cover for the laser treatment. Some other insurers have indicated that they would pay for some members. You would need to check with your insurer. In all cases, payment is required prior to treatment, a receipt is given and you would need to claim back the amount from the insurer. We will do all we can to assist in this matter.

You can claim back your Podiatry/Chiropody cover through various cash-back plans.

Who carries out the treatment?

The PinPointe FootLaser treatment is carried out by Mrs Martine Abrahams BSc(Hons) MChS and Mr Michael Abrahams Bsc(Hons) MChS – both Podiatrists.

They are registered with the Health Professions Council.

Podiatrists are not medical doctors but specialists in the care of the foot and the structures that impact upon it. Podiatrists are Primary Care Practitioners and do not require a referral from a third party to consult.

They have each completed a Batchelor of Science degree with honours in Podiatry and they are members of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

What training is required to use the PinPointe FootLaser?

Only certified Podiatrists are able to carry out the treatment. Training and certification was awarded by Dr Michael Uro, a Podiatrist in California, USA after being trained according to the standards of PathoLase/PinPointe.

Who are PathoLase / PinPointe?

Founded in 2004, PathoLase, Inc. is a privately held emerging medical technology company with headquarters in Northern California. PathoLase has assembled a world-class group of top scientists, academic thought leaders and leading practitioners from around the U.S. and Canada to develop and bring to market a new generation of laser technology solutions that address a series of medical issues, from toenail fungus and periodontal disease to more serious life threatening problems, such as blood borne and respiratory infections. For more information please visit http://www.pinpointefootlaser.com/eu.

What is so special about this treatment?

The laser treatment for fungal nails is a breakthrough in treating the fungus infection. The laser is applied externally, in many cases just one single treatment is required. There is no requirement for oral or systemic medication that can cause side-effects. There is no requirement for painting and filing the nails to apply lacquer for months on end. There are no reported side effects.