What to expect from a treatment

A consultation starts the treatment process. This will establish the diagnosis of nail fungus. The symptoms, signs and progression are discussed, together with any treatment options. We would discuss the expectations of the treatment and likely results. You will have the opportunity to ask questions. The nails are thinned and tidied with a water based file to remove any thickening and fungal debris. Photographs are taken for comparative purposes and monitoring of your results.

The complete laser consultation and treatment typically lasts bewteen 1 and 2 hours to treat both feet. This is ample time to allow us to discuss the treatment, prepare the nails and use the PinPointe FootLaser on the nails. The 1mm diameter beam is applied sequentially over the nails several times. Since the method of treatment relies on vaporising the fungus with heat, the nails will get warm and sometimes hot during treatment. Our experience having treated over 1000 patients ensures we keep any discomfort to a minimum and will communicate with you throughout the treatment to ensure the levels are appropriate. If it does feel too hot during treatment we would stop and move to the neighbouring nails, returning back at the end.

Antifungal cream or spray is applied to the foot. Preventive advice is given and you receive a footcare pack to take away. Since fungal nail infection is caused by contact with fungi, if care is not taken to improve levels of hygiene and reduce fungi living on the skin naturally it can recur.

We have a variety of products we advise and available to purchase to assist in maintaining the long-term health of your feet. These include antifungal shoe spray, athlete’s foot creams and sprays, tea tree foot wash and cream and antifungal aromatherapy oils. We will provide as part of the treatment cost appropriate medicaments to start this process. Our online store will allow patients and visitors alike to buy these items (June 2011).

We advise changing into a fresh pair of socks following treatment.

A second treatment is suggested and included with our inclusive plans to ensure complete eradication and peace of mind. This is carried out between 4 and 9 months. This appointment lasts about an hour depending on the original infection and the previously infected nails are treated again.

A consultation at 18 months can be arranged if required to review the final progress, file the nails and ensure care and prevention is carried out.

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