Why use a laser?

Medicine has benefited significantly from the use of lasers. Specifically within dermatology, advances in laser technology have allowed the development of the PinPointe FootLaser to target fungal cells. Previously deployed in dental procedures, the high antifungal activity has made its current use the obvious choice.

Since its development in 2008, more than 50,000 treatments have been carried out worldwide using this direct approach. The concentrated beam is applied to the entire nail and surrounding area and it reacts directly with the fungus. By destroying the fungal cells, the nail and nail bed can heal and allow the nail to reattach and clear as it grows.

The laser has no detrimental effect on healthy skin or nail and requires no anaesthetic. It is not surgical and there is no recovery period or effect on activity after treatment.

Consultation and treatment time is typically two hours when treating both feet, with half of this time being taken using the PinPointe FootLaser directly. Many people find one treatment sufficient, but a subsequent treatment can be beneficial in some cases.

The most recent research – February 2011 – analysed more than 450 toenails at five clinics on patients previously treated with the PinPointe FootLaser and showed a near 72 per cent success. The summary can be seen in our Extras section.

There are no risks or side effects seen with the treatment. Some patients find the nails can become warm during treatment or momentarily hot. This passes as soon as the beam is moved away from the area and it cools instantly.