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  • 403.685.0110
  • CALGARY, AB CANADA

    • LASER | BOTOX | SKIN | BODY

    Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

    Eliminate Nail Fungus for Good

    Westside Laser & Light in SW Calgary offers a safe, affordable and effective solution for the unsightly problem of nail fungus.
    Be sure to check with your provider as this treatment may be covered under insurance plans.

    Our office is unique in that we use two lasers for a more comprehensive treatment and improved results. 

    Cutera® Laser Genesis for nail fungus uses a Health Canada approved 1064 nm laser to eliminate the fungus over a series of three treatments, typically.

    In addition,we use a fractionated laser to prepare tiny holes in the nail on the first appointment. This is to improve the penetration of topical fungal remedies such as the JUBLIA solution that we prescribe along with laser therapy.

    This approach along with strict adherence to home-care instructions has proven to be an effective treatment for the unsightly problem of nail fungus.

    A New Treatment for Nail Fungus

    Nail fungus is a widespread condition, affecting 20% of the population. It is characterized by a discoloration of the affected nail (white, yellow, brown), and brittleness or crumbling, and a thickening of the nail. Historical treatment options for nail fungus have been innefective or known to have unwanted side effects, particularly to the liver.

    Since receiving Health Canada approval in 2010, laser treatment for nail fungus has emerged as the most effective treatment option by far.

    The top reasons for wanting treatment are:

    1. Cosmetic Reasons
    2. Pain and Mobility
    3. Recurrence and Transmission of the infection to others.

    Prior to the advent of laser treatment, nail fungus treatment options were ineffective and often came with harmful side effects with oral medications.

    Call us today for a free consultation 403.685.0110. REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

    Treatments are quick and relatively pain-free in our upscale and award-winning treatment facility located in SW Calgary.  Our patients feel comfortable with the knowledge and professionalism of our highly trained skin laser technicians.  In addition to laser nail fungus treatments, we provide the latest anti-aging and aesthetic treatments with a number of different laser technologies.  Our strength is in laser/skin tissue interaction so your safety is our top concern.

    Laser nail treatment is a popular service at our clinic and we enjoy getting to know our patients as they visit us every 6 weeks or so. Treatments are usually 30 minutes and easy to book.  Most often, your next appointment is reserved at the end of your last treatment and three treatments is all that most patients need.

    Scheduling an appointment with us is simple and we provide an informative and free consultation.

    CHECK WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR COVERAGE

    Your health insurance plan may cover all or a portion of your treatment. Coverage varies so please check with your provider. You may request pre-approval information from Westside Laser & Light to provide your provider. Call us for details.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    How does the laser work?

    The laser is a specially designed, patented device that shines through your toenail and vaporizes the germs embedded in your nail bed and nail plate that causes toenail fungus.

    Is this laser treatment painful?
    The laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue. There is minimal discomfort during or after the treatment and most sensation is due to a quick pulse of heat.

    How long does the treatment take?
    It takes approximately 10 minutes to treat a big toe and we usually treat all toes, taking about 30 minutes per patient. The vast majority of our patients require 3 treatments.  More treatments are necessary depending on the severity.

    Does it really work?
    The clinical studies to date reveal that over 70% of treated patients show significant improvement. In most cases fungus nails are completely cured.

    How soon will I see improvement?
    On average, a toenail will replace itself every 6 to 12 months.  Healthy new growth will be visible within the first 3 – 6 months.

    Is this treatment safe?
    Yes. Clinical studies show there have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side effects. As you may know, the use of medication available today for treatment of fungus nails carries with it possible systemic involvement (commonly the liver and kidney). This laser treatment does not.

    Do I have to take any drugs as part of the treatment?
    No. No drugs are taken. We offer a prescription for topical antifungal creams to keep the fungus from re-infecting.

    Can I walk after the treatment?
    Yes, you will be able to walk out of the office just as well as you walked in. The treatment does not harm you in any way.  You will need to, however, wear other clean shoes or sandals as you leave and not the shoes you wore in.  It is ideal to bring NEW socks and shoes to your treatment to wear home OR disinfect your shoes with the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer (sold here at our clinic).

    How Can I Avoid Toe Fungus?
    Fungus can enter the nail through a cuticle trimming, through an injury near the nail or even a crack on the surface of the skin near the nail.  Killing the nail fungus does not mean you will not get it again. What you need to do is practice good foot hygiene, which, as simple as it sounds, is really tough for some people.

    Avoid moist, wet environments, meaning public showers, pools and locker rooms. Dry conditions and sun exposure is a great way to avoid re-infection.

    Be careful when you go for a pedicure. The pedicurist should avoid trimming the cuticles too short, which creates more opportunities for fungus to infect the nail.

    Pay attention to your own home. You have to clean out your shower stall and check that bath mat you’ve been stepping on for the past few months — it can be infested with fungus.

    Check your shoes. Fungus could be alive and well in those favorite sneakers you’ve been wearing for years.  Refer to the SteriShoe® for a cost-effective solution to eliminating the fungus from your shoes.

    POST TREATMENT AND HOME CARE

    Because nail fungus is in your present in your environment, you can protect your investment in laser treatment by doing what you can to avoid reinfection.  Laser treatment is performed every 6 weeks and here are some good tips for what to do at home to help make sure that you aren’t reinfecting your toes after a successful laser treatment.

    It is recommended clean your shower, avoid walking barefoot in public places where there is water on the tiles such as swimming pools and showers at the gym. Most importantly, the fungus in your footwear must be addressed.

    Below, we discuss some key tips what to do at home between laser treatments as well as a cost-effective option for sanitizing your shoes instead of throwing them out.

    Protect Your Investment in Laser Treatment with the SteriShoe® UV Shoe Sanitizer

    It’s not pretty, but your shoes contain the same fungus that is in your toe nails. It makes sense, right? That’s why we recommend the SteriShoe as a practical and effective alternative to throwing out your shoes. Only the SteriShoe sanitizer is clinically proven to kill up to 99.9% of the fungus, bacteria and viruses in shoes. Unlike chemical sprays and powders that only mask odors (and with the leading product label that tells you not too spray on clothing or skin), only SteriShoe is clinically proven to disinfect shoes with ultraviolet (UVC) light. UV light is so effective it’s used to sanitize hospital operating rooms. SteriShoe is so effective it’s earned the American Podiatric Medicine Association Seal of Approval. SteriShoe protects your investment in laser treatment and is less expensive than throwing away your contaminated shoes. SteriShoe treats the potential source of the problem by disinfecting your shoes with the SteriShoe sanitizer. SteriShoe is $250.

    Post Treatment Care

    We recommend that you bring clean socks to wear after your laser treatment.

    During your first laser treatment, we will disinfect your shoes with your SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer (if purchased) while your toes are being treated with the laser. During the course of your laser treatment, continue to disinfect your shoes after each use with SteriShoe.

    After you shower, dry your feet and toes thoroughly.  Keep nails trimmed.

    Alternate your shoes daily: do not wear the same pair of shoes on consecutive days. This allows for the moisture in your shoes to dry out (your feet sweat an average of 16 oz per day!!).

    Your laser treatment may be supplemented with the use of a topical medication. Applying the new JUBLIA® (efinaconazole) Topical Solution 10% daily. Use as directed.

    Getting your feet to breath, allowing them to be in more open air. There is nothing better for your feet post laser treatment than a sunny day at the beach barefoot. The sand, sun air and saltwater all work to keep your feet fungus free.

     

    Call 403.685.0110 for a free consultation.

    REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION