PinPointe FootLaser® Treatment For Toenail Fungus

  • Published 7/22/2024
  • Last Reviewed 11/15/2024
Pinpoint laser for toenail fungus

What causes toenail fungus? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), toenail fungus can affect up to 14% of people. Also called onychomycosis, fungal nail infections of the toes are a common but irritating problem. 

 

Toenail fungus is usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes. When the fungi get between your toenail and your nail bed, infection can set in. The condition becomes known as tinea unguium, and the issue is twofold: a local infection of both fungi and bacteria. You may notice discoloration and warping or twisting of the nail that indicates an infection. But its location deep within the nails can make it tricky to treat.

 

The PinPointe FootLaser for nail fungus is a revolutionary treatment for toenail fungal infections that is more effective and safer than traditional remedies like topical and oral antifungal medications.

Treating toenail fungus with a laser vs traditional treatments 

Traditional remedies for toenail fungus include topical medications and ointments, both over-the-counter and prescriptive. However, the efficacy of these preparations is limited because they usually cannot penetrate deep enough to take effect. 

 

Systemic medications, taken orally, use a more direct approach to address the fungus. You take the pill, the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream, and the fungus is attacked during the nail formation process. However, these medications have significant side effects; some are potentially so hazardous that constant monitoring of liver function is required.

 

The PinPointe Foot Laser treatment for toenail fungus is different. 

 

Getting rid of toenail fungus with laser therapy 

Given all the negative aspects of traditional toenail fungus treatments, it’s a huge plus that a new approach provides markedly better results than ointments or oral medication.

 

The Pinpointe Foot Laser treatment for toenail fungus 

UFAI utilizes the FDA-approved PinPointe laser system to eradicate toenail fungal infections. This laser treatment provides the photomechanical disruption necessary to kill the fungal colonies.

 

How does the PinPointe FootLaser work? 

In short, the very precise laser device of the PinPointe system can penetrate through the nail plate to kill the fungus at its source. Laser light, like that used in the PinPointe FootLaser, relies on heat to eradicate fungi and germs without harming surrounding skin or healthy tissue.

 

How effective is the FDA-cleared PinPointe laser surgery for toenail fungus? 

The PinPointe laser treatment is highly specialized and effective, especially compared to earlier laser systems. Clinical studies found that 70-85% of patients treated by a Pinpointe laser report significant improvement after a single treatment. Laser therapy for nail fungus has a much higher cure rate than other treatment options, like topical and oral antifungal medications. Generally, clear nail growth will appear over 6 to 12 months as the new nail grows.

 

It’s a more effective and safer treatment than topical ointment or orally administered medicine. The laser system does not have the same risks as oral antifungal medications. It’s so accurately targeted that there’s no adverse effect on the tissue surrounding the nail. There are no side effects or serious complications to worry about either.

 

What can I expect during PinPointe FootLaser treatment? 

A laser procedure with the PinPointe system usually takes less than an hour. Treating an individual nail takes only a few minutes. It does not require anesthetics or pain medication because the PinPointe system is essentially painless. Some patients report a warming sensation as the laser treats the nail.

 

What happens after treatment with the PinPointe laser? 

After a treatment session with the nail fungus laser, there is no necessary downtime, so you can immediately return to your ordinary activities. Nails are slow-growing, so you may not notice a visual difference immediately. Within 1-3 months, you should see clearer nail growth beginning at the base of your nails. In general, toenails take 12-18 months to grow out completely, so it could be a year before your nails look completely healthy and clear.

 

After laser toenail fungus removal, it’s important to take steps to reduce re-infection. This means washing footwear items with bleach or getting rid of them entirely. Being mindful of your hygiene at public places like the gym or swimming pool can also help prevent the infection from returning. Our doctors will provide post-procedure foot care instructions on how to prevent re-infection.

 

Why choose University Foot and Ankle Institute for PinPointe Laser Near Me? 

The University Foot and Ankle Institute podiatrists have decades of successful experience diagnosing and treating toenail fungus. Our nationally recognized foot and ankle specialists offer the most advanced podiatric care and the highest success rates nationwide. We are leaders in researching and treating all foot and ankle conditions.

 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call (877) 736-6001 or visit us here to request appointment online.

 

University Foot and Ankle Institute is conveniently located throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. Our foot doctors are available at podiatry locations in or near Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, Downtown Los Angeles, Westlake Village, Santa Barbara and Valencia.

 

 

PinPointe Laser Treatment FAQs 

 

Does the PinPointe Laser have FDA clearance? 

Clinical studies began in 2007 for the treatment of nail fungal infections with the PinPointe Laser. In 2010, the FDA approved the PinPointe FootLaser by PinPointe USA for treating onychomycosis.

 

Does insurance cover laser toenail fungus treatment? 

In most cases, nail fungus treatment plan is considered an aesthetic procedure, so it is not covered by insurance. However, you may be able to use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).

 

Can you cure toenail fungus at home? 

Several over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments are available, as well as at-home toenail fungus treatment natural remedies. However, they may not penetrate deep enough into the nail layers to be an effective treatment to eradicate and heal toenail fungus. If your nail fungal infection persists, it’s recommended that you visit your doctor or dermatologist.

 

Can you apply nail polish after the PinPointe treatment?

Yes, you can apply polish immediately after the treatment. However, it is important that you remove all polish the day before your treatment.

 

What causes toenail fungus? 

Toenail fungus thrives in moist environments like locker rooms and public pools and can develop from conditions such as athlete's foot or an ingrown toenail. People who have diabetes, poor circulation, a weak immune system, excessively sweaty feet, or toenail injuries are at an increased risk of contracting toenail infections like fungus.

 

It often causes a crumbly, thickened, discolored fungal toenail with a foul odor and requires proper care and hygiene to prevent or treat.

 

The condition becomes known as tinea unguium, and the issue is twofold: a local infection of both fungi and bacteria.

 

 

Sources

Bodman MA, Syed HA, Krishnamurthy K. Onychomycosis. [Updated 2024 Jan 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441853/

 

“FDA Approves Laser Device for Treatment of Nail Fungus.” Dermatology Times, Dermatology Times, 2 Nov. 2010, www.dermatologytimes.com/view/fda-approves-laser-device-treatment-nail-fungus

  • Dr. Gina Nalbandian, DPM

    Dr. Gina Nalbandian specializes in reconstructive and revisional foot and ankle surgery, foot and ankle trauma, sports medicine, lapiplasty, and limb salvage.

     

    While an undergrad, Gina volunteered at free clinics, hospitals and with the AIDS Project in Los Angeles, all the while exploring various careers in medicine. She also conducted and published her research in the lab on campus. “I soon found out that the lab life wasn’t for me, and I wanted a more hands-on approach to medicine,” she says.

     

    Dr. Nalbandian did her residency at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Boston, which is affiliated with Tufts University. As a resident, she served an academic coordinator and chief resident.

     

    A resident of Sherman Oaks, Gina continues to volunteer her expertise with the Special Olympics, Happy Feet (providing foot care at homeless shelters), and the Boston Marathon.

  • Dr Hamed Jafary DPM

    Dr. Hamed Jafary is a Board-Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM). He  specializes in trauma, reconstructive surgery, Charcot reconstruction, Ilizarov external fixation, and sports medicine. He is also a member of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Pediatric Medicine.

     

    When not tending to patients at University Foot and Ankle Institute, Dr. Jafary utilizes his surgical expertise assisting those less fortunate. As a member of the Yucatan Crippled Children Foundation, he has traveled to Mexico several times and performed hundreds of limb correction surgeries on children with disabling foot and ankle disorders.

20,404 Total 1st Party Reviews / 4.9 out of 5 Stars
  • Google
    A great experience was had. Good service and very friendly to my little dog Brownie.
    Samuel E.
  • GatherUp
    All is good
    Robert B.
  • GatherUp
    Easy. Courteous timely
    Ellen D.
  • GatherUp
    All good but I'd like more information about where the break occurred in my toe. (and to look at the x-ray next time)
    Charlotte S.
  • GatherUp
    As regard to myself - Dr Jafary & staff have ALWAYS provided me with top rate, excellent care. For my wife, who Dr Jafary perf...
    George H.
  • GatherUp
    Very informative! Very friendly staff.
    Patricia M.
  • GatherUp
    Appreciate your fine work! Tom Eddinger
    Thomas E.
  • GatherUp
    Very comfortable with the doctor.
    Will definitely return.
    Frank M.
  • GatherUp
    excellent
    Polly G.
  • GatherUp
    Dr Jafary is personable and cares about each and every patient. He never rushes me through. The office staff are wonderful as w...
    Lori R.
  • Google
    Dr. Baravarian and his staff were all very polite and punctual. I’ve probably been one of the patients of least acuity but they...
    Jennifer M.
  • Yelp
    I have been a patient of Dr Franson for several years and plan on remaining with his office as long as he is in practice in my ...
    Joan A.
Same Day Appointments
Now Available!

Or call 877-989-9110

24 hours a day, 7 days a week