NY Podiatrist, Dr. Isaac Tabari offers a new painless procedure for the treatment of fungal (mycotic) nails - Pinpointe Fungal Nail Laser. This breakthrough technology was introduced at the American Podiatric Medical Association annual conference in Hawaii this past summer ('08). It is known as the inpulse pinpoint laser treatment.
- This new patented laser technology kills the pathogens that cause toenail fungus (Onychomycosis)
- The gentle laser light works through the nail
- No side effects on the nail
- Does not harm the nail or skin
- Painless - no anesthesia needed
- Usually only one treatment required
-
Shoes and nail polish
can be worn immediately
after treatment
Highly effective
A fungus infection of the toenail, also known as onychomycosis, is one of the most common dermatologic disorders affecting the foot. Whereas Ringworn is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the skin, onychomycosis is a dermatophyte fungus infection of the nail. The disease is characterized by a thickening of the toenail plate, debris under the toenail, a lifting of the leading edge of the nail, a change in nail color and occasionally an odor. Patients complain that toenail fungus is ugly and embarrassing. This condition is often ignored because the infection can be present for years without causing any pain.
If ignored, the infection can spread to other toenails, the skin on the feet (ringworm or tinea pedis) and even the fingernails. Severe cases can impair one's ability to walk or lead t o painful ingrown toenails. Secondary bacterial infections may occur on or around the toenail plate.
Contributing
factors for
developing
nail fungus
infection
include:
A history
of athlete's
foot
Injury to
the nail bed
Sports/
shoe trauma
Excessive
perspiration
Diabetes
Circulatory
problems
Immune-deficiency
conditions
The best offense is a good defense. Prevention is key to avoiding fungal infection.
Prevention
tips
include:
Proper
hygiene,
i.e. washing
the feet
with soap
and water.
Dry
thoroughly;
use powder
as a drying
agent.
Daily
inspection
of the feet
and toes.
Shower shoes
should be
worn when
possible in
public
areas.
Wear shoes
that are
breathable.
Bring your
own
instruments/
nail polish
to a
pedicurist.
How does the
laser work?
This
patented laser is
specially designed to
shine through your
toenail and destroy the
specific pathogens
embedded in and under
your nail causing the
infection. The Foot
Laser operates in the
very tight spectrum of
near infa red light on
your toe. Unlike CO2
lasers of the past, this
laser safely destroys
the fungi, molds and
bacteria that often
cause onychomycosis.
The laser has a higher cure rate than Lamisil based on studies submitted to the FDA. Unlike the oral medication, the laser does not require blood testing, has no interactions with any medications, and has no risk of liver toxicity or allergic reactions.
What can
I expect
at Dr.
Tabaris
office?
An
initial
visit
for a
physical
exam and
discussion
of
treatment
options.
If nail
fungus
infection
is
confirmed,
the
laser
procedure
will be
performed
on all
ten
nails as
well as
scheduling
of
follow-up
visits
prescribed
by your
doctor.
Thick or
very
infected
nails
may
require
one or
more
treatments
to gain
clearance.
Additional
treatments
have
discounted
fees
within
the
first
year.
Is this laser
procedure painful?
The gentle laser light
beam has no effect on
healthy tissue. There is
no discomfort associated
with the treatment
during or after. This
treatment does not harm
or affect your activity
in any way.
Does it really
work?
A lot of patients in New
York are opting for the
treatment because of its
high success ratio. In
the first clinical
study, earlier this
year, 88% of the treated
patients grew out a
normal looking nail
after one treatment.
After the one treatment,
the nail plate should
grow out normally in
6-12 months if there is
a healthy nail bed. This
result is comparable to
the success rate for the
oral pill, Lamisil,
which you take for three
or four months with some
risk of side effects.
The laser treatment does
not carry the risk of
side effects. Additional
information can be found
at
www.pinpointefootlaser.com
Is this
treatment safe?
There are no age or
health restrictions or
limitations. In clinical
studies there have been
no adverse reactions,
injuries, disabilities
or known side effects.
As you may know, the use
of the medication
available today for
treatment of fungus
toenails, carries with
it possible systemic
involvement (commonly
the liver and kidney).
This laser does not!
No. Just walk in and walk out.
How long does the procedure take?
The Foot Laser procedure takes less than 30 - 40 minutes.
Will the fungus come back?
The fungus is killed after one treatment and typically Dr. Tabari recommends care techniques to reduce recurrence of the infection. There is a chance of reinfection because the fungus is present everywhere in the environment. Your doctor will recommend a topical antifungal medication to apply weekly to reduce the chance of reinfection.
When can I paint my nails or have a pedicure?
We recommend applying topical anti-fungal cream to the nails twice a day for the 1st 2 weeks. After that you may apply nail polish. It is important to remove all nail polish and nail decorations the day before your treatment.
How do I pay for the treatment?
Credit cards, cash, check, and money orders are all accepted. You may also use your Medical IRA, Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account. We also offer Care Credit which provides 6 months of interest free financing.
Is this covered by my insurance?
This procedure is considered aesthetic and therefore health insurance plans do not provide coverage. If you have a Health Savings Account or Medical IRA, 100% of the cost may be covered.
Who developed this laser procedure?
Leading scientists and medical professionals working together for 20 years with funding provided by the National Institutes of Health developed the technology in the patented PinPointe FootLaser.
Is it FDA cleared?
The Pinpointe laser is FDA-cleared as a laser for use in podiatry, dermatology and plastic surgery. However, the treatment of nail fungus is an off-label use. This means that the laser has not been approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of nail fungus. The company has submitted data to the FDA in the hope of getting approval, however there has been no approval for nail fungus treatment to date. Please contact our office if you need any clarification.
What is
the cost
of the
laser
procedure?
The
PinPointe
Foot
Laser
treatment
costs
$1,100.00.
We
perform
the
procedure
on all
10 toes.
We take
photographs
prior to
doing
the
procedure.
It
includes
follow-up
visits
for
photographs
and
evaluating
the
nails at
5 months
and 10
months.
***This material is only provided as helpful information and not as medical advice and you should consult with your foot doctor or another medical doctor for a professional diagnosis. ***
For more information on Pinpointe Fungus Nail Laser treatment and to make an appointment with the NY Laser Fungal Nails Podiatrist Foot Doctor, please call our office today at (212) 288-3137 or click here to make an appointment.
