Toenail Laser

PinPointe Laser

The First Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

The PinPointe Laser is a clinically proven device designed to treat fungal infections in toenails and fingernails. We are proud to be the first medical office in Orange County to offer this innovative treatment.

  • After just one treatment, 70-85% of patients see improvement.
  • No risks or side effects like liver damage associated with oral anti-fungal medications.
  • Higher cure rates compared to topical (20% cure rate) and oral (40% cure rate) anti-fungal medications.
  • Typically less expensive than a standard course of oral anti-fungal medications.
  • A convenient, comfortable, in-office procedure.

The PinPointe Laser Procedure typically lasts between 20 to 60 minutes and is generally painless.
No anesthesia or pain medication is required.
There is no downtime after the procedure.
Typically, only one treatment is necessary.
We typically recommend treating all 10 nails, even if not all nails show signs of infection. This is because fungus may be present in nails that appear healthy, potentially causing infection later. However, we can treat just one foot or hand if the other side appears completely normal and you do not wish to prevent infection on the unaffected side.

  • After the PinPointe Laser kills the fungus in your nails, your new nail growth should proceed normally. However, toenails typically take 12-18 months to fully grow out, and fingernails take 6-9 months. Therefore, visible improvement may not be immediate after treatment. It could take over a year for your big toenail to appear completely normal, while other nails may show improvement sooner. Gradual enhancement usually starts at the base of your nails within 1-3 months.

    • Some patients may require a second treatment. If there is no improvement within 6 months or if the nails show signs of worsening, we recommend a second treatment. We offer a discount for the second treatment if it is performed within 18 months of your initial treatment.

  • Dispose of old athletic shoes and slippers, or launder them with bleach in your washing machine. Clean the inside of your remaining shoes with a solution of bleach and water. Use flip-flops in the shower and at the gym to minimize contact with fungal spores. Applying topical anti-fungal creams or powders after your treatment can further reduce the risk of reinfection. UV light disinfecting devices for shoes are available at www.sterishoe.com.

    • You will receive detailed aftercare instructions to help you prevent reinfection.

    Are there any preparations I should make before my treatment?

    • Before your treatment, please remove nail polish and trim your nails as short as possible.
    • Additionally, as an option, you may visit a nail technician prior to your laser treatment. You can ask them to thin out any infected nails to a thickness of 1 mm (only the nails that appear infected). This step may increase the likelihood of a successful cure with Pinpointe Laser treatment to 90-95%. Note that your thinned nails will be quite fragile until new nails gradually replace them, and they may be sensitive and prone to breaking for several months due to their thinness.

    Before and after images of PinPointe Nail Laser

    Understanding nail fungus and treatments for nail fungus

    Nail infections, or Onychomycosis, are usually caused by fungi such as yeasts and molds, primarily dermatophytes. The most common culprits include Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans. These fungi thrive in the layer of dead skin surrounding your nails, underneath the nail, and within the nail itself.

    Nail infections can lead to permanent nail deformities that may affect your ability to wear shoes, walk comfortably, and engage in sports and other activities. Infected nails often exhibit one or more of the following signs:

    • Yellow streaks in the skin beneath the nail or on the underside of the nail
    • Accumulation of skin and nail fragments under the nail
    • Discolored and thickened nails that may detach from the nail bed
    • Brittle, broken, and thickened nails
    • White spots or streaks on the nail surface
    • Soft and powdery nail surface as the infection progresses
    • Damaged, crumbly, and brown or gray nail surface with no separation from the underlying skin

    The PinPointe Nail Laser

    Introducing the first clinically proven laser device for treating nail fungus.

    End the discomfort and embarrassment of unsightly nail fungus with PinPointe Nail Laser. This convenient treatment helps transform discolored and disfigured nails into clearer, healthier-looking nails.

    Safe and effective, this in-office procedure is painless, has no harmful side effects, and typically takes just 20 minutes to complete.

    The Impact of Nail Fungus

    Nail fungus is a persistent condition that affects your quality of life and can pose serious health risks, especially for individuals with diabetes or immune disorders.

    Treating nail infections is challenging because the fungus resides underneath and inside the nail, making it difficult for other treatments to effectively reach and eliminate the infection. Methods like medicated nail polish or oral medications may carry side effects or interact with other medications. Home remedies such as bleach, vinegar, mouthwash, or household cleaners are often attempted but typically fail to provide a lasting solution.

    Real Patients. Real Results.

    See for yourself how our treatments can make a difference.

    Treatment Options

    What are the available treatments for nail infection?

    Nail fungus is a chronic and embarrassing condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, especially for individuals with diabetes or immune disorders. Risk factors for nail infection include family history, advancing age, poor health, nail trauma, warm or moist environments, exposure to infected nails in communal areas, and wearing tight shoes.

    Treating nail infections is challenging because the fungus resides underneath and within the nail, making it difficult for conventional treatments to effectively reach and eliminate the infection. Medications like medicated nail polish or oral antifungals may have side effects or interactions with other drugs. Home remedies such as bleach, vinegar, mouthwash, or household cleaners are often attempted but typically fail to provide lasting relief.

    The PinPointe Nail Laser is specifically designed to address the primary symptoms of discolored and unsightly nails caused by fungus.

    Consult with your healthcare provider to explore available treatment options for nail infections and determine the best approach for your condition.

    What are the benefits, disadvantages, and risks of treatment?

    Here are the benefits, disadvantages, and risks associated with oral and topical drugs, as well as PinPointe Nail Laser treatment:

    Treatment Benefits Disadvantages/Risks
    Oral Drugs
    • Effective in resolving nail infections
    • Promotes growth of new nails without signs of infection
    • Not advisable for patients with compromised health
    • Oral medications typically require a 6-12 week course
    • Effectiveness varies among individuals
    • Not suitable for patients with compromised health
    • Visible improvement after new nail growth (4-12 months)
    • Possible side effects include headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, and skin rash (allergic reactions possible)
    • Serious potential side effects include liver damage and heart failure; monitoring of liver and heart function may be necessary
    Topical Drugs
    • Has some minor effectiveness in treating nail infections
    • No significant adverse effects
    • The drug needs to be applied daily to nails for an extended period.
    • Effectiveness varies, as the drug may not penetrate the nail in some individuals to reach the infection underneath.
    PinPointe Nail Laser
    • Effective in treating nail infections, with noticeable improvement in many patients within 3, 6, 9, and/or 12 months after a single treatment session.
    • New nails grow out without signs of infection, and there are no significant adverse effects.
    • Not effective in every patient.
    • Visible improvement after nail growth (4-12 months).
    • Common side effect: feeling of warmth (during treatment only).
    • Rare side effects:
      • Discoloration or burn marks on the nail surface.
      • Mild pain or discomfort (during treatment only).
      • Redness and slight swelling of the skin around the treated nail (lasting 24-72 hours).
    • Extremely rare laser effects (not observed during clinical studies):
      • Blistering of the skin around the treated nail.
      • Scarring of the skin around the treated nail.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The PinPointe Nail Laser eliminates fungus residing in and under the nail. The laser light penetrates the nail without harming it or the surrounding skin. Results are not immediately visible as it takes time for the toenail to grow out clear after the procedure.

    The process starts with a consultation during which your provider explains the procedure and discusses any necessary follow-up visits.

    Most patients experience no pain during the procedure. Some may feel a warming sensation, while a few might feel a slight pinprick.

    No, the treatment is a walk-in, walk-out procedure.

    The PinPointe Nail Laser procedure usually takes approximately 20 minutes.

    The infection typically improves after one treatment. However, there is a risk of reinfection since the fungus is ubiquitous in the environment. Your provider will recommend care techniques to help minimize the chances of recurrence.

    You can apply nail polish immediately after the treatment. Please ensure that you remove all nail polish and decorations the day before your treatment.

    We accept credit cards, cash, and checks as payment methods.

    This procedure is considered cosmetic, so health insurance typically does not cover it. However, you can use your HSA (Health Savings Account), Medical IRA, or Flexible Spending Account to cover the cost of this procedure.

    Yes, the device has received FDA clearance.

    Contact us for more information or book an appointment

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