Nail Fungus Removal
A Little Science
Laser treatment for toenail fungus (onychomycosis) uses targeted light energy to pass through the nail plate and reach the fungal organisms beneath the surface. The laser wavelength is absorbed by the fungus, where it converts to heat. As the temperature rises, water within the fungal cells vaporizes, destroying the fungus and sterilizing the surrounding tissue. This thermal effect disrupts the fungal structure, preventing it from surviving, growing, or reproducing.
Because the laser selectively targets the fungus, not the surrounding skin or healthy nail, it provides precise treatment with minimal risk to nearby tissue. This makes it an excellent option for infections that don’t respond well to topical treatments or are difficult for oral medications to reach. As the fungal colony is damaged, the nail begins to grow out healthier and clearer. Since toenail growth is slow, visible improvement develops gradually over several months as new, healthy nail replaces the old infected portion.
How many treatments?
Onychomycosis is a stubborn, slow-healing condition. Typical treatment expectations:
3 sessions spaced 2 weeks apart
Severe or long-standing fungus may require additional treatments
Results depend on how quickly your nails grow, your immune system, and how consistently you follow aftercare
Laser treatments kill the fungus, but the nail itself must grow out healthy, which can take:
6–12 months for toenails
3–6 months for fingernails
Before Your Appointment
Results
You will not see an immediate cosmetic change. Instead, you will see:
Clearer nail growth emerging from the cuticle over time
Gradual improvement as the old, damaged nail grows out
Reduction of thickness, discoloration, crumbling, and odor
Most clients see significant improvement within 3–6 months, with full results when the nail has completely replaced itself.
Remove any nail polish prior to your appointment
Trim nails as short as comfortable
Wash and dry feet thoroughly
Wear clean socks to your appointment
Bring a second pair of clean shoes and socks to change into
Avoid using antifungal creams 24 hours before treatment
Things to Note:
What Can We Treat?
Toenail fungus (most common)
Fingernail fungus (less common but treatable)
Most clients seek treatment for thickened, discolored, brittle, or yellowed toenails.
After Your Appointment
Bring clean socks to the appointment to put on afterwards
Wearing clean socks daily
Disinfecting shoes weekly (UV shoe sanitizers or antifungal sprays work well)
Applying topical antifungal products as directed
Keeping feet dry, fungus thrives in moisture
Avoiding nail salons unless tools are new or properly sterilized
Continuing good foot hygiene for 6–12 months
You should also disinfect:
Shower floors
Nail clippers
Foot files
Bath mats
bed sheets
Laser treatment is safe, noninvasive, and involves no downtime.
Reinfection is common without strict aftercare, so consistency matters.
The treatment sensation can be quite warm or like a small flame being held against your nail, but is generally well tolerated.
Laser kills the fungus but cannot repair damaged nail tissue; only new growth can.
Clients with circulatory issues, diabetes, or compromised immune systems may need more sessions.
Toenail fungus is contagious; treating it early prevents spread to other nails or household members.