F.A.Q.
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 FootLaser operates in the very tight spectrum of near infa red light.
Is this laser painful?
There is no discomfort associated with the gentle laser light beam during or after your treatment. The laser does not harm healthy tissue or affect your activity in any way. A feeling of warmth or tingling is how patients describe the sensation.
Does it really work?
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 better than the success rate for the pill, Lamisil, which you take for three months with some risks and side effects. We have performed over 3,500 successful treatments.
Is this treatment safe?
Yes! In clinical studies there have been NO adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side affects associated with laser treatment. Unlike oral medications on the market today for fungal toenails, there are NO risks to the liver or kidneys. There are no age or health restrictions or limitations.
Can I walk after the treatment?
Yes - the treatment does not harm you in any way. You will be able to put on your shoes and walk out of the office, just as well as you walked in.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
On average, it takes 30 minutes for all 10 toenails. The vast majority of our patients require only one treatment.
Does my insurance pay for this?
Because this treatment is considered aesthetic, health insurance plans do not cover this treatment. We accept major credit cards, cash, or you may use your Flexible Spending Account from work. We also offer an interest free payment plan through Care Credit in which payments are about $52 a month.
How Much Does It Cost?
There is a free initial consultation with the doctor to see if you are a candidate for the treatment.
If you elect to have the laser treatment after your consultation, the treatment fee ranges from $650-$995 depending upon the number of toes infected and severity of the infection. If the nails are slow to respond with normal nail growth, some of the nails may need another laser treatment and if it is one toe there is no charge.
Why haven’t I heard about this before?
This is NEW laser technology and has only recently become available to the public. Dr. Wolpa is one of the first doctors to use this technology and has performed more successful tratments than any other doctor in the Bay Area.
