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Services / Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

Finally, a state of the art, effective, safe option for toenail fungus!

What causes toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus (also known as onychomycosis) is a condition in which the toenails become yellow or discolored, thick and brittle as a result of a fungal infection. Toenail fungus is contagious, affecting the skin and will spread and get worse over time.

Research estimates that one in four patients nationwide struggle with unsightly, infectious toenail fungus.

Older Treatments; Inconsistent Results

Previously, treatment options were limited and complicated:

  • Topical medications were ineffective
  • Oral tablets required monthly blood testing to prevent organ system damage and had potential side effects or interactions with other medications

Faced with limited treatment options, some doctors recommend – and many patients believe – that they must simply “live with it.” Left untreated, toenail fungus spreads and worsens, leaving patients embarrassed about their appearance and altering their lifestyle to hide their toenails.

More than just an unsightly cosmetic problem, nail infections can become portals for more severe bacterial infections. Patients with severe nail infections benefit from temporary or permanent nail removal.

Cutera GenesisPlus™ Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

Cutera GenesisPlus™ is a modern laser treatment which treats toenail fungus by safely eliminating the infection.

FEATURES

• FDA approved since 2011
• Advanced laser energy targets and eliminates the infection within the nail

Research shows that Cutera™ GenesisPlus® Laser treatment for Toenail fungus is 85% effective in eliminating the infection that causes onychomycosis, a significant improvement compared to previous treatments.

Most patients experience clear nails with three treatments over six months, with simple, pain free home-care.

BENEFITS

• Fast treatment: Just a few minutes
• Virtually Painless, No Anesthesia Required
• Immediate return to work and play
• Improved cosmetic appearance

Cutera GenesisPlus® Laser Treatment for toenail fungus

Trust the Experience, Experience The Difference

Founded in 1917, San Mateo Podiatry Group is the San Francisco Peninsula’s Premier Foot and Ankle Specialty Practice, delivering a tradition of excellence in foot and ankle care.

The Doctors of San Mateo Podiatry Group are Board Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Surgeons use the latest technology, proven research and experience to deliver great results for patients.

Our proven process delivers state of the art foot and ankle care to our clients, to help them become their best selves.

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Learn why more families in the San Francisco Peninsula choose us for their foot and ankle care.

The Doctors of San Mateo Podiatry Group have been delivering great results with Cutera™ GenesisPlus® laser since 2011, proudly making us the most experienced practice in the San Francisco Peninsula with this technology.

If you’re suffering from toenail fungus, or you’ve been diagnosed and are looking for a second opinion, call 650-342-2420 to get on the path to eliminating the infection and restoring clear, healthy toenails!

Frequently asked questions

What causes toenail fungus?

Nail infections are caused by fungi that thrive in moist and dark environments. Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a condition in which the toenails become yellow or discolored, thick and brittle as a result of a fungal infection.

These infections feed off the keratin found in the toenails and the skin around the toes.

Because fungus is so prevalent, anyone can develop fungal toenail infections.

Studies have shown that as many as 1 in 3 people have been affected by this problem.

How would I know if I have toenail fungus?

There are other conditions, such as psoriasis, that can change nail appearance similar to onychomycosis, or nail fungus. In those cases, additional testing such as a nail culture or biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

If you suspect you have a fungal infection of the toenails, Dr. Metaxas and his team can make an accurate diagnosis. Call our offices today for an appointment.

What does nail fungus look like?

Generally, patients report the following:

- Discolored nails
- Yellow streaks under the nail
- Distorted or thickened nails
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged nail
- Nails separated from the underlying skin
- Buildup of debris (nail fragments, skin) under the nail
- White spots or streaks on the nail surface

For reference, you can also look at our before and after gallery, above.

What treatments are available?

1. Topical Medications: Generally had low rates of effectiveness when used in isolation

2. Systemic Medications

Lamisil (terbinifine) – a safe and effective (up to 60%) medication taken orally, requires blood testing depending on how it is dosed. Early studies of Terbinifine and it’s FDA clearance required routine blood testing during treatment.

Subsequent studies have shown that this is not necessary depending on dosing patterns.

3. Cutera GenesisPlus Laser Treatment – Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

Cutera GenesisPlus laser treatment can safely eliminate toenail fungus infection using modern laser technology and is FDA approved to treat toenail fungus, or onychomycosis.

Studies have shown the laser to be up to 85% effective in reducing the presence of the fungal infection that causes onychomycosis.

No one treatment option is guaranteed to relieve infection, but our Doctors can evaluate your individual case and recommend the one that's best for you!

Which model or manufacturer of laser do you use?

Our practice exclusively uses Cutera GenesisPlus laser treatment to safely eliminate toenail fungus infection. The GenesisPlus laser is FDA approved to treat toenail fungus, or onychomycosis.

Studies have shown the laser to be up to 85% effective in reducing the presence of the fungal infection that causes onychomycosis.

Is the laser FDA Approved?

Yes, The Cutera GenesisPlus laser is FDA approved to treat toenail fungus, or onychomycosis.

Studies have shown the laser to be up to 85% effective in reducing the presence of the fungal infection that causes onychomycosis.

What is the success rate associated with laser treatment?

Studies have shown the laser to be up to 85% effective in reducing the presence of the fungal infection that causes onychomycosis.

Long-pulse Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser treatment for onychomycosis.

Zhang RN, Wang DK, Zhuo FL, Duan XH, Zhang XY, Zhao JY. Chin Med J (Engl). 2012 Sep;125(18):3288-91.

Treating onychomycoses of the toenail: clinical efficacy of the sub-millisecond 1,064 nm Nd: YAGlaser using a 5 mm spot diameter.

Kimura U, Takeuchi K, Kinoshita A, Takamori K, Hiruma M, Suga Y. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012 Apr;11(4):496-504.

Laser treatment of onychomycosis using a novel 0.65-millisecond pulsed Nd:YAG 1064-nmlaser.

Hochman LG. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011 Feb;13(1):2-5. doi: 10.3109/14764172.2011.552616. Epub 2011 Jan 21.

Laser treatment of onychomycosis: an in vitro pilot study.

Hees H, Raulin C, Bumler W. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2012 Dec;10(12):913-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2012.07997.x. Epub 2012 Aug 17. English, German.

What does the treatment package involve?

We always start with an initial consultation to determine if treatment is correct for your case and if needed, additional therapies.
The treatment packages include three laser treatments, generally spaced 1-2 months apart.
The consultations are billed to your medical insurance and are in addition to the laser treatment package.

How long does it take to see results?

Nails grow very slowly, up to one millimeter per month. We generally advise patients that it can take four to six months to see the early signs of clear nail growth. Complete nail clearance can take up to twelve months or longer.

Does health insurance pay for laser treatment? How much does it cost?

Health insurance will pay for consultations however, generally considers toenail fungus to be a cosmetic treatment.
Treatment package investments range from $599 to $899 and include the laser treatment only; consultations and additional medications are extra.

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Learn why more families in the San Francisco Bay Area chose us for their foot and ankle care!

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1750 El Camino Real, Suite 106
Burlingame, CA 94010

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