Fungal toenails can look thick, yellow, brittle, or crumbly. Creams often struggle to reach the fungus under the nail. Laser therapy warms the nail safely to target fungus where it lives—without injections or downtime. It’s a clean, in-office option we use alongside smart home care to help nails grow in clearer over time.

What causes fungal nails?

• Tiny cracks in the nail or skin let fungus in (think locker rooms, sweaty shoes, nail salon tools).

• The fungus sits under the nail plate and feeds on keratin, making the nail thick, discolored, and hard to trim.

• It can spread to other nails or skin if not treated.

Why consider laser treatment?

• Targets under the nail: Heat energy passes through the nail to reach the fungus.

• No needles, no numbing: You’ll feel warmth or a gentle heat—most patients do well.

• Minimal downtime: Walk in and out in the same shoes.

• Great add-on: Works well with topical medicine and professional nail care for better results.

Oral antifungal pills can help, but they aren’t right for everyone. If you have liver issues, take many medications, or prefer to avoid pills, laser is a helpful alternative.

What happens at Premier Podiatry

Dr. Scott O’Connor and our team follow a simple, step-by-step plan:

1. Confirm the cause: We examine the nail and, if needed, send a small sample to the lab. (Not all thick nails are fungus.)

2. Prep the nail: We thin and smooth the thick nail safely in-office so treatment can reach deeper.

3. Laser session: We move the laser in a grid pattern across each involved nail. You’ll feel warmth; we check in often to keep you comfortable.

4. Post-care plan: We pair laser with antifungal spray, shoe/sock routines, and home tips so new nail grows in healthier.

How many laser sessions will I need?

Every nail is different. Most people need a series (commonly 3–4 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart). Nails grow slowly—about 1–2 mm per month—so it can take 6–12 months to see the full clear nail grow in. We’ll show you progress photos so you can track changes.

Does laser kill all the fungus in one visit?

Laser greatly reduces fungal load, but there can be tiny pockets under the nail. That’s why we use a combo approach:

• Laser sessions

• Daily topical at home

• Shoe and sock hygiene to stop re-infection

This “team effort” gives the nail the best chance to grow in clearer.

Is laser safe?

Yes. The laser targets fungal cells while protecting surrounding skin and nail. Most patients feel warmth that fades quickly after each pass. Side effects are rare and usually mild (temporary warmth or redness).

Good candidates include people who:

• Can’t take oral antifungals

• Want to avoid drug interactions

• Prefer a clean, in-office option with no downtime

Your laser visit, step by step

• Before: Remove nail polish. Bring or wear clean socks.

• During: 20–30 minutes, depending on how many nails are treated.

• After: You can go back to work or errands right away. Apply your topical as directed that night.

Home care that boosts results

• Spray the inside of shoes with antifungal spray 1–2 times a week.

• Rotate pairs so shoes dry fully.

• Wear moisture-wicking socks; change after workouts.

• Keep nails short and straight—don’t dig into corners.

• Use your topical every day, even when nails start to look better.

• In salons, bring your own tools or ask about sterilization.

Common questions

Will my nail look perfect again?
Many nails look clearer and thinner as they grow out. If the nail root was damaged in the past, a slight ridge or color band can remain. We’ll set honest goals and track progress together.

Does it hurt?
Most patients feel warming or brief “hot spots” that stop as soon as we move the laser. No numbing needed.

Can the fungus come back?
Yes, if re-exposed. That’s why shoe/sock care and daily topicals matter. We’ll give you a simple checklist.

What if my nails are very thick?
We’ll debulk (thin) them gently first. This helps both laser and topicals work better and makes nails easier to trim.

Can you treat just one nail?
Yes—but we’ll also screen nearby nails and skin, since fungus spreads.

When to schedule an appointment

• Your nails are thick, yellow/brown, or crumbly

• Trimming is painful or the nail presses in shoes

• You’ve tried creams with little improvement

• You want a non-drug option or can’t take oral meds

Ready to help your nails look healthier?

Clear, comfortable nails take time—but a smart plan starts today. Call Premier Podiatry to schedule a laser consult with Dr. Scott O’Connor. We’ll confirm the cause, set a simple treatment plan, and guide you step by step as your nails grow in clearer.