(This procedure is NOT necessary for most toenail fungus cases)
In very severe toenail fungus cases it is sometimes necessary for the doctor to completely remove the severely infected toenail plate to allow for a new clean toenail to grow out. This surgical procedure that we utilize is as follows:
1) The patient is given an injection to the infected toe.
2) After the toe is completely numb, the toenail is removed back from the toenail root to the tip of the toenail. This is usually done without cutting the cuticle, in other words the instrument is slipped in under the cuticle. So afterwards the only the clean nail bed is exposed after toenail removal.
3) A CO2 Luxar laser is then utilized to remove infected fungal material from the toenail bed. The nail bed is remodeled, shaped and planed with the Luxar laser.
4) A bandage/dressing is then applied to the toe. Toes are sore for approximately 2 days and are slightly sore in shoes for about a week or two.
5) Toenails start growing back immediately. Big toes take about 10 months to grow back in.Lesser digits take 3-4 months.
6) Toes without toenails usually appear much cleaner to the patients and most are very pleased immediately following the procedure even before the toenail grows back.
7) Most importantly: Just because the toenail is gone temporarily it doesn't mean the fungus is gone! It is still present in the nail bed after removal! Something must be done to prevent reinfection otherwise almost for sure the toenail will grow back again with fungus. The method of treating the nail bed is as follows: Lser treatment to the exposed toenail bed beginning about two weeks after removal. This is repeated several times before the new nail plate grows back. Remember: Once the toenail is removed you have a small window of opportunity to treat the fungus in the nail bed while the nail bed is still exposed BEFORE THE TOENAIL GROWS BACK. Since the laser is being applied directly to the nail bed (skin) it is substantially more effective. Performing the fungus laser directly on the nail bed (without toenail) is more effective in killing fungus because the nail bed area is wide open for treatment. We specialize in this most advanced combination toenail removal, remodeling of nail bed with CO2 laser procedure and follow up anti-fungal laser treatment for very severe cases. Pinpointe Laser Certified NdYAG G+ Laser Certified Noveon Laser Academy Accreditation
Pinpointe Laser Certified
NdYAG G+ Laser Certified
Noveon Laser Academy Accreditation