ClearSteps™
Toenail Fungal (Onychomycosis))
Fotona’s ClearSteps™ Onychomycosis Treatment is a revolutionary, patient-friendly method for treating onychomycosis (toenail fungal). It is a simple and effective procedure that uses the power of Nd:YAG laser light to heat evenly throughout the depth of the effected nail and skin tissue, weakening and killing parasitic fungi which have infected the patient's nails.
Safe and Effective, Without Side-Effects
Deep, pulse-profile heating of the nail bed stimulates the killing of parasitic fungus. The natural growth and immune processes of the body are then able to restore the nail to its pristine state. Compared to traditional methods, the effects of laser light spread evenly throughout the tissue and are not subject to either the limits of chemical diffusion (as are topicals) or the induction of hepatoxic side effects (as is the case with oral medications).
ClearSteps™ is Performed in Three Simple Steps:
Step 1: File down the Nail. During onychomycosis the nail will become deformed and overgrown, it may also thicken. Filing down the nail allows laser light to fully penetrate into the treatment site.
Step 2: Administer Nd:YAG laser pulses in a circular pattern covering the entire nail. Slightly overlap the beam so that the nail is fully covered. The patient should feel a slight heating sensation throughout the nail.
Step 3: Target Nd:YAG laser pulses around the perimeter of the nail bed and around the finger or toe. Often parasitic fungus has worked its way beyond the nail bed and needs to be eliminated in all the tissue surrounding the nail to prevent recurrence.
Prior to Treatment
Every person wishing to be treated at Advanced Laser Clinic will require a consultation with our Laser Consultant prior to their first treatment.
At this appointment, we welcome all questions to advance your understanding of the treatment. There will be a consultation form to be completed about your health and medications to asses your eligibility for treatment.
A patch test will be performed on your skin to ensure the laser settings are suitable for you. If there are no reactions 24 hours after your patch test, we can commence your laser treatment.
Before laser therapy, it is very important that you keep your treated area away from sun exposure. Your skin needs to be protected from the sun for a minimum of two weeks before any treatment commences. This is crucial both before and after the treatment. The lasers work on providing a specific heat at a specific depth in your tissue to produce a desired end point. This end point can be exacerbated if exposed to sun and can cause unwanted side effects.
Before & After
Frequently asked questions
Do I have Nail Fungal?
If you notice any of the following signs of change in your nails you may have nail fungal:
Does the Nail Fungal laser treatment hurt?
No. Besides its effectiveness, ClearSteps also offers patients a good degree of comfort during and after treatment. Lasers use heat to destroy the nail fungus, so the nail and skin may feel a little hot during the treatment. At Advanced Laser Clinic we use a cooling device to blow refrigerated air onto the treatment area thereby reducing any build-up of heat.
Signs of Improvement
While some people experience resolution of the infection with a single treatment, additional sessions may be prescribed depending on the results. Even effective treatments are not expected to clear an infected nail immediately—it may take up 12 months until the nail grows out before you can tell whether the treatment has been successful.
Is Fotona Laser safe?
Fotona laser treatment is a non-surgical and non-invasive procedure that uses multi-laser technology. Having been clinically proven to be safe for all skin types, Fotona laser treatments are safe, have a minimal to no downtime and produces satisfactory results.
