The Cutera GenesisPlus treatment is FDA cleared for Onychomycosis (fungal nails), warts and scars. Health Canada has licensed this unit to temporarily increase the clarity of the nail in patients with a fungal nail infection. Our clinic is the first in the Niagara region to offer the GenesisPlus on a full-time basis. Laser treatment is not a stand-alone procedure and does requires the use of anti-fungal paint-on or oral anti-fungal medication. Some other clinics advertise laser toenail treatments with units that are not approved by Health Canada

2. How does the Laser Toenail Treatment work?

According to Cutera, the toenail laser treatment works by using laser light that passes through the nail and the surrounding tissue. The laser light is absorbed by pigment in the fungi, which causes the pigment to heat up, and this heat kills or damages the fungal organism. Your toenail will not fall off as a result of this treatment. You will not notice a clear nail immediately since it can take at least 3 months for your clear nail to begin to emerge and 6 to 12 months for the entire nail to grow out.

3. What is the process I go through to receive this treatment?

Call our office to schedule a consultation. If you are a candidate for Genesis Plus laser toenail treatment the foot specialist will review the treatment and answer any questions you may have. On the day of treatment we typically ask that you bring in a new pair of socks to wear after your treatment and will discuss aftercare to prevent re-infection. We will then schedule your second laser toenail treatment in about 4 to 6 weeks. With your permission, we will take digital photos of your toenails before treatment and at specific intervals to monitor your progress. Your comfort, safety and convenience are our priority.

4. How long does the laser toenail treatment take?

The laser toenail fungus treatment usually takes only 30 minutes. Typically we schedule four to six treatments depending on severity spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. We use a medical smoke evacuator to remove any vaporized fungal particles in the air as well as a HEPA filtration sytem for patient safety.

5. Will I be able to walk after the Laser Nail Treatment?

The laser nail treatment does not harm living tissue. Patients can simply walk in, have the procedure done, and then walk right out and go back to their normal activity as recommend by the foot specialist.

6. Is the laser toenail treatment painful?

Most patients feel no lasting pain. Some may feel a warming sensation but the temperature does not get much above normal body temperature. No anesthesia is needed for the laser toenail treatment. Your comfort and safety is our priority.

7. Are there any after care instructions for the laser nail procedure?

Yes; it is important to know that a comprehensive plan to prevent reoccurrence is critical to long term success and each patient will leave the office with those preventive measures for home care. We simultaneously treat the infection with topical or oral anti-fungal medication in addition to the Laser.

8. Who should not have laser toenail treatment?

If you are pregnant or have skin cancer you are not a candidate for this treatment.

9. What is the cost for the Laser Toe Nail Treatment?

Costs for this procedure are discussed during your consultation. We offer one of the most competitively priced laser fungal toenail treatments in Ontario.

10. If I know I want the laser toenail treatment, why do I need a consultation?

Not all yellow toenails are fungal infections. Other conditions such as nail trauma and several dermatological conditions can mimic fungal infections and will not respond to this treatment. It is important to have your yellow toenails assessed by our qualified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine to determine if this treatment is appropriate for your particular condition. Also, if fungal, the nail will be trimmed and thinned out to aid the Laser beam to penetrate through the entire nail to optimize your chances of growing out a clear nail.

11. When can I paint my nails after the toenail laser treatment?

Toenail polish can be re-applied 24 hours after the laser toenail treatment. It is important to note that all nail polish and decorations have to be removed one day prior to having the laser nail treatment performed.

12. Is this covered by my insurance?

This procedure may be covered by your Extended Health Insurance Plan. After your consultation, we can provide you with a pre-authorization request that you can submit to your insurance provider to determine eligibility. Patients with flexible spending accounts can often use these funds towards procedures such as the laser nail treatment. OHIP does not cover the costs of this procedure.

13. How do I pay for the laser nail fungus procedure?

We accept cash, debit, VISA and Mastercard.

14. Is this Laser procedure guaranteed to cure my yellow toenails?

Unfortunately due to the nature of medicine, the Canadian Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre cannot guarantee a cure for your fungal toenails. Based on several studies, the reported success rate is about 70% in producing a clear nail. Thus, there is a chance it may not work due to factors such as severity, length of infection, re-infection, etc. However, it is often effective for many patients.

15. Why choose Cutera GenesisPlus?

 FDA cleared for fungal nails/Onychomycosis & approved for use by Health Canada to increase the clarity of nails in patients with fungal nail infections

 Cutera is a worldwide leader in laser technology

 Heat sensor on hand piece for accuracy and safety of treatment

 Proven effectiveness