Laser treatment reaches the fungal infection living beneath the nail plate, where paints and lacquers cannot. There is no medication involved and nothing to apply daily, and you can put your shoes back on and carry on with your day.
- Reaches beneath the nail plate
- No oral medication needed
- Short appointments, no downtime
- Suitable where tablets are unsuitable
- Advice on preventing reinfection
- From £50 per session
How it works
Laser energy passes through the nail plate to the nail bed underneath, where the infection lives. It heats the fungal cells to a point they cannot survive, while leaving the nail and surrounding tissue unharmed. The infection is targeted directly, with no medication involved and nothing to remember to apply daily.
Understanding the timeline
This is the part worth explaining properly, because it sets expectations for the whole treatment. The laser treats the infection, but the damaged nail itself does not change. What you will see is healthy new nail growing through from the base, which is a slow process. Toenails grow at roughly 1mm a month, so a full replacement takes nine to twelve months. The infection is dealt with quickly, and the appearance takes time to catch up.
Getting the best result
Keeping feet dry, changing socks daily, treating footwear with antifungal spray and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas all reduce the chance of reinfection while the new nail grows through. We will go through this with you, because it makes a real difference to the outcome.
Cost
Fungal nail treatment starts from £50 per session, priced by the number of nails treated. Consultations with Dr Patel are £25, paid when you book. NHS staff receive 20% off a first treatment and 10% off treatments thereafter.
Treatments carried out
Years established in Bolton
Years combined experience
Frequently asked questions
You will feel warmth on the nail, sometimes with brief moments of heat. Most people find it easily tolerable.
A course is typically needed, spaced across several weeks.
None. You can put shoes and socks back on straight away.
Healthy nail grows from the base at around 1mm a month, so a full toenail takes nine to twelve months to replace.
Yes, and this is a common reason people choose laser treatment.