How Laser Treatment Works
The laser passes through the nail plate and heats the nail bed beneath, where the fungal infection resides. This targeted heating damages the fungus without affecting the surrounding tissue, and without the systemic exposure that comes with oral medication.
The treatment does not instantly clear the nail. Damaged nail cannot be repaired — it has to grow out, and a healthy nail appears gradually from the base. Toenails grow slowly, so expect nine to twelve months before a fully clear nail is visible.
Who It Suits
Laser is often chosen by people who cannot take oral antifungals due to interactions or liver concerns, those who have already tried topical treatments without success, and anyone who would rather avoid months of systemic medication.
It is not suitable for everyone, and not every discoloured nail is fungal — trauma, psoriasis and other conditions can look similar. We assess the nail before recommending treatment.
What to Expect
Sessions are straightforward and take between thirty minutes and an hour depending on how many nails are affected. You will feel warmth and occasional brief heat spikes, but the treatment is generally well tolerated and requires no anaesthetic. You can walk out and continue your day normally.
A course of sessions is standard rather than a single treatment.
Preventing Reinfection
Treatment addresses the infection in the nail, but reinfection is common if the source is not dealt with. Treat athlete's foot if present, disinfect or replace footwear, avoid barefoot walking in communal changing rooms and pools, and keep feet dry.
This part matters as much as the treatment itself. Clearing a nail and then reinfecting it from an untreated shoe is the most common reason people find themselves back where they started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before my nail looks normal?
The nail has to grow out — damaged nail cannot be repaired. For toenails expect nine to twelve months for a fully clear nail, with healthy growth visible from the base much sooner.
Does laser nail treatment hurt?
Most people feel warmth with occasional brief heat spikes. No anaesthetic is needed and there is no recovery period.
Is it better than tablets?
It avoids the systemic exposure and monitoring that oral antifungals require, which matters if you take other medication or have liver concerns. Neither approach works for everyone, and we assess suitability first.
Will the infection come back?
It can, if the source is not addressed. Treating athlete's foot, disinfecting footwear and keeping feet dry are essential to prevent reinfection.
Are all discoloured nails fungal?
No. Trauma, psoriasis and other conditions cause similar appearances. We assess the nail before recommending treatment.