You've tried over-the-counter creams and even oral medications, but they haven't cleared up your fungal toenail infection, and every sandal season brings embarrassment and frustration. Toenail fungus isn't just a cosmetic concern—it's a persistent condition that affects confidence and podiatric health.
At Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic, Missoula skin and nail podiatrist Dr. Gregg Neibauer understands the toll that stubborn fungal nail infections can take. Our advanced laser therapy painlessly and effectively eliminates fungal infections, restoring healthy, clear nails. We proudly offer this cutting-edge technology to help patients recover and regain their confidence.
How Laser Therapy Treats Toenail Fungus
Laser therapy is a revolutionary treatment for onychomycosis, commonly known as fungal nail infections. During treatment, specialized light energy passes through the toenail, generating heat that targets and destroys fungal organisms living beneath and within the nail. As the fungal cells absorb this energy, it disrupts their cellular structure, effectively killing them.
Comparing Laser Treatment to Traditional Methods
What makes laser treatment more effective than traditional nail fungus treatments is its ability to reach areas that topical creams can't, easily passing through the nail plate to the nail bed and matrix where the fungus thrives. Oral antifungals work systemically but can require liver function monitoring, making them unsuitable for some patients. Laser therapy, however, is safe for most people, regardless of age or health.
The treatment is also convenient, as it doesn't require daily applications of messy creams or remembering to take pills. Most patients finish treatment after a few brief visits, making it an ideal choice for busy Montanans. Unlike surgical approaches, there's no need to limit activities or take time off work. You can immediately return to your regular routine after each laser therapy session.
What to Expect When Undergoing Laser Therapy at Our Missoula Podiatry Clinic
Dr. Neibauer thoroughly examines your toenails during your initial consultation to confirm a fungal nail infection. He'll also ask about relevant medical history and the products or treatments you've tried previously.
Our laser therapy requires no special preparation except removing nail polish before your appointment. Each session typically takes only 15-30 minutes, depending on how many toenails require treatment. The procedure is remarkably gentle, with most patients reporting only a mild warming sensation. The laser wavelength specifically targets fungal cells while healthy tissue remains unaffected—selective targeting that allows the treatment to be both effective and comfortable.
Post-treatment care is straightforward and requires no downtime. Dr. Neibauer will provide simple aftercare instructions to maximize your results, including keeping your nails clean and dry and using preventative products. We often recommend two to four treatments scheduled several weeks apart to ensure the complete eradication of the fungal infection. During these follow-up visits, we'll document your progress with photos so you can see the improvement as the healthy nail grows.
Examining a Typical Results and Recovery Timeline
Laser treatment immediately kills the fungus, but visual improvement depends on natural nail growth, a gradual process. Most patients notice improvement within three to four months as healthy nail tissue grows, replacing damaged nails. Complete results typically emerge after nine to 12 months of new nail growth.
Individual factors influence outcomes considerably. Treatment effectiveness may vary based on the severity and duration of your infection, overall health status, circulation to your feet, and compliance with aftercare recommendations. Patients with diabetes or circulation issues may see slower improvement but can still achieve significant benefits from laser therapy.
Why Choose Our Missoula Practice
Laser therapy is not widely available in Montana, making Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic the clear choice for patients seeking effective toenail fungus solutions without traveling to larger metropolitan areas like Salt Lake City, Denver, or Seattle. Dr. Neibauer has extensive experience with laser therapy protocols and continues to stay updated on the latest advancements in fungal nail treatment—specialized knowledge that allows him to customize treatment plans based on your specific condition, needs, and lifestyle.
Additionally, patient-centered care is the cornerstone of our practice. Our friendly, non-judgmental team creates a comfortable environment where you can discuss your concerns openly and feel supported throughout your treatment journey.