Laser treatment for onychomycosis at GLIF Medical addresses nail fungus in a non-invasive way, offered by Dr Peguy Télusma, MD, in Montreal.
How the treatment works
The laser passes through the nail plate to target the fungal organism involved, without damaging the surrounding tissue. The treatment is non-invasive, requires no incision, and is generally well tolerated. It aims to reduce the presence of the fungus responsible for the changes observed in the nail, such as thickening, discolouration, or brittleness. The laser energy is calibrated to act on the affected nail bed and plate in a targeted way. Onychomycosis is a common infection, favoured by warm, humid environments such as locker rooms, pools, or closed shoes worn for long periods; it affects toenails more often than fingernails, though both can be involved.
Who it’s for
This treatment suits people with nail appearance changes suggestive of a fungal infection, such as thickening, discolouration, or increased brittleness. Other conditions can mimic the appearance of onychomycosis, so a prior medical evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and guide the most appropriate treatment, alone or alongside a topical or oral option depending on the physician’s assessment. People who have already tried other approaches without success may also consider this option. The laser can be considered on its own, or alongside podiatry or dermatology follow-up when the situation warrants it, based on the treating physician’s clinical judgment.
What to expect and recovery
A session lasts about 30 minutes, with no downtime: normal activities can resume immediately. Several sessions spaced over a few weeks to a few months are generally recommended, since nail growth is a naturally slow process that determines the pace at which visible results appear. Depending on the extent of the infection, the physician may recommend photographing the nail at each visit to objectively track progress across sessions.
Expected results
Improvement in the nail’s appearance is gradual and follows its natural growth cycle, which can take several months. Results vary with the severity of the infection and consistency with any recommended follow-up; laser treatment does not guarantee complete resolution, and the treatment plan is adjusted based on the response observed at follow-up visits, including the possibility of combining other measures if needed. Keeping nails clean and dry, changing socks regularly, and disinfecting frequently worn shoes are hygiene measures generally recommended alongside treatment.
Precautions
Confirming the diagnosis is recommended before starting, since not all nail appearance changes are fungal in origin and could require different care. Depending on the medical evaluation, the treatment plan may be combined with other measures to optimize the response to treatment.
Next step
The consultation begins with an examination of the nail and a review of the problem’s history (duration, prior treatment attempts, nails affected). Dr Peguy Télusma then confirms whether laser onychomycosis treatment suits the situation and proposes a realistic session schedule, taking the nail’s growth pace into account, before scheduling an appointment at GLIF Medical, in Montreal.