Your Questions Answered
Below is a list of frequently asked questions, just click on a question and the answer will be revealed.
[cyph_expand title=”WHY DO WE CHARGE FOR A CONSULTATION?”]
We are Podiatrists providing a complete medical assessment and consultation that requires a full appointment in order to provide an appropriate treatment plan rather than just a short glance at your nails. We also cut and file in order to appreciate the colour, texture or quality of the nails which gives us a good idea of severity of infection enabling us to advise on the most appropriate treatment. It also improves the look of the nails which we have found pleases our patients!
We provide unbiased and honest advice about the suitability of all available treatments for fungal nail infections.
This is not a sales appointment but a medical consultation.
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[cyph_expand title=”WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS TREATMENT?”]
The laser treatment for fungal nails is a breakthrough in treating the fungus infection. The laser is applied externally, and in many cases just one treatment is required. There is no requirement for oral or systemic medication that can cause side effects. There is no requirement for painting and filing the nails to apply lacquer for months on end. There are no reported side effects. The beam of laser energy is targeted through the nail to the nail bed, eliminating the fungus within.
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[cyph_expand title=”WHAT ABOUT OTHER LASERS?”]
Many clinics use lasers which are not authorised for treatment of fungal nail infections because they either have them in the clinic already or they are cheaper devices. Unfortunately as no research has been carried out on such lasers with regards to treatment of fungal nail infections their effectiveness in treating them as well as and any possible adverse effects is unknown.
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[cyph_expand title=”WHO CARRIES OUT THE TREATMENT?”]
Martine Abrahams BSc (Hons) MCPoD and Daniel Newman BSc (Hons) MCPoD- both podiatrists, carry out the treatments in our Radlett and Harley Street clinics. They are registered with the Health Professions Council. Podiatrists are not medical doctors but specialists in the care of the foot and the structures that impact upon it. Podiatrists are Primary Care Practitioners and do not require a referral from a third party to consult. They have each completed a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in podiatry and they are members of The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
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[cyph_expand title=”IS THIS COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?”]
Health Policies vary so please do check with your insurer. Many will pay the cost of our consultation. Payment is required in full at the time of your treatment and you should arrange reimbursement directly with your insurer.
Cash Back Plans such as SimplyHealth will pay the appropriate percentage up to your annual limit and we will provide a receipt for this.
AXA PPP do not provide cover for this or any non-surgical Podiatry treatment.
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[cyph_expand title=”HOW DO YOU KNOW THERE IS A FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION?”]
There are specific clinical signs and details that are highly suggestive of a fungal infection such as discoloured, crumbly, loose nails. There is often the presence of athlete’s foot too. Many people will have a diagnosis from their GP too. As the Lunula treats both damaged nails and fungal infections at the same time it is not necessary to distinguis between the two and therefore diagnosis is made using clinical signs and symptoms as well as nail, medical and lifestyle hostory.
We no onger take nail clippings as there is a 30 per cent false negative rate and the result does not affect the treatment that we offer.
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[cyph_expand title=”WILL THE NAIL INFECTION RETURN?”]
Any infection can return if the causative fungus is able to gain access under the nail or on the foot. We will discuss methods of improving hygiene, reducing the amount of fungi that live on the foot and other ways to minimise reinfection.
The use of regular antifungal creams or sprays, avoiding walking barefoot in wet public areas, good hygiene and shoe rotation techniques are suggested. At your first appointment advice regarding prevention of recurrent infections is given verbally as well as in written form. The London Nail Laser Clinic places great importance on foot health education whilst also having a large range of products available to help prevent reinfection.
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[cyph_expand title=”DOES IT HURT?”]
Treatment with the Lunula ‘Cold’ Laser is totally pain free.
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[cyph_expand title=”IS THERE A RECOVERY PERIOD?”]
This is not an invasive treatment and there is no recovery period, no bandages and no pain relief or anaesthetics required. You may fly, return to work, bath/shower and continue as normal after the treatment. Sport and activity is not affected.
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[cyph_expand title=”HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE TREATMENT?”]
Clinical studies have shown a 97 per cent improvement rate in the nails with 4 treatments of the Lunula ‘Cold’ Laser. We have seen similar results in our clinics.
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[cyph_expand title=”WHAT ABOUT FINGERNAIL TREATMENT?”]
The Lunula ‘Cold’ Laser can be used on fingernails with the same success.
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[cyph_expand title=”WHY DO ALL MY NAILS NEED TREATING?”]
Fungal spores are present on the foot irrespective of which nails are affected. Toe spaces, grooves around the nails as well as the sole and arch of the foot are all places where fungi thrive. The dark, moist, hot and enclosed environment of the shoe provides an easy breeding site for fungi. If all fungus is not treated, reinfection is more likely.
A research study published in The British Journal of Dermatology in 2009 assessed fungi in normal-appearing nails among people who have had athlete’s foot and those who had never had any fungal problems. It concluded that fungi could be isolated from normal-appearing toenails and that the presence of these spores was strongly associated with the presence of athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Subclinical dermatophytes in the nail plate may serve as a reservoir for ongoing local infection.
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[cyph_expand title=”WHAT IF I ONLY HAVE ONE TOENAIL AFFECTED?”]
It is not possible to just treat individual nails with the Lunula as the entire foot or hand is placed inside the device. We can treat just one foot or hand though if the other shows no signs of damage or infection.
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[cyph_expand title=”CAN I PAY BY INSTALLMENTS?”]
An interest-free finance plan can be arranged to pay over six or ten months. Please request an application form and complete this in advance of any appointments. This would not take effect until the final finance contract was signed immediately before any treatment.
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[cyph_expand title=”HOW MUCH DOES TREATMENT COST?”]
A new patient appointment is charged at £90 which includes assessment, nail cutting and filing, diagnosis and discussion to ascertain best course of treatment.
The new patient appointment fee of £90 is payable at the time of booking in advance of your appointment. You may either pay by phone on 0203 372 4018, or via this website by clicking on the ‘shop’ tab above and then clicking on initial consultation appointment fee, or following this link:
www.thelondonnaillaserclinic.co.uk/shop/consultation
We can hold your appointment in our diary for 48 hours and during this time we will need to take the consultation charge in order to confirm the appointment. If payment is not made within 48 hours the appointment shall be relaesed thus enabling other patients to take it should they so wish.
Treatment costs depend upon treatment requirement. Please see our Fees page for costs.
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[cyph_expand title=”HOW LONG IS AN APPOINTMENT?”]
A new patient appointment lasts for up to 40 minutes ensuring there is ample time for both the consultation and any treatment that may be required at that appointment.
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[cyph_expand title=”WHEN IS THE TREATMENT CARRIED OUT?”]
In many cases patients request the option to have time available after a consultation to treat the nail immediately. Other patients prefer to attend for a consultation separately. In either case there is no obligation to have the treatment and we would advise if we felt it would be unsuitable.
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