Frequently Asked Questions

• What is LAFT?
• What is nail fungi?
• What is onychomycosis?
• Who gets infected?
• What is not nail fungi?
• What are some common symptoms of a fungal nail infection?
• What will happen to my nail(s) if I do not receive treatment for my fungal infection?
• How can I avoid getting infected by fungi in the future?
• How long does the procedure usually take?
• Is the procedure painful?
• Is the procedure effective?
• Will the procedure permanently cure my nail fungus?
• Is the procedure safe?
• Will I experience any side effects following treatment?
• Does the treatment require supplementary medication?
• When is improvement expected to occur?
• How much does treatment cost?
• Is this treatment covered by any insurance providers or by OHIP?

Q: What is LAFT?
A: "LAFT" is laser antifungal technology developed by Simion Iron (DNM, D.Ac, DOMP)

Q: What is nail fungi?
A: Nail fungi are made up of tiny organisms that have the potential to infect fingernails and toenails. An infection occurs when fungi infect one or more of one’s nails. It initializes as a white or yellow spot underneath the tip of one’s nail, and as it spreads deeper into the nail it causes discoloring, thickening, and crumbling of the edges.

Q: What is onychomycosis?
A: Onychomycosis means fungal infection of the nail. It is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about a half of all nail abnormalities. This condition may affect toenails or fingernails, but toenail infections are particularly common. The prevalence of onychomycosis is about 6-8% in the adult population. Onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes is also known as tinea unguium (tinea of the nails)

Q: Who gets infected?
A: The infection develops on nails that are continually exposed to warm, moist environments (i.e. shower floors, swimming pools, sweaty shoes). Your nail(s) could be invaded by fungi if you are continually exposed to the environment in which fungi thrive – dark, warm, and moist. Such environments are perfect for the growth and spread of fungi.
Typically, fungi invade your nail(s) through small openings such as a separation between the nail and the nail bed. The nail provides a place for the fungus and protects it as it grows, ultimately making it very difficult to stop growth.
Other factors could increase your risk of developing nail fungus, such as: perspiring heavily, a slight nail or skin injury, a damaged nail, or wearing shoes and socks that delay exposure to air and do not absorb perspiration.
This infection begins and spreads underneath the nail bed, which makes it difficult to stop it from spreading, and/or to safely eliminate it.

Q: What is not nail fungi?
A: We have recently been faced with other issues associated with the nail and the nail bed, in which the nail begins to diverge from the nail bed. This is due to certain nail polishes that are absorbed by the nail, and end up poisoning the nail bed.
This is not a form of nail fungi, and the consumption of various techniques to “treat” it (i.e. anti-fungal nail polishes) continues poisoning the nail bed. This will cause it to stop functioning properly.
In our centre, we heal this type of nail issue with our light-based method, as it is able to reach under the nail bed without further harming it.

Q: What are common symptoms of a fungal nail infection?
A: The most general and common symptoms of a fungal nail infection include, but are not limited to:
- Swelling of the nails
- Nail discoloration (usually yellow, sometimes brown or black)
- Nail surface becomes dry and/or chalky
- Nail texture softens and becomes very brittle
- Crumbling of the nail edges
- Abnormal growth (or no growth at all)
- Foul smell coming from the infected nail(s)
- Thickness causing the nail(s) to become difficult to maintain
- Pain caused by the infected nail(s), which affects daily activities and simple routine tasks (i.e. walking)
- Nail falls off (usually in very severe cases)

Q: What will happen to my nail(s) if I do not receive treatment for my fungal infection?
A: The fungus will continue to spread throughout the affected nail, eventually causing you to lose it. The fungus will also spread to other fingers, causing an infection in other nails.

Q: How can I avoid getting infected by fungi in the future?
A: Some simple ways to avoid getting your nails infected by fungi in the future include, but are not limited to:
- Wear socks that absorb moisture and provide good ventilation (i.e. pure cotton, wool, or silk), and avoid synthetic materials such as nylon
- Wear breathable shoes that have air holes in the sides, and avoid shoes made of plastic that do not allow air and moisture to pass through
- Wear water shoes or water slippers when entering a pool or public shower area, to avoid picking up the spores of fungi living in warm puddles on tiles
- Avoid sharing towels, shoes, socks, or any other personal hygiene items with someone who is infected with the fungus
- Keep your feet dry, as fungi thrive in moist environments
- Dry your feet thoroughly with a towel
- Allow your feet to periodically breathe by removing your socks (i.e. at night)
- Keep your finger and toenails clean by scrubbing away dirt from underneath the nails with a brush
- Keep your fingernails and toenails as short as possible, as this will prevent fungi from entering from underneath the nail tip and growing there

Q: How long does the procedure usually take?
A: Each treatment takes approximately 20 minutes, and 1-8 treatments within 2 weeks are necessary for significant improvement. We advise you to visit our clinic 1-2 months following the last treatment date, as to check up on the nail and its progress.

Q: Is the procedure painful?
A: No, the procedure is not painful. This is because we use a light beam to reach the affected area, thus causing no physical infliction to the nail and/or the nail bed.

Q: Is the procedure effective?
A: Yes, the procedure has been proven to be very effective, as the majority of our clients have been fully treated of their fungal infection. The rate of effectiveness is 95% thus far. Your personal progress during the treatment is highly dependent on your hygienic habits, in which you should take caution as to avoid inhibiting progress.

Q: Will the procedure permanently cure my nail fungus?
A: The procedure will permanently cure your nail fungus, however, you should take precautions in the future as to avoid catching it again. The procedure will treat the current infection, but it cannot prevent future infections from occurring.

Q: Is the procedure safe?
A: Yes the procedure is safe, and no dangers have been reported by clients and/or technicians thus far.

Q: Will I experience any side effects following treatment?
A: No, there is no evidence of any side effects experienced following treatment. The light beam is focused on the affected area only, and does not affect other parts of the body in order to cause a side effect.

Q: Does the treatment require supplementary medication?
A: In order to receive maximal results, it is advised to use the topical creams and/or oils provided by the treatment specialist, later in the treatment period. These supplementary medications are very useful and effective for upholding treatment when the client is at home.

Q: When is improvement expected to occur?
A: Improvement is expected to occur approximately 1-2 months following the last treatment. Such a specific time period is necessary to allow the nail to grow in order to observe progress.

Q: How much does treatment cost?
A: The initial assessment costs $55. Any other following treatment costs $55 per nail, per treatment day.

Q: Is this treatment covered by any insurance providers or by OHIP?
A: This treatment is not covered by OHIP. It may be covered by private insurance providers, depending on the plan.