Monday, May 7, 2012

Is this covered by my health insurance?

FAQ#22

Is this covered by my health insurance?


Answer:
Most health insurances do not cover laser nail rejuvenation.  It may be covered by your Health Savings Account plans.  Let us show you how.
        Our practice wants to help you have beautiful, clean and healthy nails.  Therefore, we are happy to accept many forms of payment.  We even have a payment plan program available.  Call us and we will help make this affordable for any budget.


Advanced Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Mark E. Solomon, DPM FACFAS*
Wendy K. Stinson, DPM FACFAS*
*Fellows, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
*Board Certified, Foot Surgery
Website: www.advfoot.com
218 Ridgedale Ave. Suite 101
Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927
(973)285-1700

Can I apply nail polish immediately after my visit?

FAQ#21
Can I put on nail polish?

Answer:
In most cases, the answer is yes.  We do recommend that you use an anti-fungal nail polish.  The following is a link. [link]

How long does a treatment take?

FAQ#20
How long can I expect the visit to take?

Answer:
We are extremely thorough with our patients.  Drs Mark Solomon, DPM and Wendy Stinson, DPM like to make sure that we spend time listening, examining, educating, and answering all of our patients questions and concerns.  Therefore, it is difficult to put an exact time amount.  On average, it can take at least an hour for the office visit, procedure and education.

What is the recovery period?

FAQ#19
What is the recovery period?  When can I resume normal activities?

Answer:
There is no recovery period.  You will be able to put on socks and shoes and walk out of the office.
         However, normal activities is a relative term.  Meaning it can have different interpretations.  Most activities can begin immediately.  In some cases, we ask that you take some time before the next pedicure.  This is clearly outlined at the end of your procedure.

What does research show regarding outcomes?

FAQ#18
What does the research show?

Answer:
Short Version:  The clinical studies show an efficacy of 88%.

Long  Version:

Can you treat children?

FAQ#17
Can children have laser treatment?

Answer:
It is our practice philosophy to treat every patient as if they are a member of our family.  Therefore, we will examine your child to see if it is appropriate.  In most pediatric cases, we would like to send a part of the fungal nail to the lab.  Our lab will perform tests to determine if there is a fungus.  In addition, I like to discuss the case with your Pediatrician as well.  As a team, we will determine the best treatment for your son or daughter.

Is this treatment safe?

FAQ#16
Is this treatment safe?

Answer:
Yes, it is safe.  During our initial consultation, our doctors will take an extensive history and perform a thorough physical examination to determine if this is appropriate for you.

Please check out our website for more information and relevant forms.
Our survey will help determine if this is right for you.  Link

Is it painful?

FAQ#15
Is the laser procedure painful?

Answer:
No, it is not painful.  Most Patients describe it as a warm sensation.



What if I have a very low tolerance for pain?
Drs. Mark E Solomon, DPM and Wendy Stinson, DPM have researched every possible technology to make it a pleasant experience.
            Our Cooltouch Varia laser is equipped with a state of the art cooling system and temperature probe.  It can monitor the temperature of your nail during the entire process.  This also makes it safer to use in patients that have neuropathy.  There are NO needles or anesthesia needed.  We also have a Vibratory Anesthesia Device.  This is a machine that quickly vibrates the skin so that our most sensitive patients are comfortable.

Check out a video of one of our patients during the procedure. [Insert Link]

For more information, visit us @ www.advfoot.com

How do I get a safe Pedicure?

FAQ#14
Is it safe to get a Pedicure?

Answer:
Yes.  We have compiled guidelines for nail salons.  We also offer nail salons free lectures on providing a safe pedicure for their clients.  Our website has a list of nail salons that have participated in our program.  They display a certificate of course completion hanging on their wall.  Please feel free to suggest this Free program to your salon.

Already Going To Your Salon?
Keep the following in mind:
1. Don't trim your nails prior to your appointment.  Many women tend to overcut their nails.  Leave it to your professional nail technician.  It is better when they have something to work with.
2. It is important to make your nail professional aware of any problems that may exist.  For example, a specific skin or medical conditions, a painful nail or any breaks in your skin.  This can prevent any issues from arising.
3. Invest in your own equipment.  Make sure that it can be cleaned in an autoclave.  Then have the instruments regularly sterilized.  Many salons have an autoclave.  If not, we would be happy to autoclave your instruments.  There is a small fee associated with this.  The small cost for sterile instruments will definitely help in the prevention of any infections.  Visit us: www.advfoot.com to find out how to purchase quality instruments.  We can also help with sterilization.
4.Ask for a new nail file and callous scrubber.  These instruments harbor germs and skin.  You can always bring your own.


More information is available in our newsletter. [Link]






Nail Salon Program Contact Information:
They can call our office at (973) 285-1700.
Email us: salon.advfoot@gmail.com

Can I walk out with beautiful nails the same day?

FAQ#13
Can I walk out with nice looking nails the same day?

Answer:
Yes, you can walk out with beautiful nails!
It can be used for any type of nail disfigurement or deformity.  It is generally used after laser nail treatment of the fungus.  We use the Keryflex system.  You can even get a pedicure right away.
Check out our webpage for nail restoration:  www.advfoot.com

What will it look like?
The picture above is an example of a man's toe.  However, if he so desired, he could get a pedicure on a nice looking nail.

How long does it take to apply?

On average, in our experienced hands, we can complete the application of KeryFlex , in 10-15 minutes for the great toe. 


Does it hurt?

No.



What are the other causes of nail disease?

FAQ # 12
What other nail diseases can cause my nail to look like toe nail fungus?

Answer:
Psoriasis
Lichen Planus
Eczema

Can I see before and after pictures?

FAQ#11
What can I expect my nail to look like after treatment?

Answer:
There are different phases.


Nails grow at an average of 0.1 millimeters per day, or 1 centimeter every 100 days.
Fingernails require 4 to 6 months to regrow.
Toenails require approximately 6 to 12 months to regrow.
There are additional factors that affect growth.  These include Age, Season, Exercise level, Gender and Genetics.

Initially:
3 Months:
6 Months:
1 Year:

If I only have 1 infected nail, should I treat it?

FAQ#10
Is it worth it to treat only one nail?

Answer:
Yes.  A nail can act as a harbor of infection.  It can cause other nails to become infected.  It can also cause Tinea Pedis.  In fact, we treat all ten nails with the laser either way.

Why do Doctors and Patients choose us?

FAQ#9
Why choose us to perform the laser nail treatment for toe nail fungus?

Answer:
Latest Technology
Board Certified
Great attention to detail
All laser procedures are performed ONLY by Drs. Mark Solomon, DPM & Wendy Stinson, DPM
There is never a technician using our laser.
We carefully follow your progress.  Your success equals our success.
Extensive "Prevention & Maintenance" Guide
Friendly & Accommodating Office Staff
Convenient Hours
Ample Parking

Okay, so I have nail fungus. Should I get it treated?

FAQ#8
Should I have the toenail fungus treated?

Answer:
Mild Cases can be merely cosmetic.

Some cases cause pain and difficulty walking.

Fungal toenails can act as a reservoir of infection.  This can cause recurrent Tinea Pedis aka Athlete's Foot.

Why do I have nail fungus?

FAQ#7
Why do I have Toenail Fungus?

Answer:
According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, approximately 12% of Americans have onychomycosis (Toe nail fungus).  The following are some of the reasons:
Genetic Predisposition
Trauma to the nail
Exposure to Athletes

How do I improve my odds of success?

FAQ#6
How do I improve my odds in the battle against Toenail Fungus?

Answer:
A complete list can be found at ______________
Prevention:


Maintenance:

What treatment options exist for nail fungus?

FAQ#5
What are the current treatment options for nail fungus?

Answer:

FDA Approved Lasers


Oral Anti-fungals:
Lamisil
Sporonox


Topical Nail Lacquers
Pen-lac

Topical Creams
Loprox (Cyclopirox)

Surgical Nail Removal


Home Remedies
Tea Tree Oil

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Is Laser Nail Rejuvenation right for me?

FAQ #4:
Am I a Candidate for laser nail treatment?

Answer:
Check out this survey to see if laser nail rejuvenation will work for you.

What is the success rate?

FAQ #3:
What is the success rate?

Answer:
The published studies indicate an 88% success rate.
http://www.cooltouch.com/Varia_clinical_studies.aspx
The most important factor is prevention and maintenance.  During your visit, you will receive a complete education on how to perform this.  We provide written guidelines as well.  We also have available the tools to make you successful.
Call us at (973) 285-1700 for more information.
You can also visit our website.
Mark E Solomon, DPM 
Fellow, American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgeons.

Which Laser do you use?

FAQs#2 :
Which laser do you use?

Answer:
We use the Cool Touch Varia.  This is the newest FDA approved laser treatment for nail fungus.  It boasts many advantages, including the ability to release a cooling mist to increase our patient's comfort during the procedure.

What is Laser Nail Rejuvenation?

Frequently Asked Question #1:
What is "Laser Nail Rejuvenation"

Answer:
It is the process by which we remove fungal debris from infected nails.  We use a FDA approved laser with an advanced cooling system.  It is a relatively quick, safe and painless treatment.  In addition to laser treatment, we offer complete nail restoration.  This allows you to walk out of our office with beautiful nails the same day!
Call us for more information, (973) 285-1700
Mark E. Solomon, DPM
Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
Board Certified, American Board of Podiatric Surgery
Our Website