Laser & Nail Restoration: How Gotham Helps Treat Nail Fungus Gotham Footcare

At Gotham Foot Care, we take pride in providing the most advanced and effective technology for foot and nail health. For years, laser nail fungus removal was marketed as a breakthrough, but in our clinical experience it hasn’t lived up to the promise. That’s why we no longer offer laser nail fungus removal.

Instead, we’ve adopted a far more effective, painless, and modern approach: ClearANail, a treatment based on Controlled Micro-Penetration (CMP). This innovative procedure creates microscopic pathways through the nail plate, allowing topical antifungal medications to reach the fungus directly in high concentrations. Patients in New York City have seen visible results in as little as two to eight weeks, with no downtime or injury to surrounding tissue.

Understanding Nail Fungus: A Persistent Problem

What It Is

Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common infection caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. These organisms enter the nail through microscopic cracks or separation between the nail plate and nail bed. Once established, the fungus feeds on keratin, causing the nail to thicken, discolor, and sometimes crumble.

Why It’s Hard to Treat

The nail plate acts like a shield. Topical medications applied to the surface often can’t reach the fungus hidden beneath. Oral antifungal pills can be effective but carry potential side effects and drug interactions. That’s why so many patients who try over-the-counter creams or prescription lacquers alone see little change.

Why Laser Nail Fungus Removal Often Falls Short

Laser devices target fungal elements with heat or light energy. While it may sound appealing, there are several limitations:

• Inconsistent penetration – Lasers must pass through the dense nail plate to reach the fungus. In practice, energy can be uneven.
• Variable results – Some patients notice minor improvement; others see no change at all.
• Multiple sessions – Laser treatments often require repeated visits, which can be costly.
• Heat sensation – Some patients find the warmth uncomfortable.
  

Introducing ClearANail: Controlled Micro-Penetration (CMP)

How It Works

ClearANail is a specialised micro-drill system designed to create barely visible micro-holes—about 0.4 mm in diameter (roughly the width of four human hairs)—through the nail plate. These tiny channels allow topical antifungal medication to flow directly to the infected nail bed. Because the fungus lives under the nail, this direct access is critical.

The device continuously senses changes in nail density. When it approaches softer tissue, it automatically stops, ensuring no injury to the nail bed or surrounding skin. Patients typically describe the procedure as painless.

What to Expect During Treatment

• One session is usually enough to drill all the necessary micro-holes.
• The entire visit takes about 30 minutes, including the application of antifungal spray.
• After the office visit, you continue applying antifungal solution at home for up to three months, maintaining high medication levels under the nail.
• One follow-up appointment helps ensure the infection is clearing.
  

When You’ll See Results

Many patients begin to see visible improvement within two to eight weeks as the damaged nail grows out and healthy nail takes its place. Because the treatment targets the fungus directly, it is more efficient and more predictable than laser.

You can read more on our Nail Fungus Treatment page.

Comparing Micro-Drill and Laser — in Prose

Although some clinics still offer laser, at Gotham Foot Care we’ve found ClearANail to be superior. Here’s how the two approaches differ, described in plain language rather than a chart:

Laser attempts to kill fungus with heat or light energy. But the nail plate blocks much of that energy, so the fungus beneath can survive. Patients may need multiple sessions, and the results can be unpredictable. Some also feel a warming or burning sensation during the procedure.

ClearANail takes the opposite approach. Instead of trying to blast through the nail from above, it creates a network of microscopic pathways directly through the nail. These pathways act like tiny tunnels, letting antifungal medication flow to the exact site of infection in high concentrations. There’s no heat, no burning, and usually no discomfort. Because the device automatically stops at the safe depth, there’s no injury to the tissue beneath the nail. In our practice, this method has delivered much more consistent results than laser therapy ever did.

Benefits of ClearANail at Gotham Footcare

• Higher medication concentration at the infection site
• Single in-office session plus at-home application — not multiple laser sessions
• No downtime — you walk out and go back to your day
• No injury to soft tissue thanks to automatic depth control
• Visible improvement in weeks rather than months
  

What Happens Before, During, and After Your Visit

Before Your Appointment

We examine your nails, confirm the diagnosis (sometimes nail changes are caused by trauma or psoriasis rather than fungus), and discuss your medical history.

During the Procedure

You’ll sit comfortably while our podiatrist uses the ClearANail device to create micro-holes. The drill is quiet and fast. After drilling, an antifungal solution is applied directly over the nail so it seeps down the channels to the fungus.

Aftercare

You’ll receive instructions for applying antifungal spray at home to maintain high concentrations under the nail for several weeks. You can immediately resume normal activities — there’s no recovery time.

Prevention Tips After Treatment

Even with effective treatment, nail fungus can return if conditions are right. To reduce the risk:

• Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks
• Disinfect old shoes or replace them
• Don’t share nail clippers or foot files
• Choose nail salons that use proper sterilisation
• Keep nails trimmed and clean
  

The Gotham Footcare Difference

Treating nail fungus is not just about cosmetic improvement — it’s about restoring nail health, comfort, and confidence. By moving away from outdated laser therapy and embracing ClearANail’s Controlled Micro-Penetration, Gotham Footcare offers a solution that works with your body, not against it.

If you’re ready to see a real difference in your nails, visit our Nail Fungus Treatment page or contact us to book an appointment.