Toenail fungus · Laser treatment

Toenail fungus treatment, including laser, in Manhattan.

Thick, yellow or crumbly toenails are usually a fungal infection, and they rarely clear up on their own. Dr. Rottenberg confirms what is causing the change, then builds a plan that can include laser treatment, prescription medicine and nail care. Keryflex nail restoration can improve how the nail looks while it grows out.

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Board-certified foot surgeon · FACFAS · Mount Sinai faculty · English, French, Hebrew & Spanish

Laser treatment in the officeWith or without pills

Information from the practice of Fabienne Rottenberg, DPM, board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Clinical Instructor in Orthopedics at Mount Sinai. Updated November 5, 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis.

Book a visit if…

One or more toenails are thick, yellow, brown or crumbly
Store-bought treatments have not worked
You would rather avoid oral medicine, or cannot take it
You want your nails to look better for sandals season

Call the office first if…

You have diabetes or poor circulation
The skin around the nail is red, swollen or draining
The nail has lifted and is painful
A dark streak has appeared in the nail

Is it really fungus?

Not every discolored nail is a fungal infection.

Injury, pressure from shoes and skin conditions such as psoriasis can also make a nail thick and discolored. Treating the wrong problem wastes months. When it is unclear, a small nail sample can be tested to confirm fungus before treatment starts.

Laser treatment

Laser treatment for toenail fungus.

Laser energy is passed over the nail to heat and target the fungus. Most people feel only warmth. There is no cutting and no recovery time, so you can walk out and carry on with your day.

Laser is a good option if you cannot take oral antifungal medicine or prefer not to. It is often combined with a prescription topical medicine and regular nail care. The number of sessions depends on how many nails are affected and how thick they are.

Be ready for this

The new nail has to grow in.

Even when treatment works, the damaged part of the nail does not change back. A clear, healthy nail has to grow out from the base, and a big toenail takes about 12 to 18 months to grow out fully. Your plan includes checkpoints so you can see progress along the way.

Your options

Toenail fungus treatment options

Most people do best with a combination. Your plan depends on how many nails are affected, your health and your preferences.

Laser treatment

In-office treatment that targets the fungus without pills or recovery time.

Prescription topical medicine

Applied to the nail at home. Works best on mild infections or alongside laser.

Prescription oral medicine

The most effective medicine for many people, but not right for everyone. Some patients need blood tests first.

Nail debridement

Thinning and trimming thick nails in the office so they are comfortable and medicine can reach the fungus.

Keryflex nail restoration

A natural-looking nail applied over the damaged nail, so it looks better while the healthy nail grows out.

Preventing a return

Advice on shoes, socks, gyms and nail salons to lower the chance of the fungus coming back.

Who treats you

Dr. Fabienne Rottenberg, DPM, FACFAS

Confirms the diagnosis before you spend months on treatment
Offers laser, prescription medicine and Keryflex in one office
Board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery
Extra care for patients with diabetes or circulation problems

Telehealth available: some questions and follow-ups can be handled by video. Ask when you call.

Training, credentials and hospital affiliations

285 West End Ave at 73rd St · Mon–Thu, 9–5

Start clearing up your toenails.

Confirm what is causing the change, then choose laser, medicine or both.

Call (212) 724-4457 Book on Zocdoc

Questions patients ask

Toenail Fungus & Laser: common questions.

Your own answer depends on an in-person exam. Call the office if your question is not here.

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Does laser treatment for toenail fungus work?

Many patients see clearer nails, especially when laser is combined with a topical medicine and good nail care. Results vary, and the healthy nail still has to grow out, which takes months.

Does laser treatment hurt?

Most people feel warmth and sometimes brief heat. There is no numbing, no cutting and no recovery time.

How many laser sessions will I need?

It depends on how many nails are affected and how thick they are. Dr. Rottenberg will give you a plan and a schedule at your first visit.

Does insurance cover laser treatment?

Many insurance plans consider laser treatment for nail fungus cosmetic and do not cover it. The visit and diagnosis are often covered. Call the office and we will tell you the cost before you start.

Can I wear nail polish?

Polish can trap moisture and hide changes in the nail. Ask Dr. Rottenberg about your situation. Keryflex nail restoration is an option if appearance matters to you while the nail grows out.

Will the fungus come back?

It can. Fungus is common in shoes, gyms and pools. Keeping feet dry, changing socks and treating athlete’s foot early all lower the risk.

Sources

Start clearing up your toenails.

Call (212) 724-4457 Contact the practice

Toenail fungus treatment, including laser, in Manhattan.

Book a visit if…

Call the office first if…

Not every discolored nail is a fungal infection.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus.

The new nail has to grow in.

Toenail fungus treatment options

Laser treatment

Prescription topical medicine

Prescription oral medicine

Nail debridement

Keryflex nail restoration

Preventing a return

Dr. Fabienne Rottenberg, DPM, FACFAS

Start clearing up your toenails.

Toenail Fungus & Laser: common questions.

Other problems Dr. Rottenberg treats

Ingrown Toenails

Plantar Warts & SWIFT

Bunions & Bunion Surgery

Articles on toenail fungus & laser

Further reading from medical organizations

Start clearing up your toenails.