Finesse Footcare offers the revolutionary Lunula laser to treat nail fungus

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Made in the USA, the breakthrough non-thermal Lunula laser is painless and touchless. Dr. Danielle Shaper’s patients just position their feet under it for 12 minutes per session. It takes six sessions to show improvement. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Patricia Nugent

When medical students take the Hippocratic Oath to become doctors, one of the key phrases in Latin is, “primum non nocere,” or “first, do no harm.”

That’s perfectly in line with the core values of Finesse Footcare in Lyndhurst, founded by podiatrist Dr. Danielle Shaper in 2019.

Over the past several years, she has painstakingly researched the medical field for advancements that are minimally invasive yet highly effective.

The Lunula laser that treats stubborn toenail fungus is one of her most popular options.

Goodbye, Fungus
Roughly one in 10 people in the general population and half of those over age 70 suffer from onychomycosis, or toenail fungus.

With the condition, they experience thickened and discolored nails with distorted shapes. Not only are they unsightly, but fungus can also lead to pain, difficulty walking, ulcers and infections. Though it may seem like a non-life-threatening, non-critical condition, Dr. Shaper says fungus won’t get better on its own, only worse, and should definitely be treated.

“Once the fungus infection has become embedded in the nail, it can be very stubborn and unresponsive to treatment,” she explains. “I deal with it a lot, especially with my patients in the senior population, whose thickened and misshapen nails can present pain in an ill-fitting shoe and become a challenge to take care of.”

After Dr. Shaper reviewed the clinical trials and research behind the FDA-cleared Lunula low-level laser, she decided to bring one into her practice.

“Made in the USA, this breakthrough non-thermal laser is painless and touchless,” she explains. “Patients just position their feet under it for 12 minutes per session. It takes six sessions to show improvement. Being non-thermal is especially important in patients who have diabetes and neuropathy and might not be able to feel the heat of a traditional laser.”

Since the Lunula taps into low wavelengths and frequencies, patients do not experience any burning sensations or discomfort. Plus, there’s no downtime or restrictions. Patients are free to leave Dr. Shaper’s office following treatment and go about their day.

“I’ve had great success with the Lunula laser, especially when used in combination with creams or oral medications to fight nail fungus,” she says.

Easy and Painless
For the past decade, R. Carter suffered from toenail fungus, worse on his two big toes, and a little on both second toes. He’d tried different over-the-counter creams over the years, but nothing made a difference. When the 71-year-old saw a story about Dr. Shaper in Mimi magazine, he thought he’d finally seek professional treatment.

“Dr. Shaper was able to see me right away,” he says. “She was a surprise, so sweet and kind to me. She took her time to explain everything and go over my options in a genuine and caring way.”

He says that the laser was easy and painless to sit with his feet under its light energy.

“I noticed a little improvement after the first treatment, then a little more after the next couple treatments, and then nine months after the treatment, it was like a have a new pair of feet,” he says.

Dr. Shaper says the improvement is remarkable, and indicative of what her patients have experienced.

“Many of my patients have been frustrated with how difficult it is to treat this condition, so it’s nice to be in a position to make such a positive difference in their lives,” she says.

Finesse Footcare is located at 5035 Mayfield Road, Suite 202, in Lyndhurst. As a full-service podiatrist, in addition to offering laser therapy, Dr. Shaper also treats most foot and ankle issues ranging from ingrown toenails to bunions, heel pain, hammertoes, corns, warts, calluses and sprained ankles. She also offers diabetic footcare, orthotics, sports medicine and surgery. Call 216-382-8070 or visit FinesseFootcare.com for more information.