YAG laser is an abbreviation for Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet; Nd:Y3Al5O12) 1064 nm medical laser – one of the most common, safe and effective lasers for many applications in dermatology, cosmetic and general surgery, podiatry and other specialties.
YAG lasers have been used for many years for multiple FDA approved indications with a proven safety record. They offer excellent tissue penetration, do not inflict collateral damage and are approved for all skin types with no need for anesthesia.
At the present time only one YAG laser has been specifically approved by FDA for the treatment of onychomycosis. Several other laser manufacturers are seeking specific FDA approval for this indication, and will receive it soon given the equivalency of the technology used.
Recent peer reviewed articles have been published demonstrating that YAG lasers may be effective for the treatment of mycotic nail bed and a rapidly growing number of U.S. podiatrists have utilized these lasers over the past few years reported promising results.
There is confusion among physicians as to what lasers should be used for the treatment of nail fungus. There are many companies that push their low power machines that are more affordable to practitioners than the standard medical grade systems.
Time and experience will show that podiatrists need equipment that is very powerful yet pain-free, fast (so you can complete a full 10-toe treatment within 10-15 minutes), and compact (so you can use in any treatment room).
Short pulse Nd:YAG 1064 nm lasers with fluence of 25-200 J/cm2 will do the job. You can find a few systems in a $50,000 to $75,000 range.
The advantage of having a good laser is that you can use it for wart removal, hair removal, vascular lesions (spider veins), pain management, wound healing and many other applications.