Dr. Uni PD Amro Homssi is an exceptional specialist and laser physician with wide-ranging expertise in orthopedics and surgery. His specialization in minimally invasive laser-based treatments—such as tattoo removal, facial rejuvenation, and therapies for ingrown toenails—has made him well-known in Berlin and beyond. The Davinci Medic Berlin practice, where he works, is distinguished by its state-of-the-art, scientifically sound therapeutic methods—particularly when conventional treatments have failed.
Dr. Homssi has an unusual career path that began with his medical studies in the Syrian city of Aleppo. His training took him on to Berlin and Padua, Italy, where he studied and earned his doctorate at the world’s oldest medical school. He completed his residency in orthopedics and trauma surgery at various academic hospitals before finishing his training in Berlin in 2012. His professional career as a senior physician and surgeon at various hospitals has focused on providing individualized treatment for each patient, whether in the area of joint replacement or other orthopedic procedures. His exceptional talent for applying innovative therapeutic methods when conventional approaches fall short has earned him recognition and a strong reputation. Dr. Homssi also holds a wide range of additional certifications, including in manual medicine, acupuncture, and psychosomatic primary care.
At the Davinci Medic Berlin practice, the patient is the center of attention. Here, state-of-the-art technologies are used, such as tissue-sparing laser therapies for ingrown toenails and prolotherapy for treatment-resistant pain. Dr. Homssi also offers innovative facial rejuvenation procedures using CO2 lasers and thread lifts, which deliver long-lasting results with minimal risk. His expertise and commitment to the highest precision, patient safety, and excellent results have made him a highly regarded physician in Berlin and beyond.
The editorial team at Leading Medicine Guide wanted to learn more about the extremely effective laser treatment for ingrown toenails—a condition that affects a great many people—and spoke with Dr. Homssi from Berlin about it.
Ingrown toenails are a common problem that can occur when the sides of the nail grow into the surrounding skin. This often leads to pain, redness, and swelling and can even result in infections. It is important to treat this problem to prevent complications and alleviate discomfort. Laser therapy has ushered in a new era in the treatment of ingrown toenails. With its precise and gentle approach, it is revolutionizing conventional methods and offers a promising solution to this painful problem. This innovative technique promises not only efficiency but also less invasiveness and faster recovery for patients.
The causes of ingrown toenails, their development, and potential risk factors.
“For one thing, anyone can make a basic mistake. If you cut your nails too short or round them off, this can cause the sides of the nail to grow into the surrounding skin. Wearing shoes that are too tight or that don’t provide enough room for the toes can also put pressure on the toenails and lead to inflammation. An injury to the toe—whether from a blow or repeated strain—can affect the nail’s growth and cause it to become ingrown. People with diabetes are also often at higher risk for foot problems, including ingrown toenails. This is because diabetes can impair blood circulation and nerve function in the feet, which can lead to changes in nail growth. In some cases, chemotherapy can also affect nail growth. This is because the patient’s immune system is weakened during treatment, making the nails more susceptible to minor injuries and, in some cases, bacterial infection. “Our skin is our protective barrier! It’s important to care for your toenails and to trim or file them properly,” explains Dr. Homssi at his Davinci practice in Berlin.
Ingrown toenails create an entry point for bacteria, which can lead to infections that may cause additional pain, pus formation, and further complications. In some cases, granulation tissue can form, leading to excessive growth of new, sensitive tissue.
Initial steps for patients.
“Most people who notice an ingrown toenail initially turn to conservative methods. For example, they take a foot bath with chamomile or curd soap to soften the nail and relieve pressure on the toe, or they apply antiseptic creams to the affected nail. Then, in the next stage, they might visit their primary care physician to get a prescription for antibiotic creams or see a medical podiatrist, who usually fits a nail brace to realign the nail. “If none of that has helped, they go to a surgeon,” says Dr. Homssi, describing the initial course of action taken by most people with an ingrown toenail.
“The best-known method used in surgical treatment is the so-called Emmert procedure—a very aggressive method. In this procedure, the affected nail is removed laterally in a wedge-shaped incision along with the nail fold, and the edge of the nail bed is also removed to prevent the nail from growing in again. After removal, the wound is usually closed with a suture. The cosmetic results are poor, the recurrence rate is 50%, and follow-up surgery is usually necessary. This is followed by a long period of immobilization lasting about four weeks; the patient must wear an orthopedic shoe and take pain medication. Additionally, a complication sometimes arises because a piece of the nail bed may remain in the tissue, creating a sort of thorn that then grows vertically upward. “I cannot recommend this surgical treatment under any circumstances,” says Dr. Homssi regarding the Emmert procedure, which is unfortunately often performed because it is covered by health insurance.
Dr. Homssi explains another treatment option that he also cannot recommend: “Another method used is the chemical method with phenolic acid, known as chemical matrixectomy. In this procedure, a phenolic acid solution is applied to the nail matrix (the area where the nail grows) to stop the growth of the affected part of the nail. This is achieved by the phenolic acid destroying the nail’s root cells, which are responsible for nail growth. There is a risk here that the infection rate is extremely high, which is why this method has not gained acceptance in German-speaking countries.”
Laser treatment for ingrown toenails is an innovative and minimally invasive therapy.
“The laser method is a non-invasive procedure in which the affected toe is first numbed. Then, a narrow, strip-shaped edge of the nail is cut away, no more than 2–3 mm wide. The nail matrix is then ablated with the laser. The best part for the patient is that immediately after treatment, they can put weight on their foot as usual, resume their normal daily activities, and wear any shoes. As a rule, no pain medication is needed. The infection rate is very low, and the aesthetic outcome is excellent. “The success rate is very high at 95%, and the recurrence rate is low,” enthuses Dr. Homssi, going on to explain the technical details: “In my practice, I work with what’s known as a CO₂ laser. This surgical laser uses the laser beam to heat the water contained within the cells. It works similarly to a microwave. As a result, the nail matrix in that area is no longer viable, and regrowth of the nail is nearly impossible. The cells die off, and no stitches are necessary. The entire procedure takes only about ten minutes under local anesthesia and is required only once. The patient wears protective eyewear during the treatment, as required by law. Laser treatment should not be performed immediately only in cases of extremely inflamed ingrown toenails. In such cases, the inflammation must be treated first. Otherwise, however, there are no contraindications for laser treatment.” After laser treatment, there are normally no special restrictions for the patient. The patient can resume normal activities, as the procedure is non-invasive and requires no downtime.
The long-term benefits of laser treatment for ingrown toenails can include various aspects:
Less invasive nature: Compared to traditional surgical procedures, laser treatment is minimally invasive. As a result, it can be gentler and cause less trauma to the tissue.
Lower risk of complications: Laser treatment minimizes the risk of complications that may be associated with traditional surgical procedures, such as infections or postoperative pain.
Faster recovery: Laser therapy often allows for a faster recovery. Many patients can quickly return to their normal activities after treatment.
Minimized recurrence: Laser treatments can help reduce the risk of the nail growing back into the skin by precisely treating the nail tissue to correct nail growth.
Cosmetic benefits: Laser treatment can also offer cosmetic benefits by improving nail shape and appearance without scarring or nail deformation.
“Laser treatment has been around for 20 years, but unfortunately, it’s only used in a very limited setting. Few practitioners have mastered this technique, partly because it isn’t part of medical training. For patients, there’s only one drawback—they have to pay for the treatment out of pocket. However, the costs are really quite reasonable, and patients are all happy after the treatment. I would very much like to see this method become more widely known so that more people can learn about this gentle and successful option. Another positive factor is that blood thinners such as Marcumar do not need to be discontinued, since no blood is drawn during the treatment. Therefore, it would be great if more doctors became enthusiastic about this form of treatment. In Germany, there are actually only four or five doctors who offer this treatment. “That number needs to increase for the sake of the patients,” Dr. Homssi urges, and we conclude our conversation.
Dear Dr. Homssi, thank you very much for speaking with us; it has provided a great deal of insight into the successful treatment of ingrown toenails using laser therapy!
