Swift Wart Treatment
At Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry, we offer evidence-based, clinician-led SWIFT wart treatment using the latest medical microwave technology. Our AHPRA-registered podiatrists treat a wide range of lower limb conditions, including stubborn plantar warts that haven’t responded to traditional treatments. With clinics across Brisbane and Mt Isa, we make SWIFT wart removal convenient, effective and accessible for patients of all ages.
What are plantar warts?
Plantar warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). When the virus enters small breaks in the skin, it multiplies within the infected skin cells, producing a rough, grainy lesion that can feel painful under pressure. These viral plantar warts often appear on weight-bearing areas of the foot and may spread if not treated early.
Common signs include:
- A rough or cauliflower-like growth on the sole of the foot
- A hardened or thickened patch of skin
- Tiny black or red dots (clotted blood vessels)
- Sharp discomfort when standing or walking
- A lesion that interrupts natural skin lines
Because plantar warts press inward, they can be more painful than warts on other parts of the body. Many patients attempt over-the-counter remedies like salicylic acid, but traditional treatments often require multiple treatments and may not activate the skin immune system effectively. This is why SWIFT microwave therapy has become one of the most effective wart treatment options available.
What is SWIFT microwave wart treatment?
SWIFT microwave therapy uses a specialised microwave device designed for podiatry and dermatology clinics. The technology emits non ionising radiation at very low energy levels, targeting only the wart tissue while leaving normal skin unharmed. The goal is not to burn or freeze the wart, but to stimulate the body’s immune system so it can recognise and eliminate the virus.
SWIFT works by:
- Delivering microwave energy directly into the wart at a predetermined depth
- Heating the infected tissue rapidly (mild local hyperthermia)
- Triggering an immune cascade that helps resolve warts naturally
- Avoiding damage to the surrounding healthy tissue
This makes SWIFT a safe, non-invasive, repeatable treatment option suitable for adults, children and patients who prefer to avoid traditional destructive therapies.
What happens during SWIFT wart treatment?
At Advance Foot Clinic, we take a precise and effective approach to treating plantar warts using Swift Microwave Therapy. Each treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs and includes the following steps:
1. Callus removal (if required)
Any overlying callus is gently removed with a sterile scalpel. This allows the SWIFT probe to contact the wart directly.
2. Targeted microwave application
The podiatrist applies the SWIFT handpiece flush against the skin. The device delivers microwaves in short bursts – usually five applications lasting two seconds each.
If the wart is large or if you have multiple lesions, the treatment may be repeated across different points.
Each application delivers up to 100 joules of energy to the affected area.
3. Rapid heating without damage
Microwaves heat water molecules in the cells, raising the temperature to around 45°C – similar to a warm bath. This level of heat does not cause serious tissue damage or scarring.
4. Immediate return to normal activity
After treatment, the skin looks and feels normal. No dressings, acids, freezing agents or topical products are required. You can resume daily activities, including wearing shoes, exercising and swimming.
SWIFT wart therapy typically takes only a few minutes, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
How does SWIFT work?
SWIFT works by triggering an immune-driven response rather than destroying the wart itself. Here’s the science in simple terms:
Step 1: Microwave activation
The device delivers microwave energy directly into the wart, causing rapid vibration of the water molecules in the infected tissue. This sudden energy rise creates a Heat Shock response.
Step 2: Immune signalling
Heat Shock Proteins are released, which alert the immune system to the presence of HPV. This activates dendritic cells that release T-cells – the body’s natural virus-fighting cells.
Some clinical research suggests this process stimulates an endogenous interferon dependent pathway, helping the body recognise and attack viral cells more efficiently.
Step 3: Wart resolution
Once the immune response is activated, healthy cells regenerate and replace the viral cells. Unlike traditional destructive therapies, SWIFT does not rely on freezing, cutting or burning, so recovery is quick and the risk of complications is low.
If you’ve tried liquid nitrogen, topical acids or other treatments without success, SWIFT may provide a highly effective treatment alternative.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients require three SWIFT treatments, spaced four weeks apart. Some cases – particularly stubborn warts or older lesions – may need up to six sessions. Others respond after a single treatment.
Treatment expectations:
- Most patients see improvements after the second or third session
- Pain generally decreases as the wart becomes shallower
- Your podiatrist will tailor your treatment plan based on your response
This schedule supports the immune activation process and gives your body time to eliminate the virus between visits.
Is SWIFT microwave therapy safe?
Yes. The microwaves used in SWIFT contain very low energy levels and only affect water molecules in the treated area. There is no burning, no smoke, no chemicals and no risk of DNA damage. SWIFT is safe for children and is often used in paediatric podiatry.
Common concerns, addressed:
- Microwaves do not penetrate deeply
- The skin remains intact
- SWIFT does not damage healthy tissue
- There is no downtime after treatment
Does SWIFT wart treatment hurt?
Patients typically feel a short, sharp burst of heat lasting 1–2 seconds. The discomfort ends the moment the probe stops. This is unlike cryotherapy or acid treatments, which can cause ongoing pain post-treatment.
After Treatment Care
One of the major benefits of SWIFT wart therapy is the lack of after-care. Once your treatment session is complete:
- No dressings are needed
- No topical medications are required
- Walking is unrestricted
- There are no activity limitations
- You can wear shoes immediately
Some patients experience mild sensitivity for 12–72 hours, but this is usually minimal.
Who is SWIFT suitable for?
There are a few exceptions (your podiatrist will advise), but SWIFT is considered safe for most patients, including those wanting to avoid prolonged aftercare.
Your trusted partner for foot health
Why choose Advance Foot Clinic for wart removal Brisbane?
Experienced podiatrists
Our team is skilled in diagnosing and treating persistent plantar warts using modern evidence-based techniques. All podiatrists are AHPRA-registered.
Personalised treatment plans
Your podiatrist will assess your condition and tailor a plan to your unique needs, whether you have one wart or multiple lesions.
Advanced technology
We invest in the latest medical microwave technology to ensure precise, reliable and comfortable care.
Five convenient locations
With clinics across Brisbane and Mt Isa, accessing SWIFT wart removal is easy and convenient.
Frequently asked questions
Traditional therapies use destructive methods, often causing blistering or long recovery times. SWIFT activates the body’s immune system instead, making it a more comfortable, targeted, effective wart treatment option.
SWIFT improves long-term outcomes by teaching the body to recognise HPV. While recurrence is possible with any treatment, SWIFT reduces this risk by stimulating immune memory.
Yes. SWIFT is safe for paediatric patients.
Warts vary in depth, age and viral load. Some patients also have a slower immune response. This is why multiple treatments may be required.
No. SWIFT targets only the wart and does not affect surrounding normal skin or deeper structures. Mild colour changes to the immediately surrounding skin are normal.
Yes. The podiatrist can treat multiple lesions during the same visit.
Most sessions take less than 10 minutes, depending on the number of warts treated.
Coverage varies, but most patients can claim a portion of their podiatry appointment. Please speak to our reception team for further information.
Take the first step towards wart-free, comfortable feet
If you’re dealing with painful plantar warts or treatments that haven’t worked, SWIFT may be the ideal solution. Book your SWIFT wart treatment online or speak with our friendly team today.