If you're one of the many people struggling with persistent plantar warts on your feet, you know how frustrating they can be. These unsightly growths are painful and can make you self-conscious about baring your feet. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, our expert podiatry team understands the impact warts can have on your quality of life. That's why we offer the revolutionary Swift treatment to safely and effectively eliminate warts.
Swift therapy uses precise, controlled microwave energy to target and destroy the virus responsible for plantar warts. Our podiatrists have helped countless patients in the Austin area finally achieve the wart-free feet they desire with this cutting-edge treatment. If you're considering Swift treatment for your warts, here's what you need to know about the procedure and recovery process.
What Happens During Swift Wart Treatment?
The Swift procedure is much simpler than traditional methods—here's what you can expect.
Getting Ready for Your Swift Procedure
On the day of your procedure, your podiatrist will clean and prep your foot for treatment. You may need to remove any jewelry on your feet and ankles. No anesthesia is necessary since Swift therapy causes minimal discomfort.
Precisely Targeting the Wart with Microwave Energy
During the Swift procedure, your podiatrist will use a handheld device to deliver low-powered microwave energy directly to the wart. This process:
- Stimulates your body's immune response
- Prompts your immune cells to attack and eliminate the wart virus
- Causes a warming sensation or slight sting that resolves quickly
Each Swift treatment session lasts only 5-10 minutes. Your podiatrist will tell you how many sessions you'll need based on the size and number of warts being treated. For optimal results, most patients undergo 3-4 treatments spaced about a month apart.
Post-Op Expectations: Walking Out of the Office and Getting Back to Your Day
One of Swift wart therapy's biggest advantages over traditional therapy options is that no downtime is required. Since the procedure is noninvasive, you can walk out of the office and resume your normal activities right away. Your podiatrist may apply a small bandage over the treated area to keep it clean. When you get home, you can remove the bandage and wash your feet as usual.
What to Expect as Your Wart Heals
The treated wart may appear unchanged in the days following your Swift procedure. This is normal and doesn't mean that the treatment was ineffective. You might notice mild tenderness, redness or swelling around the wart, but this should resolve within a few days. If you experience any blistering or extreme discomfort, contact your podiatrist right away.
Recovery Timeline
After your final Swift treatment session, the wart will gradually start to change in appearance as your body eliminates the virus. You may notice the wart:
- Turns black or brown as the treated skin naturally sheds off
- Flakes away a little at a time over the course of several weeks
- Leaves healthy, wart-free skin underneath as it clears up
It can take up to 6 months for the wart to completely vanish, but once it's gone, it's unlikely to return. Swift resolves warts at the source rather than superficially shaving them down.
Maintaining Healthy, Wart-Free Feet Going Forward
To keep your feet wart-free after your Swift treatment, your podiatrist will likely recommend at-home strategies like:
- Washing your feet daily with soap and water
- Thoroughly drying your feet, especially between the toes
- Wearing clean, breathable socks and shoes that fit well
- Never going barefoot in public areas like showers or pools
- Regularly exfoliating your feet to remove dead skin
- Periodically checking your feet for any suspicious growths
With proper foot hygiene and regular podiatry check-ups, you can maintain your Swift treatment results and enjoy clear, healthy feet for the long term.
