Swift wart treatment — how it works
Swift is a clinically proven microwave therapy that clears warts by working with your immune system, not against it. Here's everything you need to know before you book.
What makes Swift different
Most wart treatments try to destroy the wart from the outside. Swift works differently. It uses microwave energy to heat the infected tissue to a precise depth below the skin surface. This creates an immune response — your body recognises the HPV infection and begins to clear it naturally.
Because Swift activates immunity rather than just burning tissue, it works on warts that other treatments haven't shifted. It also means there's no open wound, no dressing, and no downtime.
The science, briefly..
HPV hides in the upper layers of skin, where the immune system often doesn't detect it. Swift's microwave energy reaches deeper, heating the infected cells and triggering the release of heat shock proteins — a signal that flags the infection to your immune system.
This is why patients sometimes see warts they weren't treating clear up as well. The immune response isn't site-specific.
Visit One — assessment and first treatment
Your clinician will examine the wart and confirm it's suitable for Swift treatment. Treatment involves applying 3 to 5 two-second pulses of microwave energy directly to the wart. Each pulse feels like a sharp, brief warmth — most patients describe it as a quick sting that fades within seconds. No anaesthetic is needed. You'll leave with no dressing and no restrictions on activity.
Your three visits
Visit Two — around 4 weeks later
A second treatment using the same process. Your clinician will assess how the wart has responded and adjust the protocol if needed. Most patients notice changes between visits — the wart softening, shrinking, or in some cases resolving completely.
Visit Three — usually your last
For most patients, this is the final visit. Your clinician will confirm clearance and advise if any further treatment is required. A small number of patients need a fourth session — your clinician will be upfront about this.
Does it hurt?
Yes — briefly. Swift is not painless, and we'd rather be honest about that than oversell it. Each pulse produces an intense warmth for about one second. Pain sensitivity varies between patients and between wart locations, but the sensation passes immediately after each pulse.
There is minimal to no discomfort after treatment. Occasionally patients experience some tenderness at the site for a day or two, but this is uncommon.
Side effects
Swift is tissue-sparing — it doesn't burn or cut the skin. Side effects are rare and generally mild:
Brief redness at the treatment site, which typically resolves within hours
Mild soreness for 1 to 2 days in some patients
In rare cases, a small blister may form — your clinician will advise if this occurs
There is no risk of scarring from Swift when used correctly.
What we treat
Common warts
Warts on the hands, fingers, and body caused by HPV. Swift is effective across all wart types, including mosaic warts and clustered lesions that have resisted other treatments.
Plantar warts
Warts on the soles of the feet, which are often painful and deeply embedded. Swift is particularly effective here — the microwave energy reaches deeper than surface treatments, and there's no wound to keep clean or dress.
Genital and Anal warts
Because our clinic is GP-supervised, we can treat genital warts — a limitation for podiatry-run clinics. Treatment is discreet and confidential. A GP will be involved in the assessment and treatment plan.
Facial warts
Warts on the face require careful treatment to avoid cosmetic complications. GP oversight is essential, which is why facial warts can be treated here but not at most podiatry clinics.
Molluscum contagiosum
A common viral skin infection, particularly in children. Swift clears molluscum with a 100% success rate in clinical studies, averaging 2 visits.
Results
Frequently asked questions
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Clinical studies show up to 85% clearance for common warts and 95% patient satisfaction. For molluscum contagiosum, clearance is essentially 100%. Results depend on wart type, duration, and patient immune response.
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Most treatments fail because they target the visible wart, not the HPV infection causing it. Swift addresses the infection directly, which is why it works when other treatments haven't.
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Yes. Your clinician can treat multiple warts in a single session
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Yes. Swift is suitable for children. Parental consent is required for patients under 18.
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No. You can book directly online.
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No, private health is generally for inpatient hospital services and allied health rebates.
Ready to book?
Use our online booking to secure your appointment.