SWIFT MICROWAVE THERAPY

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SWIFT is a medical device that emits a focused microwave signal into the skin in order to eradicate warts, verrucae and papillomas. The microwave signal is set to a predetermined depth to ensure only the wart is treated. During treatment, a process called Heat Shock occurs. Heat Shock is when the wart releases proteins into the circulatory system, triggering the immune system to register the source of HP Virus infection and begin fighting it off. 

Warts are a common contagious infection that consist of raised bumps on the outer layers of the skin. They are caused by varying strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), with each strain causing warts to grow on different areas of the body. Plantar warts are those that appear on the soles of your feet and can cause considerable discomfort. They can be difficult to get rid of without medical intervention as the HP Virus evades the body’s immune system. 

During treatment, the wart is rapidly heated to 42-45ºC, which can cause moderate discomfort for around 1-2 seconds. This temperature range is safe to the human body and is a few degrees warmer than a hot bath. It will not cause any serious tissue damage or scarring.  

Microwaves are a form of non-ionising radiation, meaning that they can not cause damage to the DNA of living things. SWIFT uses very low energy levels that are only able to vibrate water molecules within skin cells. 

This will depend on how you respond to treatment. On average it includes three treatments spaced one month apart, followed by a three-month follow-up review. However, in more chronic cases you may require a fourth treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to discuss your treatment plan with you.

• Highly effective 
• Rapid treatment time 
• No dressings required 
• No anaesthetic 
• No smoke
• No self-care required 
• No pain post-treatment 
• Few treatments needed 

Stop using home wart treatments, particularly acid-based methods, one week before treatment. Avoid using topical local anaesthetic gel or cream before treatment. 

It is unlikely that you will see any changes in the appearance of the lesion immediately after treatment. It is normal for a week or even months to pass before a patient notices a transformation, as the lesion will disappear starting at the base, not the surface. Small, black dots may appear; this is a good sign that your immune system is responding to treatment.

In some rare cases, a small blister may form after you receive Swift microwave therapy for plantar warts. 

Please let your podiatrist know if you have any of the following: 

• Diabetes
• Numbness or tingling in the feet
• Peripheral vascular disease or poor blood flow to feet
• History of serious or recurrent infections like cellulitis
• Any condition that affects your immune system
• Pregnancy
• Metal implants, internal defibrillator, or pacemaker device