SWIFT Microwave Immunotherapy for Warts

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are plantar warts?

  1. Plantar warts, also known as plantar verruca, are caused by a viral infection that leads to the replication of the virus in the superficial layers of the skin on the bottom of the foot. This continuous replication results in the formation of the wart.

• What virus causes plantar warts?

  1. The virus responsible for plantar warts is the human papillomavirus (HPV).

  2. HPV typically enters the skin through micro-abrasions (small cuts), leading to infection and the formation of visible warts.

• What are the treatment options for warts?

  1. Warts can be challenging to treat, especially with traditional methods, which may leave some tissue untreated and can damage surrounding healthy tissue. This often leads to frustration for both patients and foot and ankle physicians.

  2. To address this issue, foot and ankle physicians have turned to SWIFT treatment, which boasts an effectiveness rate of over 85% for curing plantar warts, with less than a 1% recurrence rate. For more information about SWIFT treatment, visit this link.

• What is SWIFT?

  1. SWIFT is a treatment system that employs precise, controlled electromagnetic waves as a form of immunotherapy. These microwaves penetrate the tissue, creating localized heating and accelerating chemical and cellular reactions, which alerts your body to the HPV virus and initiates an immune response.

• Who is a candidate for SWIFT?

  1. Anyone suffering from plantar warts is a candidate for SWIFT treatment.

• What should I expect with SWIFT treatment?

  1. The doctor will use a pen-like device with a sterile tip to deliver multiple applications of electromagnetic waves directly to the wart.

  2. The treatment session is quick, with most patients experiencing only minimal discomfort, allowing them to continue their day afterward.

• Will I need to do any home care for the wart?

  1. No at-home wound dressing or care is necessary.

• I have more than one wart; will you need to treat each wart?

  1. In many cases, additional satellite warts may not require treatment, as they can be eliminated through the immune response triggered by the primary treatment.

• How often will I need treatment with SWIFT?

  1. Treatments are typically performed every four weeks.

  2. After the final treatment, a follow-up appointment will occur at 12 weeks.

• How many treatments will it take with SWIFT?

  1. On average, patients require 2-3 treatments.

  2. Long-standing lesions may need additional treatments.

  3. However, there is no guarantee of treatment success.

• Does my insurance cover SWIFT?

  1. No, insurance does not cover SWIFT treatment. Payment will be required upfront.

  2. Your initial consultation and final check-up will be submitted to insurance, and payment will depend on your specific plan (e.g., copay, deductible). These consultations are separate from the actual treatment costs.

• How much does SWIFT cost?

  1. SWIFT can be purchased as a single treatment or as a bundle.

  2. The cost for a single treatment is $275. If an additional probe tip is needed during the session, it will incur an extra charge of $145. This will be discussed with you prior to treatment, and the need for a second tip is uncommon.

  3. The bundle cost is $720 for up to three treatments.

• How many treatments are included in the bundle?

  1. The bundle includes up to three treatments for the same lesion.

• If I purchase the bundle and do not need all three treatments, will there be a refund?

  1. If the bundle is purchased and not all three treatments are needed, no refund will be issued.

Learn more about the science behind warts and the SWIFT technology here: SWIFT