Verruca Treatment with SWIFT® Microwave Technology in London
SWIFT Verruca Treatment at a Glance
- 86% success rate — even on verrucas that have resisted other treatments (SWIFT® Microwave Therapy; see also NHS guidance on warts and verrucas)
- 2–3 second microwave pulses, five to six applications per session — no needles, no anaesthetic
- Minimum of three sessions spaced roughly four weeks apart for most patients
- No downtime — walk, work and exercise as normal straight after treatment
- Not suitable if you have a pacemaker, metal implants near the treatment area, or neuropathy
- Pregnant or breastfeeding - You can still be treated (see below)
Wave goodbye to verrucas with the advanced technology of SWIFT®.
At Flawless Feet, we treat verrucas and warts with SWIFT®, a non-invasive, effective procedure that uses microwave energy to leave you verruca-free, with no downtime or side effects.
Verrucas, or plantar warts, have long been considered difficult to treat. However, with the introduction of SWIFT® microwave technology, everything has changed. This innovative treatment, developed in the UK, uses microwave energy to penetrate deep into the skin and target infected tissue, without puncturing or damaging the skin, offering advanced verruca treatment options.
At Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic, our experienced podiatrists offer this quick and effective treatment to help you get rid of stubborn verrucas in no time.
What Is a Verruca?
Verrucas are warts that typically appear on the soles of the feet or around the toes. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is highly contagious through direct person-to-person contact. Verrucas are not only uncomfortable, but they can also spread if left untreated.
They can cause pain, embarrassment, and discomfort, especially when walking or standing for long periods. Treating verrucas as soon as possible will help prevent them from spreading to others and allow you to regain healthy, pain-free feet.
What is SWIFT® Microwave Treatment?
SWIFT® is a groundbreaking technology licensed for the treatment of verrucas and other skin lesions in podiatry and dermatology. SWIFT® uses microwave energy delivered through a special probe applied to the skin. These microwaves have been used safely for over 30 years in cancer treatment globally, and now they are utilised to treat verrucas effectively.
Microwaves penetrate the skin to raise the temperature of the infected tissue, which destroys the diseased cells. This process activates your immune system, allowing your body to recognise and eliminate the verruca virus on its own. SWIFT® is an incredibly effective treatment option, with an 86% success rate, and can even work on stubborn verrucas that have not responded to other methods.
Visit SWIFT® Microwave Therapy to learn more.
More videos
Prefer to watch? Explore more about SWIFT® verruca treatment:
Watch: Outcomes using Swift microwave therapy (Emblation)
What the Latest Evidence Says (2026)
SWIFT®'s clinical evidence keeps strengthening. A randomised controlled trial published in January 2025 reported verruca clearance in 74% of patients after three SWIFT® sessions, rising to 82% after four sessions — with no recurrence reported in the treated group at follow-up.
Across the 126 UK clinics now using SWIFT®, aggregated audit data shows similar clearance rates — including on verrucas that had already resisted freezing, acids and needling.
The vendor's published 86% success rate reflects best-case treatment courses; the peer-reviewed figures above give a realistic picture of what to expect from a typical course.

Why our podiatrists recommend SWIFT®
"Though it can be painful, it's the immediate and rapid effect of SWIFT® that I love — patients walk out of the clinic and get on with their day. I've seen children, teenagers and adults finally clear verrucas they've battled for years, and I wish I had this done sooner."
That everyday experience at our Sydenham, Croydon and Covent Garden clinics matches the published evidence — which is why SWIFT® is our first-line recommendation for stubborn verrucas.
How Does SWIFT® Microwave Therapy Work?
Here’s how the SWIFT® microwave treatment works:
Watch: Swift verruca treatment at Flawless Feet Podiatry London (loads on click — no YouTube cookies until you press play)
What to Expect During Treatment
The treatment is incredibly swift: each application lasts just 2-3 seconds, with 5-6 applications per session.
- Duration: The entire treatment session takes just a few minutes. The SWIFT® microwave treatment is quick and efficient, with no long recovery periods.
- Pain: The sensation during treatment can be compared to a quick pinch or heat sensation, lasting only 2-3 seconds. The pain quickly subsides, and there’s no need for an anaesthetic.
- Recovery: Most activities can be resumed immediately after the treatment. Although the treated area may feel a little tender, it should not prevent you from walking, exercising, or engaging in regular activities.
SWIFT® offers an easy solution to verruca treatment, allowing you to return to your normal activities almost immediately.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
While the treatment is highly effective, the number of sessions required can vary from person to person. On average, most people need a minimum of three sessions, spaced about four weeks apart. Each session builds on the previous one, enhancing the body’s immune response and improving the treatment’s effectiveness.
Your podiatrist will assess how your body responds to the treatment and recommend the appropriate course of action. In some cases, more than three sessions may be needed to completely eliminate the verruca. However, the results are typically long-lasting with proper follow-up care.
Watch: Who is suitable for SWIFT® verruca treatment? (Emblation) — loads on click, no Vimeo scripts until you press play
Who Is Suitable for SWIFT® Treatment?
SWIFT® is a safe and non-invasive treatment for most people, but there are certain precautions to consider. SWIFT® is not recommended for:
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People with metal pins, plates, or replacement joints around the area of the verruca
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Those with heart problems or pacemakers
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Individuals with neuropathy (nerve damage) in the feet or poor circulation
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Children under the age of 8
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People on immunosuppressive drugs
If you have any concerns or underlying health conditions, consult with your podiatrist before proceeding with the treatment. They will assess whether SWIFT® is the right option for you and ensure your safety throughout the process.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you can still be treated. The energy from SWIFT® is delivered entirely locally, and so carries the same risk as treatments such as electrolysis, which is considered safe. However, it is known that the immune system is naturally suppressed during pregnancy, so treatment may be theoretically less likely to be successful.
What Happens After Treatment?
Post-treatment, the treated area may feel a little tender, but there are no restrictions on daily activities. You can continue with your usual routine, and most patients find that they can walk or stand without difficulty immediately following the treatment.
However, it’s important to keep the area clean and avoid excessive pressure or friction in the days following the treatment.
Pricing and Packages
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Single Treatment: £160
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Course of 3 Treatments: £450 (plus initial consultation fee)
While SWIFT® treatment offers an 86% success rate, it is worth noting that no treatment for verrucas is 100% effective.
It’s possible that verrucas may return, though the chances of this happening are reduced with appropriate follow-up care.
Alternative Treatments
In addition to SWIFT®, there are other treatments available for verrucas, such as:
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Falknor’s Needling (Verrucae Needling)
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Cryosurgery (freezing)
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Strong Acid Treatments
Each of these methods has its own set of benefits and limitations. Cryosurgery, for example, involves freezing the verruca, while Falknor’s Needling uses a needle to stimulate the area. Strong acid treatments are another option, but they can sometimes cause discomfort and require aftercare. Your podiatrist will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment with you and help you determine which option is best suited to your needs.
SWIFT® vs Verruca Needling at a Glance
SWIFT® and verruca needling (Falknor’s Needling) are our two most effective verruca treatments, and both work by stimulating your immune system. Here’s how they compare side by side:
| Compare SWIFT® vs Needling | SWIFT® Microwave Therapy | Verruca Needling (Falknor’s) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Microwave energy triggers your immune system to recognise and clear the virus — no needles, no breaking the skin | A needle is passed through the verruca into the tissue beneath, introducing the virus to your immune system |
| Sessions | Minimum of 3, spaced roughly 4 weeks apart | Usually just 1 treatment (occasionally 2) |
| Pain | Brief 2–3 second pinch or heat sensation per application — no anaesthetic needed | Local anaesthetic numbs the area — pain-free during; mild soreness for 2–3 days after |
| Cost | £450 for a course of 3 (£160 per session); new clients also pay the initial consultation fee — see our fees page | £450 — one 60-minute session plus a follow-up appointment (see our fees page) |
| Downtime | None — walk, work and exercise as normal straight away | Dressing kept dry for 24 hours; normal activities within 24–48 hours |
| Best for | Multiple verrucas, needle-averse patients, or anyone who can’t take downtime | A single stubborn verruca, when you want the fewest possible clinic visits |
Not sure which is right for you? Read more about verruca needling, or call us on 020 3713 8361 — your podiatrist will recommend the best option at your assessment.
Why Choose Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic?
At Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic, we specialise in providing the highest standard of care for verruca treatment using SWIFT® microwave technology. Our skilled podiatrists will ensure you receive a safe, effective, and personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
With locations in Sydenham, Croydon, and Covent Garden in London, we are conveniently located for patients throughout London. Whether you're looking for a quick, non-invasive solution to your verruca problem or want to discuss other treatment options, we are here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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