Laser Treatment vs SWIFT Therapy for Plantar Warts

February 11, 2025
Restore Podiatry Staff

When it comes to getting rid of stubborn plantar warts — those small, painful lesions caused by the HPV virus that form on the bottoms of your feet — you’ve got several options. Many people start with over-the-counter treatments, but those can be slow to work, uncomfortable, and often ineffective.

At Restore Podiatry & Laser Center, we take a more advanced approach. Our practice offers two highly effective — and comfortable — professional solutions: Laser Wart Treatment and Swift Therapy.

So how do you decide which one is right for you? Let’s start by understanding how these warts develop, and then we’ll walk you through how each treatment works and what to expect.

Identifying Plantar Warts: What are the Symptoms?

Plantar warts can look and feel quite different from other types of warts that appear elsewhere on your body. Because they develop on the bottoms of your feet — often in areas that bear weight — they can become painful and difficult to ignore.

Here are some common signs that you may have developed plantar warts:

Small, rough growths that appear on the soles or heels of your feet.
A thickened or callused surface that may resemble a cauliflower-like texture.
Tenderness or soreness when standing or walking.
Discomfort when pressure is applied directly to the growth.
Tiny black dots visible on the surface (these are actually small, clotted blood vessels).
Callus formation surrounding the wart due to the increased pressure on that spot.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore why these lesions appear — and how the HPV virus finds its way into the skin on your feet.

What Causes Plantar Warts to Form?

Plantar warts are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that enter your skin through tiny cuts, cracks, or weak spots in the outer layer of your foot. While there are many different types of warts, the ones that appear on the bottoms of your feet are called plantar warts. When these warts form in clusters, they’re referred to as mosaic warts.

Unfortunately, plantar warts can be painful — especially since every step you take puts pressure on the affected area. They’re also quite common, particularly among people who walk barefoot in communal areas like pools, locker rooms, or shared showers, where HPV thrives in warm, moist environments.

Now, that’s the not-so-great news. The good news? Getting rid of plantar warts doesn’t have to be painful — especially when you choose one of our advanced treatments at Restore Podiatry & Laser Center. Whether you opt for Laser Wart Treatment or Swift Therapy, we’ll help you find a comfortable, effective solution that fits your needs.

Swift Therapy for Plantar Warts

Swift Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for plantar warts that targets the root cause — the HPV virus. Like laser therapy, Swift works by eliminating the virus responsible for wart formation on the bottoms of your feet. However, instead of using light energy, Swift uses low-dose microwave energy to “uncloak” the virus and trigger your body’s natural immune response.

During each brief session — which typically lasts just a few minutes — the Swift system delivers controlled microwave energy directly to the wart. This energy stimulates your immune system to recognize and fight off the HPV infection internally, without causing damage to the surrounding healthy skin.

Here’s what makes Swift Therapy especially effective: once your immune system learns to identify and destroy the virus, it can prevent future outbreaks. In fact, studies show that plantar warts treated with Swift Therapy have a recurrence rate below 1% — making it one of the most reliable and comfortable solutions available.

Laser Treatment vs. Swift Therapy for Plantar Warts: Choosing Your Best Option

Not sure which plantar wart treatment is right for you? Both Laser Treatment and Swift Therapy offer advanced, effective ways to eliminate warts caused by the HPV virus — but they work differently and have unique advantages. Here’s a side-by-side guide to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Laser Treatment

Pros:

Highly precise and targeted, allowing the podiatrist to focus only on the wart tissue.
Effective for most types of warts, not just plantar warts.
Ideal for patients who prefer a traditional, energy-based treatment.

Cons:

Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure.
There is a small potential for scarring, especially with deeper lesions.
May require multiple sessions for full results.

Swift Therapy

Pros:

Fast and comfortable: Most patients see results after just two to three sessions, according to published studies.
Minimal pain and no downtime after treatment.
Very low recurrence rate (less than 1%) once the immune system is trained to fight the HPV virus.
Higher overall success rate than both traditional and advanced treatments, including laser therapy — with results showing over 83% success, and up to 95% when combined with our Clear Wart Program.
No risk of scarring, since no tissue is destroyed.

Cons:

Higher upfront cost, but often lower overall expense because fewer treatment sessions are needed.

Choosing the Best Plantar Wart Treatment in Long Island, New York

When you’re deciding on the best plantar wart treatment for yourself or your child, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by the options. At Restore Podiatry & Laser Center, we never expect you to make that decision alone.

Instead, we invite you to request an appointment with our experienced podiatry team. During your visit, we’ll perform a comprehensive exam and consultation to review your specific situation and help you make an informed choice.

Together, we’ll consider important factors such as:

Your tolerance for discomfort or downtime
Your schedule and time availability
Your insurance coverage and budget
The number and severity of the warts you’d like treated

Swift Therapy is very effective and proven options for eliminating plantar warts. The best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and medical needs — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Say Goodbye to Warts at Restore Podiatry & Laser Center in Hicksville, New York

If you’re ready to finally say goodbye to stubborn plantar warts, visit Dr. Davinder Bhela at Restore Podiatry & Laser Center, conveniently located in Hicksville, serving the greater Long Island, New York community.

Dr. Bhela is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle expert specializing in advanced treatments for plantar warts, including SWIFT Therapy — a modern, non-invasive technology proven to be more effective than traditional methods.

Restore Podiatry proudly serves patients from Manhasset, Roslyn, Dix Hills, Melville, Glen Cove, East Hills, New Hyde Park, Oyster Bay, Huntington, and throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the North Shore area.

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Have any questions or concerns? Our team at Restore Podiatry is here to help! Reach out to us anytime, and we’ll be happy to assist you with expert advice and personalized care.