Surgical Curettage for Chronic Plantar Warts in the Bayside Area

Curettage is a safe and effective minor surgical procedure used to remove stubborn plantar warts that have not responded to conservative treatments. This method has been widely used in podiatric practice for decades, and remains one of the most reliable solutions for long-standing or painful verrucae (warts).

What Does the Procedure Involve?

• The area is first numbed using a local anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
• The wart is then surgically removed using a curette, a small instrument designed to scoop the lesion out cleanly.
• A small amount of phenol (a chemical cauterising agent) is applied to the base of the wound. This helps destroy any remaining wart tissue and minimises the chance of regrowth.
• The area is dressed, and clear aftercare instructions will be provided.

Can I walk after the procedure?
Yes, you will be able to walk immediately after the procedure. Most patients can return to normal activities the same day, although some minor discomfort is expected.

How long is the recovery?
Typically, the wound will begin healing within 3–7 days. Most patients return to full function quickly, especially with appropriate footwear and wound care.

Will there be much pain after the surgery?
Pain is usually minimal. We apply a gentle chemical burn using phenol, which also helps to numb the nerve endings in the area and substantially limit post-procedural pain.

Can I drive after the procedure?
Yes, you can drive yourself home after the procedure, as long as you feel comfortable and confident in doing so. Since only local anaesthetic is used (not sedation), your driving ability should not be impaired. We recommend wearing suitable footwear and avoiding long distances immediately after.

What shoes should I bring?
We recommend bringing wide-fitting shoes, Crocs, or slides to allow room for any dressing applied post-procedure and to keep pressure off the healing area.

If you are suffering from a persistent or painful wart, surgical curettage may be the right solution. Get in touch with our team to discuss your suitability for this effective and time-tested treatment.