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Are Arnica Montana and Bromelain Recommended Before Mommy Makeover?

asked 3 months ago by knikki32
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 316 times
Tags: arnica, bromelain, dosage, pre-op

I am getting a Mommy Makeover which includes tummy tuck, liposuction and breast reduction. Is it best to take the supplements post surgery or both pre op and post op? What dosage amounts and strengths are recommended?

14 answers to Are Arnica Montana and Bromelain Recommended Before Mommy Makeover?

+3

Arnica Montana and Bromelain not recommended for Mommy Makeover

Thank you for your question. While you will be able to find some surgeons and individuals who sing their praises, I am not a strong proponent of arnica and bromelian. There are not good studies that actually show significant differences for the procedures you are having. If your surgeon wants you to use them, please call his or her office for specific instructions. I hope this helps.
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

+3

Can you dimnish bruising and swelling with supplements?

I hope you enjoy the results of your mommy makeover! But I cannot say I'm a fan of bromelain and arnica. I've used the samples from companies providing it and did not appreciate any benefit at all. Some patients will bruise more than others, especially if there is any post-op bleeding. If you're a believer in supplements, by all means go for it. But if you're wondering if it will help, I do not advise it for my patients. Again, enjoy your... more
Curtis Wong, MD

Redding Plastic Surgeon
+3

Arnica and Bromelain with Mommy Makeover

Hi there- While there have been several studies indicating a benefit to cosmetic surgery patients taking arnica and bromelain (in appropriate doses) in terms of diminished swelling and bruising, the benefits do not seem to be universal or clear. In other words, some patients clearly feel they had a better recovery than they would have without them, but others may not feel so strongly about it one way or the other. I cannot say that in my experience they have ever caused harm or... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

+3

Arnica & Bromelain

Dear Knikki, I do recommend arnica & bromelain for facial surgery (facelift, bleph, rhinoplasty), but not for body surgery. Typically you will not see much bruising with breast or abdominal surgery, and I don't think there is much benefit to taking the supplements to justify the possible risks. Dr.B
Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

www.drmichaelbogdan.com

+3

Supplements with a mommy makeover

Thank you for your question. I am not a big fan of arnica montana or bromelain around the time of surgery. You may find reports on line about patients claiming to have less bruising or faster healing by taking these, however, I have had patients take these and have more bruising and slower healing that what I normally see. I would talk with your surgeon (board certified of course) before taking these around the time of your surgery. Remember, there are no miracle cures. I am aware of... more
James McMahan, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+2

Arnica for cosmetic surgery

I do give my patients Arnica before cosmetic surgery. It is great for reducing swelling and bruising. Over the counter doses should be just fine for you.
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

A Montana and Bromelin , do they really make a difference?

The use of these products varies widely. Some doctors recommend them strongly in others do not. I personally do not feel strongly one way or the other. While I do not generally recommend them in my practice if the patient feels comfortable taking them I have no objection to it. I do not offer them in the office because I don't want my patient to think that I'm trying to sell them something. I think it is difficult enough to make a decision for surgery without an... more
Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

www.atcosmetics.com

+2

Arnica Montana and Bromelain for Surgery

Both are homeopathic products that claim to reduce swelling and bruising and are available in many plastic surgeons offices. My patients seem pleased with the benefit they provide therefore I have them available in my office. There are different brands available each with their own directions. Usually it is recommended to start taking them 3 days prior to surgery and then until the swelling subsides (7 to 14 days). The products found in health food stores are of a milder strength than what... more
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+2

Arnica and bromelain for surgery

Arnica and bromelain for surgery: there are no great studies that prove efficacy that being said , i prescribe these from Vita Medica many patients believe in these supplements and feel better taking something i thinks all of the supplements together for two weeks before and after may help healing but studies are difficult to interpret
Jed H. Horowitz, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+2

Arnica and bromelain before surgery

The doses are standard for both, they are on the bottle, and we start 3 days before the surgery and continue for 10 days after the surgery
Julio Garcia, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

lvcosmeticsurgery.com

+1

Perioperative Arnica Montana and Bromelain Recommended

I recommend Arnica Montana and Bromelain Before and After Surgery Bromelain is a botanical extract with natural anti-inflammatory and other beneficial properties. It can help decrease inflammation, swelling and pain that often accompany a surgical procedure. Arnica Montana has been touted as causing decreased bruising, swelling and pain associated with surgery or soft tissue injury. with our homeopathic Arnica Montana. For a thorough... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Arnica & bromelain

There are some studies that show a benefit of these supplements, and others that don't - so the jury is still out. We make them available to our patients to use post-operatively...but leave it up to them to use them or not. Either way, it's not a huge difference. All the best,
Thomas Fiala, MD

Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Arnica after Mommy Makeover

Thank you for your question. In my office, we do have Arnica available to patients but mostly recommend it for facial surgery. Speak with your surgeon to see what he/she recommends. Best Wishes!
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Arnica?

I routinely have my facelift patients take arnica a week before and after surgery. I don't use it for body contouring procedures like mommy makeover surgery but I would check with your surgeon and see what they reccomend. I usually have patients eat pineapple if they ask about bromelain as they are full of it. The dose of arnica I use is 200k which works out to be five tablets three times a day. Most natural food stores will that arnica and the dose is on the vial. Good luck! Dr K more
Mahlon Kerr, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon

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