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Arnica Montana and Quercetin Bromelain OK Before Breast Augmentation?

asked 2 years ago by 5237anon in Missouri
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 3,589 times
Tags: age 45-54, arnica

I am 48 years old, in good shape/health and am undergoing a submuscular breast augmentation (Mentor memory gel 350cc) on April 21. I'll be going from a large A/small B cup.

Although my surgeon neither prescribed nor prohibited their use, I have read about reduction of bruising and swelling via pre-operative regimens of Arnica Montana tablets as well as Bromelain. What is your recommended regimen, both pre-operatively and post-operatively? I am thinking that such a homeopathic therapy certainly can't interfere with healing, and if it does any good at all, it's worth the small extra expense.

16 answers to Arnica Montana and Quercetin Bromelain OK Before Breast Augmentation?

How to minimize bruising after cosmetic surgery

The most important thing to do to minimize bruising prior to breast augmentation surgery (or any cosmetic surgery for that matter) is to avoid medications that can cause bleeding. This includes aspirin, ibuprophen (advil, motrin), naproxyn (naprosyn or aleve), and similar drugs. Tylenol is okay to take in small amounts. It's also best to avoid vitamins and other supplements. I advise my patients to stop taking these medications and supplements for 2 weeks before and for 2 weeks after... more

Pamela B. Rosen, MD
Coral Springs Plastic Surgeon

Bromelain and arnica with plastic surgery

I have found bromelain and arnica very useful to decease postop bruising, and in my practice we provide nutrition kits that include peri-operative vitamins as well as bromelain and arnica. Before recommending the bromelain and arnica to all my patients, years ago I had tried these agents with my facial trauma patients and I was amazed how much their bruising and swelling resolved when I saw them next, either for follow-up or for surgery. I recommend starting the bromelain and arnica... more

Bruce Genter, MD
Abington Plastic Surgeon

www.drgenter.com

Arnica and bromelain for plastic surgery recovery

As Dr. Aldea has said, these can be very helpful. I especially like to use them in facial cases more than in breast cases. Nevertheless, they can't hurt. As an aside, a 350 Mentor implant will give a nice result for you but you will probably be bigger than a B after. More like a C cup, I expect. But it's the look than counts not the cup size.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Arnica Montana and Quercetin Bromelain for Cosmetic Surgery

I have been using Arnica Montana and Quercetin Bromelain in my Cosmetic Surgery cases for years and am convinced they are associated with less swelling and bruising. We offer them pre-operatively to all our patients. Some decline and most use them. The results have been quite convincing. There are several companies that sell them to doctors' offices. You can find them on-line. Good Luck on the 21st.

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Arnica montana and Bromelain prior to cosmetic plastic surgery

The use of these supplements have not been justified in large multicenter studies. Having said that, I am not averse to their use.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Arnica and Bromelain with surgery

Hi there- There have been a few studies indicating that these supplements assist in minimization/resolution of swelling and bruising with plastic surgery procedures. I do not think they are necessary for you to have a pleasing outcome or experience, but do believe that in my own practice the patients who have chosen to use them (we offer them as an option for those interested) have generally felt their experience was better and easier than friends who did not take them.... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Homeopathics and breast augmentation

I use Arnica for all of my facial cosmetic surgery patients. I haven't found any significant difference in my breast patients, as they typically don't have any bruising. However, i would suggest just speaking with your surgeon prior to starting these meds as some surgeons do have strong opinions about homeopathics. Good luck with your surgery! /nsn

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Arnica and Bromolain

Arnica and Bromelain may be helpful with bruising and swelling. This may help for the post-op care. There are some studies that suggest the Arnica and Bromolain may help still others state that it may do nothing.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Arnica Montana and Quercetin Bromelain OK before breast augmentation

I have been using these pre operative supplements for over 25 years. I love them. I recommend get them at a local health food store. From MIAMI Dr. B

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Arnica and Bromelain for Breast Augmentation

Although bruising is usually minimal after breast augmentation. These over-the –counter drugs can reduce it even further. We generally supply them and encourage all our patients to take them. However, since many vitamins and minerals interfere with anesthesia or recovery or cause increased bruising, we take all our patients off everything they may be taking. We then supply a vitamin specially formulated for surgery that will not increase bruising or interfere with anesthesia and will... more

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

Arnica and Bromelain for surgery

I agree with the surgeons who have stated they find it most useful for facial and eyelid surgery. I, too, rarely have any bruising after breast augmentation. I will allow patients to use it before and after breast augmentation if they desire.

John LoMonaco, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Check with your surgeon before using supplements

While most of us appear to agree that these supplements can be helpful, some of them can interfere with blood clotting , which would be undesirable with surgery. It is not safe to assume that homeopathic supplements can't interfere either with healing, anesthesia, or medications. Also, the dose and purity are important, so we dispense Arnica here so that we know exactly what our patients are using. Your surgeon will have his or her own views on this so whatever you decide make sure that... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Bruising and swelling after breast augmentation is prevented by gentle surgery.

Hi. We don't use these products for breast augmentation in New York City. They are just one more thing to keep track off, and there is really very little bruising and swelling with delicate sugical technique. In fact, many of our patients return to work in three days. These products are very helpful, however, in facelift, eyelid plasty, and rhinoplasty.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Arnica before surgery

Although it certainly seems safe to use these non-pharmaceuticals I would check with your doctor. Each of us has their own particular way of doing things and some prefer not to use arnica before surgery. I have used arnica but not quercetin and I am still on the fence whether they play a significant role in preventing bruising or swelling, but I do agree that they MAY help. Good luck with your surgery.

Steven Schuster, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Arnica and Bromelain before Plastic Surgery

Yes, it is safe and encouraged to use both Arnica and Bromelain before cosmetic surgery. I have found that Arnica especially helps reduce bruising and swelling after surgery. Good luck with your procedure.