Bromelain And/or Arnica Before Surgery?

I'm having revision lower blepharoplasty next month. I had bruising for 6 weeks after the first surgery. Do you recommend Bromelain and/or Arnica before surgery as well as after? My Dr. seemed somewhat indifferent to there use. If I do take these herbs, how much and when should I start taking it? I really don't want to be in hiding for another six weeks!

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by Gwen from Utah in Utah

Doctor Answers (9)
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Arnica Before Blepharoplasty

I routinely recommend Arnica before and after surgery. This can be purchased at most pharmacies, over the counter. There are instructions with the medication of when it should be taken and should be started the evening before surgery. So, don't look at the package the morning of surgery because it may already be too late. Remember that these medications are herbal and not FDA approved. So, the studies demonstrating effectiveness are not great. I have... more

John Bitner, MD

18 reviews

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drjohnbitner.com

In my experience, Arnica pills are helpful for minimizing post-operative bruising.

In my practice, I routinely give all of my surgical patients Boiron, arnica pills which are begun 48 hours before surgery, and are continued for 7-10 days. This herb appears to lighten dark bruising, especially after rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty, and makes it easier to use concealer and resume normal social activities. This is anecdotal, but in my opinion, Boiron arnica montana pills appear to be effective in minimizing post-operative bruising. I have never offered bromelain to my... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD

199 reviews

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Bromelain And/or Arnica Before Surgery?

There certainly are measures, to take, pre-operatively that decrease the bruising from a Rhinoplasty or Eyelid Surgery. Avoid Vit C, E, Fish Oil, Niacin, Zinc and all other know blood thinners. Arnica 12-C is what we recommend for our surgical patients to limit bruising.

Eyelid surgery

I am in the same boat with your doctor, indifferent. There are no scientific studies I am aware of to quantify any benefit form these "herbs", therefore I don't know the proper dose, nor do I think it makes a difference. It probably won't hurt, but I doubt it will help.

Arnica or Bromelain for Bruising

I would agree with your doctor regarding these substances and put them into the "might help" category. I believe that good technical surgery with careful attention to hemostasis is much more important in reducing bruising.

Arnica and bromelain before surgery

I do recommend Arnica Montana X30 one week before and after surgery. Bromelain may help reduce bruising.

Pineapple works great to reduce bruising

Dear Gwen, I perfrom oculoplastic eyelid surgery exclusively. I ask my patients to start eating at least a cup of fresh pineapple starting three days before surgery and to keep it up for a few days after surgery. Pineapple contains Bromelain. Most of my patients have very little bruising at their 1 week follow up appointments. Of course, you are now having revisional surgery which may be a little more complex and with scar tissue, may cause more... more

Bromelain and Arnica for Revision Lower Eyelid Surgery

Bromelain and arnica may help with the bruising, but indifference on the part of the surgeon is not uncommon as there is not overwhelming evidence on this issue and bruising is subjective. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Arnica for Blepharoplasty

Arnica pills when taken starting the day before surgery and after surgery until any possible bruises are gone will reduce bruising and make them go away faster if you get any. Arnica cream afterwards helps as well if needed. Also avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for 10 days prior to surgery.