Is arnica safe to take after tummy tuck swelling?

Arnica is an herbal supplement that helps patients with postoperative inflammation and swelling. It can also help bruises to fade more quickly, and it is also thought to alleviate nerve pain. As it helps patients heal faster after surgical procedures, it is commonly recommended by plastic surgeons. Before taking any herbal supplement, however, it is important to go over your current medications with your board-certified plastic surgeon so that you can be assured there are no contraindications in taking it. Good luck in your recovery!

With #cosmeticsurgery  such as #abdominoplasty, we have our patients start on vitamins and supplements two weeks before and two weeks after.  We prefer VitaMedica, as we know the content of these surgical support vitamins. The program includes Arnica and Bromeliad for our patients, and you could confirm with your own surgeon whether they agree for you.

Additionally most patients will be placed in an abdominal binder, which they will wear the first week. There is usually a fair amount of swelling and the binder should be opened several times a day so that there are no pressure points. After the first 7 to 10 days the patient is placed in an elastic garment for compression over the next six weeks.



Swelling can persist for several months and will gradually improve and will look better at three months, six months, and even one year. Frequently the pubic area and the scrotal and penis area for men can become very swollen and discolored during the first two weeks due to gravity as this is the lowest area for swelling to accumulate. Best of luck with your swelling throughout the healing process!

Swelling after a tummy tuck is not uncommon.  You want to speak with your surgeon to be sure that the amount of swelling you are experiencing is normal and that you are healing properly.  Arnica is often used to help treat bruising after procedures.  Compression, used properly, and proper diet and activity level are helpful in minimizing the amount of swelling after surgery.