Recommend Taking Arnica Montana After Tummy Tuck and Breast Augmentation?

Question

I am wondering if this really helps with swelling and bruising? I am going in for a tt and breast aug July 6 and would like to start taking or know what I can take after to help out. Does anyone recommend this?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! The recommendations for the use of these homeopathic medications are surgeon preference. I typically suggest use Arnica to decrease swelling and bruising. It is an herbal medication that is propagated from the seeds of an herb. I, as well as my patients, have seen some benefit with the treatment in the postoperative period. Although there is little evidence to its effectiveness, I believe there is some benefit, but no harm. I recommend 4-5 tablets under the tongue 4x/day for 3-5 days prior and 5-7 days after the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
Arnica Montana helps to reduce bruising and swelling. Many of my patients use this supplement . Check with your surgeon for his/her recommendations for the use of supplements pre and post surgery.  Best wishes!

Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is unlikely that Arnica (either taken orally or applied topically) will have any real effect on post-op bruising or swelling.  That said, it is a fairly harmless medication, and I often tell patients to classify it in the category of "can't hurt, might help".  If patients choose to take it, any effect they are experiencing, however, is likely a placebo effect.

David Stoker, MD · Answer

I do like for my mommy makeover patients to take arnica before and after the surgery. It is a homeopathic medication, meaning it is highly diluted and not very potent, but it probably helps a little bit to reduce bruising. Good luck with your surgery.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It depends on what your board-certified Plastic Surgeon recommends according to your procedure and medical records. She or he will discuss your pre-op preparations before your surgery. Also, such supplements  may be provided for you with your pre-op material and prescriptions that you will need in time for recovery.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Omega 3 fats (e.g. fish oil, EFA, flax seed oil, Krill oil), NSAID's (aspirin, ibuprofen, naprosyn), Vitamin E, "blood thinners" and a whole host of supplements and medicines can cause excessive bleeding and bruising and therefore increase your recovery time. When in doubt stay away from supplements unless they are designed for surgery. I offer to my patients specific supplements that speed healing, reduce swelling, bruising and in some cases minimize discomfort (for example Bromelain, Arnica Montanum, and Vitamins designed for surgery.Bottom Line: Certain vitamins and minerals can speed healing others can cause problems and slow the process down or cause complications. If healing is going well I usually let my patients go back to their usual regimen of supplementsCheck with your doctor as only your doctor would have access to your medical history and what would be best for you. We typically allow our patients to continue their supplements 10 days post op if their recovery is going well.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Swelling is not uncommon after a tummy tuck and typically lasts quite a while. 80% has resolved by 3 months and the rest takes up to a year to resolve. You have to be patient with the healing process.There is no great data on whether Arnica helps it not. Enjoy your new look!Sheila Nazarian

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Althoiugh I frequently recommend this product because of its relatively high safety profile and anecdotal reports, I am not aware of any study which truly documents the benefits or the optimal dose or preparation.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are only a few good clinica studies on the use of arnica montana, a homeopathic herb, for minimizing swelling and bruising with surgery. It 's hard to make a strong case for using it based on the science although there is some evidence that it is useful, and it probably won't hurt. You would only need to start it the day before. Make sure you communicate with your surgeon about this, and if you decide to use be sure that you are getting the doses that have been tested clinically. Too high a dose can have the opposite effect. One brand is VitaMedica.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes taking arnica and bromelain can help with swelling and bruising after surgery.  Will it eliminate it? No, but it can be helpful. Speak with your surgeon about what is right for you.  I'll include a video on pre and post op nutrition tips as well that I hope you find helpful.

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