Arnica Montana and Quercetin Bromelain OK Before Breast Augmentation?

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.

Thank you for your question.  Herbal agents like arnica and bromelain are unlikely to have any significant effect on your post-op healing time, swelling, or bruising.  I generally tell my patients that they cannot hurt (though the same cannot be said for all other herbals), but probably will not help.  Meticulous surgical technique by a board-certified plastic surgeon, along with top-notch post-op care, are the most reliable means by which to achieve a quick recovery and a great result.

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 vidence to its effectiveness, I believe there robe 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!

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.

We find that both are particularly useful to reduce swelling and bruising after surgery.  When to start and using which type should be decided by the surgeon.  There are surgical healing vitamins that are packaged together that we use that are designed specifically for this purpose.

Our office prescribes Arnica and Bromelain ointment in a stick form known as Bruisestick. The product is applied at least twice daily. 

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

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.

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 you are on the same page.

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.