Do you recommend the use of Arnica post tummy tuck?

Question

I have had two c-sections and am about to have a tummy tuck to fix the various issues caused by pregnancy. My Obgyn's NP for my second pregnancy, recommended arnica post-op for my second c- section and by day 6 post-op I was pretty much back to normal and off all traditional pain medication. The recovery seemed much easier and faster compared to my first c-section. As a PS, have you ever recommended arnica to your TT patients and have you received positive feedback?

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Thank you for  your question! It is ok to use arnica pre and post op. It helps with bruising and with post op pain. I recommend discussing specific post op medication or remedy questions with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

I do recommend that my patients take arnica post surgery as well as use arnica cream topically.  It does help with swelling and bruising.  Every PS has different thoughts on arnica use so please check with your board certified plastic surgeon.  Best of luck!

Salih Onur Basat, MD, EBOPRAS · Answer

Yes  , you can use the arnica gel for the bruising area, It helps the decreasing of the bruising. You can use it 2-3 times a day. You can also do massage slightly with the arnica gel.

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing with us your question.
After a plastic surgery it’s very important to check with your Surgeon any medication or concern as patient you have.
I never recommend to my patients Arnica but is not for a bad feedback, is just as a homeopathic medicine most of my patients wants something more strong, if you used Arnica before and you had this amazing results speak with your Surgeon and share with him/her this as well. 
Best of luck,
Dr. Quiroz!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It’s embarrassing to see ABPS certified surgeons endorsing anything that isn’t substantiated by rigorous scientific methods. Arnica and all other homeopathic remedies do not prove superior to placebo. Do not waste money on it.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

I do have my patients take arnica after surgery as it helps with bruising and swelling. Talk to your surgeon about this as there are different opinions. Good luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

There is no real data that suggest that Arnica works.  I routinely do not recommend Arnica to my tummy tuck patients.  I would say however it is unlikely to be harmful if used after a tummy tuck surgery.
A tummy tuck surgery should in much bruising.  Swelling is part of the healing process and I encourage patients to continue with a Spanx or some sort of compression for the first 6 weeks.
Hope that helps.

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

Agreed, Arnica was once thought to be a key in swelling reduction however the scientific literature at this point does not show this to be routinely the case..

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I do not prescribe Arnica, but some of my patients have told me they have used Arnica gel topically for muscle pain and aching, bruising, and inflammation. It's not expensive so it might be worth a try. Best to ask your PS for his/her opinion.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I do not regularly prescribe Arnica because there is not much scientific evidence behind it. It may or may not be helpful and is probably not harmful. If you want to use it, then i would recommend to start after surgery to reduce any potential interactions with drugs during anesthesia.

Do you recommend the use of Arnica post tummy tuck?

Answers (14)

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