How Long Should I Take Arnica Montana and Bromelain for Rhinoplasty Swelling?

I advise my patients to use Arnica and Bromelain formulations.  Although there are many on the market, I would only use a standardized form of Arnica, such as Sinecch, Boiron, or Bruisestick products.  BruisePak is a standardized oral form of Arnica in a chewable tablet.  

Thank you for your question,
I usually reccomend to my patients to use arnica and bromelain for 2 weeks after surgery its helps in the early healing period.
Dont forget the Swelling is dramatically improved by  6 weeks, but mild swelling can persist for months.  
Best regards!
Yucel Sarialtin.

Hello! Thank you for your question! The recommendations for the use of these homeopathic medications are surgeon preference. I typically suggest the use of 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. At 4 weeks postop, the effects probably are not helpful. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Before you start taking anything, you should ask your surgeon if it's okay. By this time, however, these supplements may not be effective.

This question continually gets asked of rhinoplasty surgeons.  This is not an exact science; however, in most cases, it can be stopped after 7-10 days, when the majority of bruising and swelling has resolved.  For some patients with bruising that lasts longer than 7-10 days, they may need to take these supplements for longer. Frequent and long-term follow up with your rhinoplasty surgeon is imperative. Perhaps the most important thing a patient can do after rhinoplasty to reduce swelling is keep the head elevated.

Hi Brown,

At this point, 4 weeks after rhinoplasty, I do not believe that the Anica and or bromolene are doing much to help with your "swelling".  I think that you hit it on the "nose" when you stated that you have thick skin.  It takes time for swell ling to resolve in thick skinned patients following rhinoplasty.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

If you have not experienced any significant response, I would cease use of the homeopathic medications.

Arnica montana and bromelain are used to decrease swelling in the early post operative period, and are usually started immediately after surgery. If you notice no significant response at this point, you are probably best advised to discontinue their use. Always check with your surgeon before starting any medication, even homeopathic ones.

Arnica is taken for about  10 days pre-op and 2-4 weeks post-op. Bromelain is very popular in Europe and is typically tahen for about 10 days. However, don't take the bromelain without a physician's supervision because significant complications, especially in patients with digestive disorders, may occur. Please consult with your surgeon.