Arnica and Bromelain? Why Are People Using These for Breast Augmentation Recovery? What's It Do?

Arnica and bromelain are used to reduce swelling and bruising after surgery.  The risk associated with these substances is minimal and in our practice we have seen a reduction in swelling and bruising for our patients.  This reduces the pain and discomfort after surgery and speeds up their recovery.  Since the risk and cost are minimal, we recommend the use of these supplements after surgery to help our patients.

Thank you for your question. 

Although I do not have much experience with Bromelain, I really like for patients to take Arnica, beginning 3 days pre-op.  I think that the pills really help decrease bruising. It's good stuff!  Best of luck.

I suggest to my patients beginning supplements such as  bromelain or arnica a week or two before their procedure(s). However, its best to consult with your board-certified Plastic Surgeon beforehand. She or he will make suggestions according to your procedure and medical records in addition to discussing your pre-op preparations. Also, such may be provided for you with your pre-op material and prescriptions in time for your recovery period. You will learn more about preparing at your pre-op appointment. 

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!

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 supplements

Arnica and Bromelain are natural herbal remedies for swelling and bruising.  You can get them in any health food store without a prescription.  They are reputed to help decrease swelling and bruising after surgery, especially facial surgery.  Whether or not they really do anything is subject to opinion.  Personally, I don't think they do much but I don't discourage my patients from using them.  Who knows?  Bruising isn't usually an issue with breast augmentation surgery for me anyway.  Still, If you are planning to use these, it is generally recommended that you start using them two days before your planned procedure. 

These are said to reduce bruising, but I am not aware of any well designed scientific study that  substantiates the claims. I do not think they will do any harm, but I doubt the benefit is worth the money you pay for them.

  Arnica and Bromelain have been suggested to reduce postoperative bruising.  Arnica pills are fine.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

This is are hard question to answer.  Some surgeons swear by it, some see little effect.  By far, however, the surgical technique is what causes more or less bruising, but sometimes this can't be helped.  I have not seen hard data one way or the other.  Bottom line, it doesn't seem to cause a problem, so I don't have a problem if my patients use it.

Best Wishes,

Pablo A. Prichard, MD

It is unclear if these products do much to cut down on bruising and ease recovery. Of the surgeons who suggest these products, most note that it helps in facial procedures and perhaps in liposuction, but not particularly in breast surgery where there is usually not much in the way of bruising.

All the best.