Arnica gel vs. Vitamin K gel for healing bruises after a facelift?

Hello,Homeopathy and homeopathic remedies like Arnica are not based in science, and their existence and promotion today is due to  greed leading to exploitation of the patient. Vitamin K is absorbed in the gut and used in the liver to make clotting proteins. As a topical gel, it is an expensive moisturizer that has no effect on bruising. Once again: greed leading to exploitation. Don’t waste your money on either product. 

Hello,My patients use both after all facial plastic surgery procedures to enhance their recovery. Bruising resolution has been shown to be faster with our protocol.Good luck,Dr. Shah

Arnica Montana is a homeopathic drug that is claimed to reduce bruising and swelling. Anecdotally, many patients and plastic surgeons feel that Arnica does have a benefit. There are, however, conflicting reports in the valid scientific literature about these claims. Bromelin (Bromelain), another homeopathic medication, is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples and also purported to reduce swelling, bruising, inflammation and pain after surgery. This supplement, which is often taken along with Arnica, is also controversial with regard to efficacy.There is no valid data about topical Vitamin K gel and post-op bruising.
I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)  that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. It is critical that he or she should be aware of all medications, supplements, minerals, vitamins, and herbs that you are taking, because they may interfere with normal blood coagulation, healing, and anesthesia.

Robert Singer, MD  FACS

La Jolla, California