Bromelain And/or Arnica Before Surgery?

Arnica pills when taken starting the day before surgery and after surgery until any possible bruises are gone will reduce bruising and make them go away faster if you get any. Arnica cream afterwards helps as well if needed. Also avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for 10 days prior to surgery.

Arnica and Bromelain can both be helpful before and after surgery to reduce bruising and swelling. Much of this data is anecdotal, but many doctors, including myself, recommend it frequently for patients undergoing surgery. The important thing to remember is that the herbal supplements are not a cure, and it is still quite possible to get significant bruising and/or swelling even if taking them before and after surgery. 
Bruising may be related to surgical technique, clotting disorders, certain medications, or other factors, but often is just pure chance with each given procedure. Some patients may develop significant bruising on one side of their face and not the other, or may have a history of bruising easily, but no bruising at the time of a particular surgery. Each patient is different. A consultation with a well-trained and experienced surgeon is always recommended in order to discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any procedure or treatment.Be sure to see an expert.All the best,

First of all I really appreciate patients that are willing to invest time and prep in preoperative readiness. It does make a difference. That being said, this is something that you really need to establish with your surgeon. It can affect the way I approach cases and alter my technique in select situations. I also often start a topical skin treatment such as a 0.5% retinol. Again though, I want to stress to check with your surgeon. The over the counter strength Arnica is perfect for pre operative treatment. I ask patients that are willing to start 14 days prior. Also it is key to avoid any blood thinning medications and foods.Hope this helps,Best of luck,DrC

While preparing for surgery, I do recommend that patients begin taking the herbal supplements Arnica Forte and Bromelin at least two weeks beforehand. These herbs can help prevent excessive swelling and bruising after surgery. I also recommend discontinuing blood-thinning agents, such as aspirin, alcohol, fish oil and multivitamins, for at least two weeks before the surgery and several weeks afterward. I hope this helps.

The best advice that I can give you is to avoid any multivitamins, aspirin, aspirin containing products, and/or blood thinners for two weeks prior to your blepharoplasty procedure.  For patients who are currently on aspirin or blood thinning regimens as per their medical doctor, I always advise that they defer to their medical doctor regarding the avoidance of these medications before doing so.  In my practice, I do recommend that patients begin taking oral arnica and bromelain a few days prior to and following their surgical procedure in an effort to prevent and shorten the duration of any bruising that a patient may experience, and remember that head elevation and cool compresses for the first 24-48 hours should also help.Unfortunately, bruising is highly variable and unpredictable.  Best of luck on your upcoming procedure!

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!