Does Arnica Gel after Rhinoplasty help the swelling?

Question

I took the arnica pills before surgery and managed to not bruise too much. I am two weeks post op. Does arnica gel work for helping with swelling? I am still very swollen.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Arnica may help but I recommend you ask your surgeon if gel is suitable for you. Generally, taking arnica orally tends to be more effective than when topically applied.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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. I would ask your surgeon if the gel form may be used on the area at this time. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

We routinely have our patients take arnica orally after rhinoplasty surgery. Though the scientific data on its use is equivocal, our patients bruise very little afterwards. Some have used the gel and feel it is helpful--the side effects appear to be minimal. I don't think Arnica has much impact on swelling.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not think Arnica gel helps much.  The research in the medical literature is equivocal.  There are no definitive studies that support its use specifically.

John Zannis, MD · Answer

Arnica gel and capsules can help a lot with bruising and soreness.  Swelling is less affected, but maybe a little bit.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

In our practice, we use Arnica montana routinely for patients after surgery.  Anecdotally, we do see hear our patients report improvements in bruising and swelling.  In over 10 years of using Arnica, I have yet to see a real problem or side effect.Having said that, in scientific studies, the effects of Arnica have not been very convincing.  For that reason, although we let our patients know our experience with it, we never strongly insist on it with our surgeries.

Does Arnica Gel after Rhinoplasty help the swelling?

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Answers (6)

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