If there is something we don’t like about your looks and we wish to change it, we can. The newest surgical procedures often have little or no downtime and the soft tissue fillers can be used to avoid or postpone surgery . Even though the new advances in the cosmetic field have significantly reduced the downtime postprocedure, bruising and swelling are still a problem. So what is available to speed your healing time or to prevent bruising altogether? What vitamins are truly going to put you in tip top shape before surgey and carry you through your post recovery period?

The oldest standby is Arnica Montana also known as Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Leopards Ban and Sneezewort. Arnica is an herb which growns wild in the Swiss Alps and has been used as a part of European herbal medicine for over a thousand years for the reduction of bruising and swelling and to shorten the recovery period after physical trauma. The plant is ineffective in its raw form and must be prepared to get the benefits it offers, Try the five day blister pack for pre and post injection or the longer two week course for after surgery. 


VitaMedica's Arnica Montana 30X is a homeopathic remedy. Organically grown Arnica Montana soft-grain, sub-lingual tablet 30X formula dissolves rapidly and is optimal for facial procedures. Available in 5-day blister pack or 250 count bottle (month supply).

BENEFITS: Optimal for facial surgery or injectable (such as Botox or dermal fillers such as Restylane) procedures. Soft-grain, sublingual tablet that dissolves rapidly.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Begin taking Arnica Montana immediately following soft tissue injury or surgery and continue until the bruising and swelling subsides (7-14 days). Adults should take 3 tablets 3 times per day. For injections the five-day blister pack is all that is required.

The second supplement to consider is Bromelain. Bromelain comes from the pineapple plant. Mostly the stems are used in its manufacturing but some of the fruit is used as well. Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory formula containing  proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples. Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is often used to relieve edema (swelling) after procedure. Many times the two are combined in one pill for maximum effect. Out of all of the products we have tested we like Vitamedica the best.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Begin taking Bromelain 3 days prior to surgery. Continue taking Bromelain after surgery until the inflammation and swelling have subsided (usually 7-10 days). As a dietary supplement, take two capsules three times a day on an empty stomach. Each individual is unique and nutritional requirements may vary.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Bromelain with Quercetin is contraindicated in patients with a history of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias); taking blood thinners like Coumadin; or who have allergies to pineapple. 
 Finally before your surgeries consider supplementing with Zinc, which is known to help with healing and Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Vitamin K.

Vitamedica Surgery Pack: This all-inclusive vitamin pre and post surgical pack includes a two supply of all the necessary pre-surgical vitamins as well as a two week supply of post-surgical vitamins. They make this  easy for you by including a bottle of Arnica Montana and Bromelain.

The VitaMedica Surgery Program is a pre and post-operative nutritional supplement system designed for patients undergoing a surgical procedure. The Surgery Program provides nutrients to support wound healing, enhance the immune system, minimize inflammation and reduce bruising. The Surgery Program supplements are formulated to support the body's natural healing process, and as a result, allows patients to be more proactive in the healing process. The objective of the Surgery Program is improved safety and optimal surgical outcome. Because these products are natural, they are generally milder, safer and less likely to cause negative reactions or side effects than prescription medications.

BENEFITS: Helps support the healing process; Improves surgical safety; High-quality ingredients and formulations; Ideal for aesthetic plastic or cosmetic surgery patients; Convenient and simple.

CONTENTS: AM & PM Clinical Support for Surgery (a specialty multi-nutrient formula), Bromelain with Quercetin, Arnica Montana 30X. The 4-week program kit provides instruction card and patient brochure along with healing guides. Don’t forget to get off of the list of medical and non-medical supplements (consult with your doctor first) at least two weeks before your procedure.