Arnica and Bromelain for Blepharoplasty-Associated Ecchymosis

Abstract

Homeopathic and naturopathic supplementation has gained increasing popularity as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities. Arnica and Bromelain are 2 commonly used supplements thought to be effective in reducing ecchymosis. This study was designed to explore the impact of combination therapy with Arnica and Bromelain on postoperative ecchymosis in patients undergoing blepharoplasty. In total, 130 patients undergoing upper eyelid blepharoplasty were enrolled. Patients with bleeding diatheses or inability to comply with cessation of anticoagulants were excluded. Aspirin and all naturopathic and homeopathic treatments were discontinued 2 weeks prior to surgery. In all, 64 patients received oral Arnica and Bromelain treatment starting 7 days prior to surgery and extending 7 days postoperatively. Sixty-six patients received no supplementation. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty was performed with skin flap excision, hemostasis with electrocautery, and closure with running 6-0 fast absorbing plain gut. Postoperative photos were taken 7 days following surgery. Photos were analyzed by 2 blinded reviewers, who graded the severity of ecchymosis using a visual analog scale. All 130 patients were seen during the postoperative course. There were no patients lost to follow-up, and there were no adverse reactions to the treatment protocol that necessitated discontinuation of Arnica and Bromelain. Average ecchymosis in the treatment arm was 5.00 compared with 4.43 in the control arm ( P = .67). At the conclusion of this study, the investigators find insufficient evidence that the combination of Arnica and Bromelain is effective at producing a statistically significant difference in ecchymosis following upper eyelid blepharoplasty.