Published: July 10, 2026
Plastic surgeons have recommended arnica for decades. Here's how to use arnica patches after rhinoplasty, facelift, blepharoplasty, and body contouring for faster bruising clearance.
Arnica montana contains helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone with documented anti-inflammatory activity. Applied topically, arnica meaningfully reduces post-operative bruising compared to untreated wounds. This is why arnica has become a standard recommendation in plastic surgery recovery protocols — especially for rhinoplasty, facelift, and blepharoplasty, where visible bruising is socially disruptive.
Rhinoplasty: Apply patches to the upper cheekbones and under-eye areas, avoiding the nose bridge for the first 48 hours. Facelift: Patches work along the jawline and upper neck, changed daily. Blepharoplasty: Apply just below the lower orbital rim. Breast augmentation: Cover the incision perimeter, not over open incision lines.
Most surgeons recommend beginning arnica the day before surgery and continuing for 7–14 days post-op. Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds — wait until sutures are removed before applying directly over an incision line.
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