Arnica montana has a history of medicinal use
dating back to the 1500s. Ever searching for ways to improve patient recovery
(and prompted by effective product marketing), we’ve seen Arnica become fairly
well accepted as an option for reducing post-surgical swelling and bruising.
But does it actually work? This is the question that prompted van Exsel et al.
to design and perform their randomized, placebo-controlled trial that was
published in the July issue of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
The researchers randomized 136 bilateral
upper blepharoplasty patients into two study arms: One received arnica ointment
10% and the other a placebo ointment. Patients in both arms had a treatment and
non-treatment side designated. The periorbital area of the treatment side
received either arnica or placebo ointment, while the non-treatment side
received no ointment and served as an internal control. Overall periorbital
appearance was the primary endpoint and assessed by a medical and nonmedical
panel using light photography after 3 days, 7 days and 6 weeks. Secondary
endpoints included swelling, pain, ecchymosis, erythema and patient
satisfaction with recovery and outcome.
Does Arnica
Work?
The study found no significant differences
between arnica and placebo based on the panel’s assessment and nor did any of
the secondary endpoints differ between arnica and placebo. Furthermore, there
was no difference in outcome between treated and untreated eyelids in ether the
arnica or placebo groups.
The researchers conclusion: “…topical arnica
ointment after upper blepharoplasty does not improve postoperative
outcome.”
Reference:
Van exsel DC, Pool SM, Van uchelen JH, Edens
MA, Van der lei B, Melenhorst WB. Arnica Ointment 10% Does Not Improve Upper
Blepharoplasty Outcome: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Plast Reconstr
Surg. 2016;138(1):66-73.
Eliza Cabana
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