Product Description & Benefits: Vitamedica Bromelain (with Quercetin) is a natural remedy that helps reduce swelling and leads to faster healing time. Bromelain is a safe proteolytic enzyme (an enzyme that helps in the digestion of protein) that is extracted from the root of the pineapple stem and is beneficial for reducing post-operative swelling, treating tissue injury, lessening postoperative pain, and helping accelerate healing. Bromelain inhibits prostaglandins that cause inflammation (swelling). By slowing down prostaglandins, Bromelain promotes the formation of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that lead to less swelling. Bromelain works almost exactly like Motrin, Naprosyn, Voltaren, Clinoril and many other drugs of the kind, but it is far safer and milder because it is natural and it does not have the side effects of prescription medicines that are considered negative for the healing journey. In addition to helping reduce swelling, Bromelain can lessen postoperative pain, and help accelerate the overall healing process. This product also includes Quercetin, which which helps enhance the healing effects of Bromelain. Quercetin inhibits the release of histamine and further helps in reducing swelling. Quercetin is a plant pigment found in large amounts in foods such as onions and apples. Click here for a full ingredients list.

Instructions For Use: Begin taking Bromelain 3 days prior to surgery and continue until the inflammation has diminished (which usually occurs around 7-10 days post-op). ). Take 2 capsules three times a day. Bromelain should be taken between meals preferably on an empty stomach. For example: upon awakening, late morning and late afternoon. Do not eat or drink anything by mouth (including this supplement) after midnight prior to surgery. Following anesthesia and surgery, it is not uncommon for some patients to experience decreased appetite or gastrointestinal upset. If you develop these symptoms after surgery, delay taking Bromelain until your stomach is feeling better and you are able to eat a normal diet.

Additional vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements should not be taken during the peri-operative period. In particular, the following should be discontinued two weeks prior to, and for up to two weeks after surgery: bilberry, cayenne, dong quai, echinacea, feverfew, fish oil caps, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hawthorne, kava kava, licorice root, ma huang (ephedra), melatonin, red clover, St. John’s wort, valerian, and yohimbe.

Ingredients (Click here for a full ingredients list): Bromelain, Quercetin
Other Ingredients: Gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide.

Contraindications: Nutritional supplements have a very safe track record. However, certain individuals should seek the advice of their doctor before beginning any nutritional supplement program particularly diabetics and pregnant or lactating women.

Bromelain with Quercetin is contraindicated in patients with a history of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), individuals taking blood thinners like Coumadin (warfarin) or who have allergies to pineapple.

Applicable Procedures: Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Breast Surgery (Augmentation, Reduction, Lift), Chemical Peel, Filler Injections (i.e. collagen, fat, restylane, botox), Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Upper & Lower Body Procedures, Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty), Facelift, Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery), Brow/Forehead Lift, Gynecomastia, Mastectomy, Breast Reconstruction, Lumpectomy, Facial Implants.