Shore Aesthetic and Reconstruction Associates, Easton, Md 21601-4302, USA. raorsini@crosslink.net
Bromelain may be of interest to plastic surgeons because of its apparent ability to reduce pain, edema, inflammation, and platelet aggregation, as well as its ability to potentiate antibiotics, which may be beneficial in postoperative healing. Bromelain's reported efficacy in burn débridement and ischemia/reperfusion may also have positive applications in plastic surgery. Although bromelain is widely used and generally considered to be a safe substance, more randomized, controlled clinical trials are necessary to further elucidate its clinical potential.