Do I Have to Remove my Acrylic Nails Before Plastic Surgery? Doctor Answers, Tips
Plastic Surgery: Q&A
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Do I Have to Remove my Acrylic Nails Before Plastic Surgery?

This is sort of a strange question, i have acrylic nails and i know i have to remove all nail polish prior to surgery but what about my acrylic nails? I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck and breast augmentation.


5 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon
+2

Acrylic nails removal before plastic surgery

Only on 1 nail is needed to be cleared, so the oxygen monitor can function correctly during your surgery. This is for your safety. From MIAMI
+2

Nail Polish and Surgery

A critical component of modern anesthesia which has made it extremely safe has been our ability to continuously monitor the level of oxygen in your blood stream at all times. To do so a clip probe is applied to one of your nails which peers through the nail at the blood blow below. Nail polish blocks the "view" and most facilies will request your give them a "clear" index finger. Check with yout surgeon to be sure:
+2

Acrylic nails and surgery

Most likely you will not have to do this.  The reason the polish can be a problem is that it can interfere with blood oxygen content sensors.  Newer sensors are much better, but to be sure, ask the nurse when get your preop call.
+1

Preparing for Surgery

That is a good question.  It really just depends, but in most cases it is okay.  You finger or nail is used to have a monitor placed on it for monitor your oxygenation during surgery. You may want to remove them to be on the safe side.
+1

Acrylic nail removal prior to anesthesia

The primary reason for this is that we tend to use devices that read your oxygen level through your natural nailbeds. Some acrylic nails do make it more difficult.
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