Do acrylic nails need to be removed before surgery? (Photo)

Some surgeons prefer this.  In my practice, I don't require it. I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question. This is something that you should discuss with your specialist plastic surgeon prior to your surgery. Each surgeon and anaesthetist is different, and there is a chance that the nails will interfere with the equipment needed to measure your blood oxygen levels. As surgeons, our first priority is your safety, so again, please talk to your surgeon and follow their instructions. Good luck!

Yes you should remove at least one or two so that your heart rate and oxygen levels can be accurately monitored during surgery. Regards, 

Hello,You may be able to get away with removing just one or two nails but generally this is required so that your oxygen and heart rate can be monitored during surgery. Ask your Plastic Surgeon as they'll know your situation the best.Take care

In my practice, my board certified anesthesiologist's policy is to remove them and/or nail polish.Check with your board certified plastic surgeon for his/her policy.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Thank you for the question. Acrylic nail may interfere with the pulse oximeter reading your oxygen level during general anesthesia. It is best to ask your board certified plastic surgeon and or the facility where you will be having your surgery. Good luck.

Acrylic nails can interfere with the equipment that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood, which is obviously very important.  Not all acrylic nails will do so but we have no way of knowing ahead of time which ones will and which ones won't.  As such our policy is to have the patient remove the acrylic nail on her left pointer finger prior to surgery.Best of luck to you!G.Robert Meger MD

Hello!
In general acrylic nails do not need to be removed for surgery. However, if you are planning ahead please know that darker colors make it more difficult to read your oxygen levels during surgery. So if you can - choose a light color before surgery!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Dr. Della Bennett

Dear Projectpaige,anesthesiologist might require the patient to remove acrylic nails before the surgery as the blood oxygen level is measured at the fingertips and acrylic nails might interfere. I would recommend you to check it with your plastic surgery office.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question. It really depends on the protocols of the facility where you will be having surgery and the preferences of your Plastic Surgeon. Check with them to discuss your options.