Does the acrylic on my nails have to be removed before breast augmentation?

Question

I am scheduled to have my breast augmentation at the end of this month. My preoperative appointment is next week. I've read alot about preparing for surgery. A few things I read mentioned removing fingernail Polish before surgery. I get my nails done biweekly and have acrylic put on them. Do I need to remove the acrylic also before surgery?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Because the tip of the finger is used to measure your oxygen saturation while asleep, it would be best to have at least one nail without acrylic so that the anesthesiologist can appropriately monitor your health during surgery.  Hope this helps.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Yes, acrylic nails and polish can interfere with reading your pulse and oxygen during surgery. Most Surgical centres and hospitals will require that you have them removed. I recommend that you discuss this with your Plastic Surgeon to be prepared.All the best

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

Your anesthesiologist will want to monitor your oxygen saturation during surgery.  Typically, a finger probe is used, and acrylic painted nails won't allow this monitor to work.  However,  often a toe or earlobe monitor can be applied instead.  I recommend you discuss with your anesthesiologist before the day of surgery.

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question as many women now have beautiful manicured nails.  Please contact your surgeons office and clarify with them as there are different rules for different facilities.  Have a great surgery.

G. Robert Meger, MD · Answer

Roxy:  The answer is probably yes.  During your procedure you will receive some type of anesthesia.  There will be an instrument called a pulse oxymeter which is used to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.  It slips over a finger and works by reading the oxygen level through your fingernail.  Your acrylic fingernails will interfere with that reading.  The good news is that you only have to remove one!Best of luck to you.G. Robert Meger MD

Reza Nassab, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

The anaesthetist will need at least one finger to record your pulse and oxygen levels. Sometimes they can use a toe if needed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is best if you have the acrylic removed.  During surgery you will be monitored for your safety.  One of the tools used is a pulse oximeter which sometimes can't read properly when acrylic nails are present.  Also, your nail beds are monitored for proper color and capillary refill.

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

As far as I know the acrylic nails are fine for surgery. We use an instrument call a 'pulse oximeter' to measure the oxygen level in your blood. It is placed on the finger. I have never seen any problem with the oximeter with all kinds of nail aesthetics.All the best,Talmage Raine

Does the acrylic on my nails have to be removed before breast augmentation?

Answers (8)

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