My hair extensions are attached with aluminum beads - should they be removed before my mommy make over surgery?

Question

I have two rows of hair extensions that are attached to my hair with aluminum "beads" and are lined with silicone. My plastic surgeon' office said leaving them in will present a small risk of burn due to the electrocautery, but that it's up to me. Is this something I should definitely address prior to surgery and have them removed (which I hate to do but will do if the risk really is something to worry about)? Thank you!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Witty488357, thank you for your question.   It's good that you talked to your plastic surgeon about what type of risks are most likely associated with leaving these beads in during your surgery so you can carefully weigh out all options available to you. Ultimately, it would be prudent to remove them beforehand simply to be safe if there is even a slight possibility that keeping them in will pose a small risk during your treatment. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS),  International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Your surgery team is correct. Hair extensions with any kind of metal fastening must be removed prior to surgery even with a plastic cover. Make sure that you have removed any pins, hairclips, piercings and jewelry before your surgery.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

It's essential to discuss the specifics of your hair extensions, including the type of attachment method (such as aluminum beads), with your plastic surgeon during your consultation for the Mommy makeover surgery. The decision to remove or keep the hair extensions in place during surgery will depend on several factors, including the surgical area, the type of anesthesia being used, and the surgeon's preferences.

Here are a few considerations:

Surgical Area: Depending on the extent of your Mommy makeover surgery and the areas being treated (such as the abdomen, breasts, and mons pubis), your surgeon may advise removing the hair extensions to ensure optimal access to the surgical sites and to prevent interference with the procedure.

Anesthesia: If you will be undergoing general anesthesia for the Mommy makeover surgery, your surgeon may prefer to remove the hair extensions to avoid any potential issues with the placement of anesthesia equipment or monitoring devices during the procedure.

Comfort and Convenience: Removing the hair extensions before surgery may make the procedure more comfortable for you and may also simplify post-operative care and recovery.

Reattachment: If you choose to remove the hair extensions before surgery, you can discuss options for reattaching them after you have fully recovered from the procedure. Your hairstylist or the salon where you had the extensions applied can provide guidance on reattachment.

It's crucial to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about any concerns or questions you have regarding your hair extensions and their potential impact on the Mommy makeover surgery. Your surgeon can provide personalized recommendations and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to optimize safety and the surgical outcome.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Even though you will be grounded and hair does not conduct electricity well, there is still a risk of burns. The safest thing is to have them removed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You did the right thing by asking your surgeon about removal of the hair extensions.  As was explained to you, the risk from burns is low but present.  At this point since it was left up to you whether to have them removed or not you need to decide for yourself if it is a risk you are willing to take.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Unless you’re having a brow lift, I don’t see how hair extensions would be an issue. There are those who make dogmatic decisions in the practice of medicine. It doesn’t sound like it would be an issue in my opinion.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

My hair extensions are attached with aluminum beads - should they be removed before my mommy make over surgery?

Answers (6)

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