Can You Wear Nail Polish when Going in for Your Mommy Makeover Surgery?

Question

Just wondering if I can leave nail polish on my toenails when I go in to have my surgery. My PS didn't mention anything about it so I wondered if it was ok to have them done before I go in. Having my toenails looking cute always lifts my spirits, so I would like to have them done before I go in if it is allowed.

Jon Paul Trevisani, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  If you are thinking about getting a manicure right before your surgery you may want to reconsider. Most hospitals and offices will advise patients to remove nail polish before surgery.  Possibly the most important monitoring device that helps make modern anesthesia so safe is the pulse oximeter. This non-invasive method allows the monitoring of the oxygenation of a patient’s hemoglobin.A sensor is placed on the fingertip and this measures the level of oxygen in the blood and works by passing red light through tissue. Nail polish may reduce the effectiveness of this monitor. The nail bed is one of the best places to detect cyanosis caused by low oxygen levels. This is why acrylic nails, nail polish, solar nails, shellac polish, etc are asked to be removed prior to surgery.  Hope this helps!

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

When
cosmetic surgery is performed, safety should always be the number one priority.
For this reason, pulse oximetry is used to monitor oxygen levels throughout the
surgical experience. This process is started in the preoperative holding area
and is continued throughout surgery and recovery.

Pulse
oximetry involves placing a devise on the finger, which measures oxygen levels
through the fingernails. It’s not unusual for patients to present for surgery
wearing finger nail polish. Finger nail polish can interfere with pulse
oximtery and for this reason should be removed prior to surgery.

In
someone who is undergoing mommy makeover surgery, toe nail polish shouldn’t
represent a problem since the monitors are usually placed on the fingers. If
you have questions regarding this topic, make sure they’re answered during your
preoperative consultation.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, you'll probably have to remove nail polish before surgery.  The polish may get in the way of the instruments that monitor the oxygen level in your blood....sorry!

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Yeah go for it. Just avoid very dark shades as they can make it difficult fo monitor your oxygen levels. The anestheia team wil use something called a pulse oximeter which can actually tell the amount of oxygen in your blood just by shining a red light through your nail bed. The instruments have gotten so good that most colors are not a problem - except for the very dark colors.

Heather Vande Ven, DO · Answer

It’s generally advised to avoid wearing nail polish during surgery, as it can interfere with monitoring oxygen levels. It’s best to follow your surgeon’s specific pre-operative instructions to ensure a smooth procedure.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Generally yes this should not be a problem. Always best to check with your surgeon to be sure. Best wishes

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I see no issue with toe nail polish. But we are not doing your surgery. Best to call your chosen surgeon for his desires.

Christa Clark, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, it is fine to go and get a pedicure prior to surgery. You will likely not be feeling like getting one for a couple of weeks, so having it done right before is a nice treat and keeps those toes looking good!

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

During surgery one of the instruments that is used is a pulse oximeter. This device reads the oxygen level in your blood. It is placed on a finger most of the time. Some operating rooms will remove polish from one fingernail for this purpose. A pedicure is unlikely to interfere with monitoring so go ahead and enjoy it!

Can You Wear Nail Polish when Going in for Your Mommy Makeover Surgery?

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