Question:
Do acrylic nails have to be removed for surgery?
— Sandra A. (posted on May 14, 2000)
May 14, 2000
Hi I had my surgery march 1,2000 and I had on acrylic tips and that was
okay only if you have body piercing thats when it matters.
— kay M.
May 14, 2000
I had to remove the polish, but could keep the nails on.
— Gayle G.
May 14, 2000
Acrylic nails are fine as long as you go for surgery with no polish. This
is so that the pulse ox can read on your fingers and so that the Dr's and
nurses can see the color of your nail beds to watch for signs of hypoxia.
Good luck-
— Cheryl W.
April 6, 2001
I have had 2 back surgeries within the last 2 years, and am scheduled for
my WLS surgery on 4/9. The doctors all told me that my acrylics could stay
on, but I had to remove any nail polish on fingernails and toenails. Since
I have Solarnails, I don't have polish, so it has not been an issue.
— Pamela W.
October 6, 2001
I have had surgery twice in the past, both times with polish and acrylic
nails. As an OR nurse I know that the pulse oximeter can be put on one of
your toes. It isn't necessary to remove polish or acrylic nails!!
— Laureen59
January 13, 2002
My anesthesiologist (sp???) told me he'd compromise with me; if I gave him
my 2 pointer fingers w/out acrylic nails or polish, I could keep the other
8 nails. The lady who does my nails said she'd come to the hosp and put
the other 2 back on the next day!!
— Diana S.
June 2, 2002
Depends on your doctor. I talked to someone at my doctors office and they
said to get rid of them just to be on the safe side. It was time to change
them out anyway so I'll wait til after the operation to put them back on.
— Carmen K.
August 20, 2002
You have to remove the nails so doctors can see you nail beds. They have
to check your oxygen levels thru your nails.
— CONNIE D.
October 26, 2002
I too would say it depends on your doctor. I was told I could keep mine
on, but they did ask that I have on a lighter shade of polish rather than
something dark.
— Angie T.
October 26, 2002
I was told last year - by my anesthtist that removing fingernail polish no
longer necessary. Oximeters and such handle it fine.
— charlene M.
January 9, 2003
If they only have to see the nail bed i would schedule fill ins around your
date so that they are in need of a fill when you go to the hospital that
way the untouched bed is visible and you can just get a fill after recovery
— Wendy S.
January 11, 2003
I had by EGD and Colonoscopy does last wednesday under general anesthesia.
I have "gel" nails. They are clear - look like real nails, and
they did not have a problem reading my oxygen levels. Gel nails are a
little more expensive (about 5 - 10$) for the initial set, but are about
the same as acrylic for fills. Also you can go an extra week or so longer
before the fill is required. I also have had both the initial sleep study
and the CPAP Titration study does with these nails, and they were able to
read the oxygen levels fine.
— Lynda B.
July 1, 2003
I am a anesthetist. The key to this problem is the color and thickness of
your polish or artificial nails. Stay away from blues and purples or any
real dark colors. These cause a problem with reading of how much infrared
light is being read through the finger probe. They can use an ear probe if
absouletly needed.
— steven W.
February 12, 2005
I happen to be a nail Tech and my surgeon Dr. Weber in Seattle, WA admired
my 'gel' nails. When I asked, he told me it was unecessary to remove them
for surgery. The gel nails are extremely clear and natural color of the
nail bed is visible. Gels are non-porous which means they cannot absorb or
harbor bacteria. (Acrylic nails are porous and can harbor bacteria).
Everyone, with natural nails or those with artificial nails harbor bacteria
underneath the free edge which can only be eliminated with proper hand
washing techniques and a brush. This is why maybe some surgeons require
removal, since they want a very sterile environment.
— Karin A.
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