Noah Sinclair
If you're preparing for surgery, you might be wondering if you can keep your gel nails. The short answer is no—it's important to remove all nail polish, gel nails, and acrylic nails before your procedure. This is because medical professionals need to monitor your fingernail colour to check your circulation and oxygen levels. Additionally, devices like pulse oximeters, which are clipped onto your fingertip to monitor vital signs, may not work properly with gel nails. While it may be tempting to keep your manicure, it's best to prioritise your health and safety and remove your gel nails before surgery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Gel nails can chip or peel during surgery, which may cause infection |
| Monitoring | Gel nails can interfere with the pulse oximeter's ability to monitor oxygen levels and circulation |
| Timing | Gel nails should be removed the night before or the morning of the surgery |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nails can interfere with the pulse oximeter's ability to monitor vital signs
It is generally recommended that patients remove all nail polish before surgery. This is because the nurses need to be able to check the colour of the patient's nail beds during surgery. If a patient's oxygen levels drop, their nail beds may start to turn blue, which is a clinical sign of hypoxemia.
Pulse oximetry is the standard monitoring technique of functional oxygen saturation (SpO2). It has been observed that the presence of nail polish can alter SpO2 readings. Gel-based manicures, in particular, can result in overestimations of actual readings, delaying the detection of hypoxaemia. This is because the thickness of the gel manicure can interfere with the pulse oximeter's ability to accurately measure oxygen saturation.
A study conducted by Aggarwal et al. in 2023 tested the effects of different colours of gel nail polish on pulse oximetry readings. The colours tested included black, purple, navy blue, green, light blue, white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. The study found that certain colours, such as light blue and orange, resulted in a statistically significant increase from baseline SpO2 readings.
Another study by Hinkelbein et al. in 2007 also investigated the effect of nail polish on oxygen saturation levels in critically ill patients. The study found that black and brown nail polish resulted in a significant decrease in SpO2 readings.
Therefore, it is advisable to remove gel nail polish before surgery to ensure accurate monitoring of vital signs and to maintain patient safety.
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Gel nails can be a source of infection
Gel nails are often discouraged during surgery, primarily to ensure optimum patient safety and maintain a sterile surgical environment. While the impact of gel nails on infection risk is debated, they are thought to be a potential source of infection in several ways.
Firstly, gel nails can interfere with the ability of medical devices to function properly. For example, during surgery, a pulse oximeter is placed on the patient's finger to monitor oxygen levels. Some sources suggest that gel nails can affect the accuracy of these readings, potentially leading to delayed detection of oxygen desaturation. Similarly, nail polish can interfere with the anesthesiologist's ability to obtain clear readings of a patient's vital signs.
Secondly, gel nails are believed to provide a favourable environment for bacteria to thrive. The porous nature of gel polish allows bacteria to become trapped underneath, and the increased thickness created by the polish can make it challenging to thoroughly clean the nails. Over time, the bacterial population can increase, potentially leading to infection. Additionally, the glue used for gel nails may contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, and other chemicals that can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
Furthermore, the removal process for gel nails can also lead to nail damage and create opportunities for infection. The natural nail can become overfiled, causing stripes and damage to the capillaries underneath. In some cases, the nail may detach from the nail bed, known as traumatic onycholysis, providing an entry point for pathogens. Leaving gel nails on for extended periods can also cause moisture buildup, creating an ideal environment for fungal infections, which may go unnoticed due to the nails hiding the changes in the natural nail's appearance.
While there is conflicting evidence regarding the impact of gel nails on infection risk, it is generally recommended to remove them before surgery to prioritize patient safety and maintain optimal surgical conditions.
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Gel nails can conceal signs of hypoxemia
It is generally recommended that patients remove all nail polish before surgery. This is because nurses and doctors need to monitor a patient's nail beds during surgery, as discolouration can be a sign of hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen levels.
Gel nails, in particular, can interfere with pulse oximetry, which is the standard monitoring technique of functional oxygen saturation (SpO2). This is a simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive method of monitoring a patient's heart rate and oxygen saturation in arterial blood. It also provides an indication of tissue perfusion based on pulse amplitude.
Some studies have found that gel nail polish can result in an overestimation of actual oxygen saturation readings. This is due to the chromatic characteristics of nail polish, which determine its light absorption and scattering interactions, resulting in optical shunting of light around the finger periphery. This can delay the detection of hypoxemia, which could lead to disastrous patient outcomes.
However, other studies have found that nail polish does not significantly affect pulse oximetry measurements, even in mildly hypoxic subjects.
Given the conflicting evidence, it is advisable to remove gel nail polish before surgery to ensure accurate readings and avoid any potential complications.
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Gel nails can be difficult to remove without specialised tools
It is inadvisable to wear gel nails during surgery, as they can interfere with the monitoring of vital signs and may pose a safety risk. Gel nails can be difficult to remove without specialised tools, and attempting to do so may cause damage to the nails.
The best way to remove gel nail polish is to let your nails grow out and clip them once a week. This process can take about six months for fingernails and up to 18 months for toenails. Picking, filing, or scraping off gel nail polish can cause significant damage to the nails, leading to white spots and weakened nails.
If immediate removal is required, such as in the case of preparing for surgery, it is recommended to use acetone. Acetone offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home. However, it can be harsh on the nails and surrounding skin. It is important to take the necessary precautions to minimise potential damage.
To remove gel nail polish with acetone, start by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the cuticles and surrounding skin to protect against irritation. Cut cotton balls or strips to fit each nail, and soak them in acetone. Place the soaked cotton on the nails and wrap them with plastic food wrap to create a tight seal. Leave the plastic wrap on for about 10 minutes, then remove it. Most or all of the gel nail polish should come off with the plastic wrap. If any residue remains, gently wipe it off with a warm, wet washcloth, being careful to rub only the nail and not the surrounding skin. Finally, wash your hands or feet with gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to remove any remaining acetone.
It is important to note that acetone can damage surfaces such as sinks, countertops, and furniture. Therefore, it is recommended to line the work area with plastic wrap and place a thick towel underneath to protect these surfaces. Additionally, always follow the instructions provided by your surgeon or healthcare provider regarding nail preparation for surgery.
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Toenail polish is usually allowed
The monitoring of vital signs during surgery is crucial to ensure patient safety. One of the ways in which this is done is through the use of a pulse oximeter, which is a small machine that clips onto the patient's fingertip to monitor their pulse, blood oxygen levels, and breathing. Toenail polish does not interfere with the functioning of this device, as it is typically only clipped onto the fingers and not the toes.
However, it is important to note that some sources suggest that toenail polish may also be removed before surgery, especially if it is a richly pigmented colour, as it may stain the nails. In this case, it is recommended to remove the toenail polish the night before or the morning of the surgery to ensure that any staining has faded by the time of the procedure. Additionally, if you are unable to remove your toenail polish beforehand, it is important to inform your surgical team so that they can take the necessary steps to ensure accurate monitoring of your vital signs.
Ultimately, while toenail polish is usually allowed for surgery, it is always best to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon or healthcare provider to ensure a safe and successful surgical experience.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not advisable to keep your gel nails during surgery. Gel nails can interfere with the effectiveness of the machinery used to monitor your vitals during surgery.
During surgery, a device called a pulse oximeter is clipped onto your fingertip to monitor the oxygen levels in your blood. Gel nails can prevent the pulse oximeter from working properly.
If you forget to remove your gel nails before surgery, inform your surgical team. They may be able to remove it for you or use alternative monitoring sites that are not affected by gel nails.
Yes, toenail polish is generally allowed during surgery.
It is recommended to remove your gel nails the night before or the morning of your surgery.
