I was instructed to remove all nail polish before surgery, even on my toes. I have acrylic overlays on the hands because my natural nails are paper thin and brittle. Do I need to remove the acrylic too? I didn't think to ask the doc. I emailed, but haven't heard back yet. Any ideas??

I have gel in a french manicure and didnt have mine remove before surgery.

I have had other surgeries and they have not been a problem. The reason is they can interfere with the pulse oxygen readings, and they if your nails are natural they can check for color change easier.

I had a fresh mani-pedi before going to Mexico last week. I expected to wake up with my polish removed from at least one finger or toe. Well.... you can run but you can't hide. I made it past the manicure police, but got punished with a hiatal hernia. At least I know now what I can blame my hernia on........ I lost 3/4 of my stomach, but at least my sense of humor is intact.

I was told I had to remove my acrylics, but your surgeon/hospital might not require the acrylic to be removed, just the polish.

I didn't take my overlay off but my toenails were bare. I was however asked to take my uh, jewelry out lol.

My pre op instructions say specifically to remove acrylics and gel nails. In all caps.

This is a scary one for me! Over 10 years ago now my sister was having surgery and wasn't told about removing her acrylic nails and she actually suffered a brain injury during her op (not wls just the camera down the throat) because the oxygen in her blood reading wasn't showing an issue occurring. I'm sure it's super rare that problems happen but they DO happen!

I would urge you to remove everything as its not worth the risk - however minute that may be! Xo

You make a valid point, Dons...