If you’re scheduled for an operation, one of the last things you might think about is your manicure. Many people, especially those who take pride in their appearance, wonder about the rules and guidelines surrounding acrylic nails, gel nails, and other nail enhancements before going into surgery. Is it really necessary to remove your acrylic nails before a procedure, such as a breast augmentation, or can you leave them on? More importantly, if you do have to remove them, what’s the safest and easiest way to go about it?

We will delve into the reasons why surgeons and anaesthetists often prefer their patients to have natural nails on the day of the operation. We’ll also discuss how to remove acrylic nails or gel nails at home if you’ve decided to avoid a professional salon visit. Our goal is to provide you with clear, practical advice, while also giving you insight into the medical reasoning behind these recommendations. By the end, you’ll understand why nail removal before surgery (and nail removal before an operation in general) is not just a cosmetic concern, but an important step in ensuring patient safety and the smooth running of your procedure.

Why Surgeons and Anaesthetists Prefer Natural Nails

1. Monitoring Your Oxygen Levels

During surgery, the medical team needs to closely track your vital signs, and one of the simplest and most effective ways to do this is by using a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a small device that clips onto a finger to measure the oxygen levels in your blood. This measurement helps ensure that you’re getting enough oxygen during the operation.

Acrylic nails, gel nails, or multiple layers of nail polish can interfere with the accuracy of this reading. The sensor uses light beams passing through the fingertip to gauge blood oxygen levels. If these light beams are blocked or distorted by thick acrylics or dark, opaque polish, it can be harder for the device to get an accurate reading. In some cases, the medical team might have to try multiple fingers or even an earlobe, causing unnecessary delays and potential confusion.

2. Assessing Circulation and Health of the Nail Bed

In certain situations, the anaesthetist or surgeon may need to check your nail beds for circulation and overall health. The colour of the nail bed can provide clues about your blood circulation and oxygenation. Acrylic nails or gel nails can make visual checks more difficult. While this is not always critical, particularly in more complex procedures such as a breast augmentation, surgeons often prefer to avoid any unnecessary risk. Ensuring that your natural nails are easily visible gives them one less variable to worry about.

3. Infection Control and Hygiene

Though well-applied acrylic nails are usually safe, there is still a small risk of bacterial or fungal growth underneath them. Hospitals maintain strict hygiene standards to minimise the risk of infections. Removing artificial nails before surgery helps reduce any chance of introducing extra bacteria or fungi into the operating theatre environment. According to research, guidelines often recommend healthcare providers keep their nails short and free of artificial enhancements to lower the risk of infection transmission. While these guidelines are primarily directed towards healthcare workers, having clean, natural nails can also benefit the patient’s own health and safety.

Do You Always Have to Remove Acrylic Nails Before Surgery?

It’s important to note that policies may vary between hospitals, surgeons, and types of procedures. Generally, the recommendation is to have at least one natural nail free from acrylic or gel, often on the index finger, so that the pulse oximeter can get a clear reading.

As a rule of thumb, though, it’s a good idea to remove any artificial enhancements – whether acrylic nails or gel nails – a day or two before the operation. By doing this, you’ll ensure that there are no delays or complications related to your nail coverings on the day of your surgery.

When Should You Remove Your Acrylic Nails?

If you’ve confirmed that you need to remove your nails before the operation, it’s wise not to leave it until the last minute. Consider removing your acrylic or gel nails a day or two before your scheduled hospital admission. This allows you to do it more carefully and avoid any stress or discomfort. Also, if you encounter any minor issues, such as dry or irritated nail beds, you’ll have a short window of time to allow your nails to recover naturally before surgery.

How to Remove Acrylic Nails Safely at Home

1. Preparing Your Work Area and Tools

You’ll need a few essentials for a safe and comfortable acrylic nail removal process. Gather the following items:

• Pure acetone (100% acetone nail polish remover is often recommended)

• A glass or ceramic bowl

• Aluminium foil

• Cotton wool or cotton pads

• A nail file (coarse grit)

• A cuticle pusher or an orange stick

• Hand moisturiser or cuticle oil

Arrange all these materials on a clean surface with good lighting. Consider laying down a towel to protect your surfaces from spills or drips of acetone.

2. File Down the Acrylic Surface

Before applying acetone, it helps to break down the top layer of your acrylic nails. Using a coarse-grit nail file, gently file the surface of each nail to remove the glossy finish. This step allows the acetone to penetrate more easily, speeding up the removal process.

Be sure to file carefully and avoid applying too much pressure. Remember, you’re only removing the top seal, not trying to file your nail bed. Over-filing can damage your natural nails and leave them weak and prone to splitting.

3. Soaking the Nails in Acetone

There are two common methods to soak your acrylic nails in acetone:

Method A: Foil Wraps

• Soak a cotton pad or cotton wool in acetone.

• Place the soaked cotton pad directly onto the surface of your nail.

• Wrap a piece of aluminium foil around your fingertip to hold the cotton pad in place and create a warm, enclosed environment that helps the acetone work faster.

• Repeat this for each finger.

• Let your nails soak for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Method B: Bowl Soak

• Pour enough acetone into a bowl to fully submerge your nails.

• Soak your fingertips in the acetone for about 20 to 30 minutes.

• This method is less controlled and can be more drying to the skin, but it is sometimes quicker. Consider applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the skin around your nails to help protect it from dryness.

4. Gently Removing the Acrylic

After the 20-30 minute soak, check one nail by gently pushing the softened acrylic with a cuticle pusher or orange stick. If it doesn’t easily lift or flake off, rewrap or soak for a bit longer. Avoid using force to pull off the acrylic as this can damage your natural nail bed, causing pain and long-term damage.

5. Buff and Condition Your Natural Nails

Once you’ve removed all the acrylic, your nails might feel a bit weak or rough. Gently buff the surface with a soft buffer to smooth out any ridges. Then apply a nourishing cuticle oil or a hand cream to rehydrate the skin and nails. The acetone can be very drying, so moisturising immediately afterwards is crucial.

How to Remove Gel Nails at Home

If you’ve been sporting gel nails rather than acrylics, the removal process is somewhat similar, though gel nails might be slightly easier to remove due to their thinner layers. The steps closely resemble acrylic removal:

1. File the Top Layer: Use a nail file to gently remove the shiny topcoat of your gel nails.

2. Soak in Acetone: As with acrylic removal, soak a cotton pad in acetone and secure it onto your nail with foil wraps.

3. Check and Push Off: After 20 minutes, gently push off the softened gel with a cuticle stick.

4. Nourish and Repair: Hydrate your nails and skin after removal.

Seeking Professional Help

While removing acrylic nails or gel nails at home is certainly doable, it can sometimes be easier and less stressful to visit a professional nail technician. Many salons offer nail removal services, and experienced technicians can remove the enhancements quickly, safely, and with minimal damage to your natural nails.

However, if you are very close to your operation date and worry about the risk of infection or prefer not to visit a salon, a careful home removal is perfectly fine. Just take your time, follow the steps meticulously, and ensure you give your nails some TLC afterwards.

Caring for Your Nails After Removal and Before Surgery

It’s worth taking a little extra care of your nails after you remove your acrylic or gel extensions, especially if you have a few days before your surgery. Consider the following tips:

• Apply a Nail Strengthener: After removal, your nails may feel weaker and more flexible. Using a strengthening polish or treatment can help them recover faster.

• Keep Them Moisturised: Apply cuticle oil regularly to prevent dryness and splitting.

• Keep Them Clean: Since you’ll be heading into an operation soon, maintain good hygiene and avoid applying new extensions or nail varnish. Cleanliness reduces the risk of infection and ensures the surgical team can monitor you accurately.

• No Need for Nail Polish: Even a layer of clear nail polish can sometimes interfere with the pulse oximeter. Keep them bare for the duration of your surgery and recovery. After you’re fully healed and cleared by your surgeon, you can think about reapplying your favourite manicure.

FAQs

Do I have to remove all my acrylic nails, or just one?

We advise removing one of the acrylic nails before surgery to allow monitoring during surgery.

Can I wear gel nails instead of acrylics on the day of my operation?

Gel nails can still interfere with pulse oximetry and hygiene standards. It’s generally recommended to remove one of the nails before surgery, whether acrylic, gel, or another type of enhancement.

What if I forget to remove my acrylic nails before arriving at the hospital?

If you arrive with acrylic nails on the day of your surgery, the hospital staff may try to remove one nail or reposition the sensor to get a good reading. This could cause delays or inconvenience. It’s best to prepare in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.

Why is nail removal recommended before breast augmentation specifically?

Breast augmentation, like many surgeries, often requires general anaesthesia and thorough vital sign monitoring. Removing artificial nails ensures that the anaesthetist can easily and accurately monitor oxygen levels, contributing to a safer surgical environment.

Final Thoughts

While it may seem like a small detail, ensuring you have natural, acrylic-free nails on the day of your surgery is an important aspect of the pre-operative process. This step helps your surgical team monitor your vital signs effectively, reduces the risk of infections, and removes any unnecessary complications during your operation.

If you need to remove acrylic nails or gel nails at home, follow the steps outlined above. With a bit of patience and the right materials, you can do it safely and minimise any damage to your natural nails. Ultimately, taking this simple precaution will help ensure that your surgery, whether it’s a breast augmentation in Manchester or any other procedure, goes as smoothly and safely as possible.