nail polish during surgery?

[LynnMarie74]

Me again! Ladies......were you allowed to wear nail polish/toenail polish during surgery? My husband gave me a spa package for Xmas which includes manicure, pedicure, masage & facial. I wanted to make use of them before the "big day" but Im hearing that they wont let you have the polish on....and Im not sure why. I dont wanna make my nails all pretty to have to take it off right away! Whats the deal with that, anyone know?! :p

[Singer]

I had polished toenails during surgery -- no problem.

[LynnMarie74]

Excellent. I didnt really understand why this may be an issue. Thanks for the reply!

[Susie*Bee]

You still might want to check with your hospital on this... some may not allow it. They want to see the color of your nail beds (?) or whatever as they turn bluish if you're not getting enough oxygen. Things may have changed so that this is not something they require anymore, or it may differ from hospital to hospital. But that is what the "no polish" comments are based on... Best wishes!

[debbei]

Lynn,

The instruction book from my surgeons office said no nail polish.

[LynnMarie74]

I talked to the docs office this afternoon and the nurse said to talk to the doc at my pre-op, but the reason for the no fingernail polish is so they can place the finger thing on for your oxygen reading. Makes sense....Im still going to ask as I scheduled my mani/pedi for the 9th!! :D

[LeeJo]

If you get a french manicure or something really light it should work. (former paramedic here), only dark and opaque colors keep the pulse ox sensor from picking up. A french manicure would be ideal. Fire engine red is out, a soft pink might be OK.

[fierceliketiger]

I had my toe nails painted when I went into surgery. When I came out my polish was gone. :(