When cosmetic surgery is performed, safety should always be the number one priority. For this reason, pulse oximetry is used to monitor oxygen levels throughout the surgical experience. This process is started in the pre-operative holding area and is continued throughout surgery and recovery.
Pulse oximetry involves placing a device on the finger which measures oxygen levels through the finger nails. It’s not unusual for patients to present for surgery wearing acrylic nails and finger nail polish. Finger nail polish can interfere with pulse oximetry and for this reason should be removed prior to surgery. In the vast majority of cases, acrylic nails don’t represent a problem when pulse oximetry is utilized.
