When preparing for a surgical procedure, patients often focus on the larger medical instructions, but details like grooming can also affect safety. Professional pedicures introduce variables that conflict with the strict requirements of surgical preparation. Certain professional services involve steps that are incompatible with minimizing all possible risks before an operation. Understanding these pre-surgical grooming guidelines helps ensure a smooth and safe experience for the patient and the medical team.
Infection Risk and Open Wounds
The primary medical concern with a recent professional pedicure is the heightened risk of introducing a localized infection before surgery. Salon procedures often breach the skin’s protective barrier, such as through cutting cuticles, creating tiny entry points for bacteria. Even small nicks from accidental cuts or callus removers can lead to micro-abrasions. Footbaths and non-autoclaved instruments may harbor fungi and bacteria, which can be transmitted through these open wounds.
A breach in the skin’s integrity, even a minor cut, risks a localized infection such as cellulitis. The immune system is placed under stress during and immediately following surgery as the body works to heal the surgical site. A pre-existing infection could complicate post-operative recovery or lead to a systemic infection when the body’s defenses are preoccupied. Surgical teams emphasize avoiding any skin trauma in the weeks leading up to the procedure to ensure the skin is intact and healthy.
Why Nail Polish Must Be Removed
Removing all nail polish, including gel and acrylic enhancements, is purely a matter of patient monitoring and safety. Anesthesia teams rely on real-time data from a pulse oximeter, a device typically clipped onto a finger or toe. This non-invasive device measures oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood, indicating how well the patient is being oxygenated during the procedure.
The pulse oximeter transmits light through the tissue and measures the amount absorbed by the hemoglobin. Colored pigments in nail polish or the thickness of artificial nails interfere with the accurate transmission and detection of this light. This interference can cause the device to produce an inaccurate reading of the oxygen level. Accurate saturation readings are necessary for the anesthesia team to detect and immediately correct a drop in oxygen levels, ensuring patient safety.
Acceptable Foot Care Before Surgery
Instead of a professional pedicure, focus on simple and safe at-home preparation to ensure feet are clean. Basic toenail trimming is acceptable, provided you cut the nails straight across and avoid cutting the skin or manipulating the cuticles. Perform this basic trimming several days before the scheduled procedure to allow any minor irritation to subside.
Patients should inspect their feet for any existing cuts, scrapes, blisters, or signs of infection, such as redness or swelling. If any blemishes are discovered, they must be reported to the surgical team immediately. While moisturizing is acceptable, no lotions, powders, or products should be applied on the day of surgery. Most surgical coordinators recommend avoiding all professional nail services for at least two weeks before the operation date.