Medical professionals consistently prohibit wearing makeup during surgery. Removing all cosmetics is a standard protocol linked directly to patient safety during the operation and recovery. This requirement ensures the surgical team can accurately monitor your body’s responses to anesthesia and the procedure itself.
The Core Safety Reasons
The primary reason for requiring a bare face and bare nails is accurate physiological monitoring. The pulse oximeter, a clip placed on a fingertip, measures blood oxygen saturation by shining light through the tissue. Nail polish, especially dark shades, and artificial nails can block the sensor or absorb light, leading to inaccurate oxygen readings.
Facial cosmetics, such as foundation, obscure the natural color of your skin and lips. The medical team relies on visual cues like pallor or cyanosis, which indicate poor circulation or low oxygen levels. Masking skin color compromises this rapid visual assessment.
Beyond monitoring, cosmetics introduce infection and fire risks. Products applied near the eyes can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of introducing pathogens. Makeup pigments can also react with alcohol-based surgical prep solutions, potentially neutralizing the antiseptic or causing skin irritation.
Fire and Burn Risk
A significant safety concern involves electrosurgical units, which use high-frequency electrical currents to cut or cauterize tissue. Metallic components found in glitter, certain colored pigments, or permanent makeup can act as conductors or fuel. This increases the risk of burns or an operating room fire when exposed to the heat or electrical spark from these devices.
Defining Prohibited Cosmetics
The prohibition extends beyond facial foundation and lipstick to a comprehensive list of applications. Traditional items like mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow must be removed because they can flake off and potentially injure the cornea if the anesthesiologist tapes your eyes shut.
Any product adhering to the nail must be completely removed from at least one finger, though typically all are required to be bare. This includes:
- Traditional nail polish
- Gel polish
- Shellac
- Acrylic or dip powder nails
Semi-permanent and permanent cosmetic enhancements are also prohibited. Artificial eyelashes, such as extensions or strip lashes, can interfere with protective eye taping and may be damaged. Even a fake tan or body bronzer should be scrubbed off, as the pigment interferes with skin color assessment and may lift unevenly when the surgical site is cleaned.
Preparing for Surgery: The Removal Protocol
The most effective approach is to arrive at the hospital completely bare-faced and with bare nails, having removed all products at home. It is advisable to stop applying nail polish and heavy facial cosmetics at least 24 hours before the scheduled procedure to ensure all residues are gone. This proactive step helps prevent delays if staff must otherwise perform the removal.
If you have permanent makeup, such as permanent eyeliner or microblading, inform your surgical team ahead of time. While these cannot be removed, the team can take precautions to avoid the area during procedures involving electrocautery. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon and anesthesiologist, as their guidance is tailored to your procedure and individual health needs.