Can I paint my toenails before surgery?

Preparing for surgery: Why your toenails matter

As you check off your surgery prep checklist—packing loose clothes, confirming your ride home, and fasting—there is one small detail you might overlook: your nail polish. It feels entirely harmless, but shedding that fresh pedicure is actually a vital safety step before heading into the operating room.

During surgery and while you are recovering in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, your medical team needs to keep a constant, unobstructed eye on your vital signs. Your skin and nail beds act as a natural window into your cardiovascular health. By looking at the natural color of your nail beds, doctors and nurses can instantly check your blood circulation and ensure your body is receiving enough oxygen.

Even if you are having a procedure far away from your feet, pulse oximeters and general health monitoring rely on clear visual checks across your entire body. Taking off both your finger and toenail polish ahead of time helps your care team keep you safe, monitored, and in the best possible hands.