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Remove acrylic nails before surgery?

Page last modified on: September 30, 2008
Question from S Farber: Regarding safe cosmetics, I have acrylic nails. I will be having a level 1 and 2 lymph node resection. Should I remove my acrylic nails before surgery?
Answers —Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S.: Yes, I would say absolutely to remove the acrylic nails, as they can harbor infection. It's not a good idea to have them, because it might be hiding a fungus. It's not a good idea to have anything like that on your hands or your body.
Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S.: And they'll need to stay off. Post-operatively, you can't put them back on. Just let your nails grow out naturally and don't use artificial nails in the future due to increased risk of infection. You want to reduce the possibility of infection in your arm because it can trigger lymphedema.

On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Reconstruction and Safe, Sexy Cosmetics. Carolyn C. Chang, M.D., Anna-Dee Rinehart, S.C.S., and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about reconstructive surgery and safe, sexy cosmetics.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carolyn C. Chang, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after mastectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and implant reconstruction.

Anna-Dee Rinehart S.C.S. is a nurse-aesthetician, aesthetic instructor, and director of education for Austin Medical Aesthetics in Austin, Texas.

Lillie Shockney, RN., BS., M.A.S.Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.

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