What is the ruling on a woman uncovering her hair for a surgical procedure?

The questioner : A final question. There is a woman who wants to undergo a surgical procedure, but they require—meaning this procedure necessitates that she uncover her hair. Is she compelled to undergo this procedure, given that this procedure is necessary?

The Shaykh : Where on her body is the procedure?

The questioner : It is on her neck.

The Shaykh : On her neck.

The questioner: Yes.

The Shaykh : And why is she uncovering her hair?

The questioner : I do not know. It is said that it is necessary, but I do not know.

The Shaykh : You should know. If it is necessary and the surgical procedure is also necessary, then it is permissible; otherwise, it is not. If one of the two conditions is lacking, it is not permissible. In other words, if the surgical procedure is not necessary, it is not permissible for her to uncover her neck, let alone her neck and her hair. However, if the surgical procedure is necessary and it is sufficient for her to uncover only the site of the procedure, then it is not permissible for her to uncover her hair. It is true that dire necessities permit what is forbidden, but they are also measured by their extent. I said that the surgical procedure, if it is necessary, may not be necessary. It may be, for example, a cosmetic procedure, as they say today. In that case, it is absolutely not permissible. In any case, the answer is clear to you. You must find out whether uncovering the hair is necessary and whether the surgical procedure is necessary.

The questioner : Yes, may Allah reward you, Shaykh.

The Shaykh : And may He reward you.

The questioner : Peace be upon you and Allah's mercy.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.