Plastic Surgery Nursing
Date of issue: May 2024
Review date: May 2025
This information has been developed to supplement the information the doctor or healthcare practitioner has already given you.
If the review date has passed, the content will apply until the next version is published.
Your specialist plastic surgery nurse will discuss your wound care and dressing change with you in more detail before you leave the clinic. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask any of the plastic surgery nurses, who will be more than happy to help you.
Only change your dressing out with the agreed timescale provided by your nurse if it gets wet, falls off or is leaking fluid from the dressing edges. You will be given a spare supply of dressings to take home with you. Some soakage in the middle of your dressing is normal.
How do I change my dressing?
One of the plastic surgery nurses will show you how to change the dressing before you leave the clinic.
Always wash your hands before and after you change your dressings. A high standard of cleanliness at all dressing changes reduces the risk of infection.
To remove the dressing
Gently lift the border on the dressing and slowly pull back the dressing until it is fully removed.
Cleansing the wound
One of the nurses will discuss with you how best to wash your wound. This may be with tap water or in the shower or bath. It can sometimes be easier to remove the dressing whilst having a bath or shower, letting the water run over the wound. Please do not scrub the wound or add any antiseptic to the water.
After cleansing the wound
Pat the wound dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Ensure the skin around the wound is dry, or the new dressing may not stick.
To apply the new dressing
Remove from the outer packaging. Peel back the area covering the central pad, taking care not to touch the centre pad. Place centrally over the wound. Smooth down all the adhesive edges to ensure they stick.
What signs should I look out for?
Please monitor your wound for any signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain
- Heat
- Swelling
- Increased fluid from the wound that is yellow or green in colour
If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your GP or the plastic surgery nurses (within working hours) or NHS 24 out of hours. You may need antibiotic tablets.
What if I have any other questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss this with the plastic surgery nurses at your next appointment or through the telephone number provided below.
Contact details
Plastic Surgery Nursing Team
Queen Margaret Hospital
Monday to Friday, 8.30am-4.30pm
01383 623623 extension 25757
Alternatively, contact your own GP or, if you are out-of-hours, please contact NHS 24 on 111.
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