Donor Site Care - Tegaderm HF#5788

What to expect

 

When you return from surgery you will have a large clear dressing called Tegaderm® over the site from which your skin was taken.  This is called the donor site.  Normal drainage from the donor site may build up below the Tegaderm®.  The nurse can remove this fluid as needed with a needle and syringe starting 24 hours later.  This is not painful.  The Tegaderm® will usually stay in place for 10 to 14 days and fall off on its own.

 

Things to remember

 

• It may take longer for the donor site to heal if the section of skin removed was large.
• If the Tegaderm® is taken off too soon, the new skin may be raw, moist, and may bleed.
• Once the Tegaderm® is off, put moisturizing lotion over the new skin at least 3 times a day.
• Healed donor sites are a deeper pink/red.  They look like a sunburn for the a few months to one year.
• You may shower with the Tegaderm® in place after one week, if it is not leaking.

 

When to call the doctor

 

Call your doctor if you have

 

• Temperature is greater than 100.5° F for two readings taken 4 hours apart.
• Pain not controlled with pain medicine.
• Any increased redness or swelling around the donor site.
• Foul-smelling drainage or pus at the donor site.

 

If you have questions or problems please call:

 

Plastic surgery clinic Monday to Friday, 8 to 4:30, at (608) 263-7502

 

After 4:30 pm, weekends or holidays, the clinic number is answered by the paging operator.  Ask for the plastic surgery resident on call.  Give your name and phone number with the area code to the paging operator.  The doctor will call you back. 

 

If you live out of the area, please call 1-800-323-8942. 

 

If this is an emergency, go to your local emergency room.

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/29/2011

Copyright © 07/29/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5788

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