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PICO 7 Dressing: Common Questions

 

What does my PICO dressing do?

The PICO dressing helps your wound by using a suction device to remove drainage and infection materials.

How does my PICO dressing work?

The pump applies compression to your surgical site increasing blood flow, and wound healing.

 Will PICO be painful?

No. When the dressing is applied you may feel a slight pulling or drawing sensation.

 How often will the dressing have to be changed?

The dressing has a wear time of up to 7 days, depending on the amount of drainage. Check your PICO dressing regularly. The frequency of dressing changes will be determined by the health care provider.

 Will the dressing changes hurt?

In some cases, slight discomfort during dressing changes may be experienced; specifically, during wound cleansing, which may vary based on type and location. If you feel any discomfort, please notify the person who is changing your dressing. PICO dressings should only be applied, changed or removed by a healthcare professional.

 Where do I place the pump when I am sleeping?

Make sure that the PICO pump is placed in a safe location and cannot be pulled off a table or cabinet onto the floor during sleep.

 Can I shower with the PICO dressing in place?

  • Showering is allowed when you have the PICO dressing.

  • Before showering, the PICO pump should be disconnected and placed in a safe location where it will not get wet. 

  • The dressing should not be exposed to a direct spray or submerged in water.

  • While disconnected, ensure the end of the tubing attached to the dressing is facing downward so that water does not enter the tube.

  • You can also wrap your leg in plastic wrap to keep the area dry. 

 How do I disconnect the pump from the dressing?

  • Press the orange button to pause therapy

  • Unscrew the two-part connector

  • Place the pump somewhere safe

 When should I call the health care team?  

 Call your health care right away if you have the following:  

  • You notice a change in the color or amount of drainage in the dressing.

  • If the drainage changes from clear to cloudy

  • If you see bright red drainage

  • You see the dressing fill rapidly with blood

  • Your wound looks more red than usual or has a foul smell

  • The skin around your wound looks reddened or irritated

  • The dressing feels or appears loose

  • You experience new and increasing pain

  • The alarm display will not stop flashing

 

Who Do I Call if there is problem with the pump or therapy unit?

 Customer Care Center: 1-800-876-1261

8 am-8 pm Monday through Friday, after hours please leave a message and a nurse will call you back soon.

 Important Safety Information:

The PICO pump has a magnet. Keep the PICO pump at least 4 inches (10 cm) away from other medical devices at all times. This is to prevent a possible disruption of the operation of nearby medical devices. 

 

©2025 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.