Smith & Nephew Opsite Post Op Dressing (20cmx10cm)

Smith & Nephew Opsite Post Op Dressing (20cmx10cm) is a sterile, single-use dressing supplied as 1 dressing per pack, measuring 20cm by 10cm. It combines a low-adherent absorbent pad with a surrounding clear, waterproof polyurethane film and a low-allergy adhesive border in one piece.

This is a non-medicine wound-care device with a fully transparent outer film. Manufacturer guidance for this product line generally suggests changing the dressing roughly every 2-3 days or sooner if it becomes soiled or loose, though the exact schedule should follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice.

The central pad absorbs fluid and its low-adherent surface is structured to lift away cleanly from the tissue beneath it. The clear outer film acts as a barrier against bacteria and contaminants while remaining waterproof yet breathable, meaning it blocks external liquid water while still allowing water vapour and oxygen to pass through.

Make sure the skin around the wound is clean and fully dry before applying the dressing, as the adhesive film bonds best to dry skin. Remove the release liner without touching the absorbent pad, position the pad over the wound, and smooth the surrounding film down evenly without stretching it to prevent wrinkles or skin irritation at the edges. As a general guide, change the dressing roughly every 2-3 days, or sooner if it becomes loose, soiled, or shows signs of leakage, always following your doctor’s or pharmacist’s specific instructions for your wound.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine.

Use before the expiry date printed on the pack. The dressing is sterile only while its individual pack remains sealed and undamaged; do not use it if the packaging has been opened, torn, or exposed to moisture.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat or humidity. Keep the dressing in its sealed sterile pack until you are ready to apply it.

• Common: Mild, temporary skin redness or an adhesive outline mark after the dressing is removed.
• Uncommon: Itching, irritation, or blistering under the adhesive border, especially if the film was stretched during application or worn beyond the recommended change interval.

• Do not use on individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to acrylic adhesives or polyurethane film dressings.
• Avoid use on actively bleeding or clearly infected wounds without first seeking medical advice.
• Use with caution on thin or fragile skin, such as in elderly patients or those on long-term steroid treatment, where removing the adhesive can cause skin trauma.

• Not applicable — this is not a medicine.

• Apply to clean, completely dry skin for the best adhesion and seal.
• Smooth the film on gently without stretching it, to reduce the risk of skin irritation.
• As a general guide, expect to change the dressing roughly every 2-3 days, but follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s exact instructions.
• Avoid prolonged soaking, scrubbing, or high-pressure water directly on the dressing, even though the outer film is water-resistant.
• Remove slowly, lifting from one edge in the direction of hair growth, rather than pulling quickly.
• Keep the sterile pack sealed until immediately before use.

Precautions: Follow the dressing-change schedule advised by your surgical team or pharmacist rather than leaving this dressing in place indefinitely. People with known adhesive sensitivities should monitor the surrounding skin closely.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice promptly if the wound becomes increasingly painful, red, swollen, or starts to discharge fluid or pus, if the dressing repeatedly leaks or lifts before the expected change interval, or if a new skin reaction develops around the adhesive border.