OPSITE PLUS

A waterproof absorbent island dressing allows patients to shower normally after surgery without covering the wound while still managing any wound exudate at the dressing surface. The waterproof film outer keeps external water away from the wound while the central absorbent pad manages fluid from within. The wound can be observed through the transparent film without removing the dressing. Opsite Plus is a waterproof absorbent island dressing from Smith & Nephew. Five sizes. Self-adhesive. No secondary fixation required. No prescription needed.

Opsite Plus is a regulated medical device from Smith & Nephew and part of the Opsite range. It is a waterproof absorbent island dressing combining a transparent waterproof polyurethane film outer layer with a central absorbent wound contact pad. The film outer layer is the same transparent polyurethane material used across the Opsite film range: waterproof, moisture vapour permeable, and transparent. The central pad absorbs wound exudate and holds it away from the wound surface.

The "Plus" in the product name signals the addition of the absorbent pad to the standard Opsite film. Where Opsite Film Dressing is a pure transparent film with no absorbency, Opsite Plus provides both waterproof film protection and absorbent pad management of wound exudate in a single dressing. This combination makes Opsite Plus suited to wounds that produce some exudate during healing, but where the patient also needs to shower or bathe, particularly in the post-operative healing period.

The film extends beyond the central pad on all sides to form a self-adhesive border. This border adheres to the periwound skin and holds the dressing in position without secondary fixation. The transparent film allows the wound and the state of the central pad to be observed through the dressing at any time without removal.

Five sizes cover the range from small post-operative wounds to long surgical incisions. The 35cm x 10cm size is specifically suited to long incision lines such as those following lower limb orthopaedic surgery.

Opsite Plus requires dry, intact periwound skin for the adhesive film border to adhere effectively. Apply to completely dry skin. Apply without tension. Change when the absorbent pad is saturated, the film edges have lifted, or when clinically indicated. Do not apply to infected wounds.

Waterproof Film Outer Layer

The outer layer of Opsite Plus is a transparent polyurethane film impermeable to liquid water. When applied with all film edges adhering to the surrounding skin, external water from showering or bathing cannot reach the wound through the film. This waterproof property allows post-operative patients to wash normally during the healing period without needing to wrap or cover the dressing. The waterproof seal is maintained only while the film is intact and the edges are adhering. Any lifted edge compromises the seal, and the dressing should be replaced.

Absorbent Central Pad

The central absorbent pad absorbs wound exudate from the wound surface and holds it within the pad material. The wound contact layer of the pad has low adherence properties, reducing the tendency for the pad to bond to wound tissue during the wear period. Exudate is drawn from the wound surface into the pad, keeping the wound surface relatively dry while the outer film maintains the waterproof barrier. The pad should be changed when visibly saturated through the transparent film.

Transparency for Wound Monitoring

The transparent film outer allows the wound, the periwound skin, and the state of the absorbent pad beneath to be observed at any time without removing the dressing. The pad saturation level can be assessed visually. The wound surface can be checked for healing progress and for any changes in appearance. The periwound skin beneath the adhesive border can be checked for adhesive reactions. This visual access reduces unnecessary dressing changes and allows early identification of wound changes.

Adhesive Film Border

The film border extends beyond the central pad on all sides and adheres to the dry intact periwound skin. This self-adhesive border holds the dressing in position without tape, bandage, or other secondary fixation. For post-operative patients who need to manage their wound at home between clinical follow-up visits, the self-contained nature of Opsite Plus simplifies dressing management considerably.

Preparation

• Wash hands and use gloves.
• Ensure the wound and surrounding skin are completely dry.
• Dry skin is essential for the adhesive film border to adhere.

Application

• Select the appropriate size from the five available.
• Remove the release liner.
• Position the central pad over the wound.
• Apply the film border to the surrounding skin without tension.
• Smooth from the centre outward.
• Press the film border firmly on all sides.
• No secondary fixation is required.

Removal and Change

• Change when the pad is visibly saturated through the transparent film, the border has lifted, or as clinically indicated.
• Lift one corner of the film border and peel slowly back along the skin surface.
• Do not peel upward at a sharp angle.
• Support the skin ahead of the peeling edge on fragile or sensitive skin.
• Assess the wound at each change.

Apply Opsite Plus relaxed and without tension. Film applied under stretch recoils against the skin and can cause blistering or stripping, particularly on elderly or fragile periwound skin. If the film border is to be applied over a wound on a joint or mobile skin area, apply with the joint in a natural position to allow movement without peeling.

Opsite Plus 6.5cm x 5cm: Pack of 25

A small island dressing for minor post-operative wounds, small incisions, and wound sites where a larger dressing would extend significantly beyond the wound margins. The pack of 25 provides a home supply suitable for regular changes over the post-operative healing period.

Opsite Plus 9.5cm x 8.5cm: Pack of 20

A medium island dressing for moderate-sized post-operative wounds and incision sites. The pack of 20 suits home management of a wound requiring several weeks of regular changes.

Opsite Plus 12cm x 10cm: Pack of 10

A larger island dressing for post-operative wounds with a greater surface area. Suited to abdominal, hip, and other larger surgical incision sites where the smaller sizes do not provide sufficient central pad coverage.

Opsite Plus 20cm x 10cm: Pack of 20

A broad rectangular dressing for longer incision lines. The 20cm length covers post operative wounds at sites where the incision runs along a limb or across an anatomical region. Pack of 20 for ongoing management.

Opsite Plus 35cm x 10cm: Pack of 20

The largest size in the range, designed for very long post-operative incision lines. The 35cm length is suited to the long incision lines that follow lower limb orthopaedic surgery, such as knee or hip replacement, where a single dressing can cover the full wound length. The pack of 20 provides a supply for the extended post-operative healing period common with these procedures.

All five sizes use the same waterproof film and absorbent pad construction. Size selection is based on wound dimensions to ensure the central pad covers the full wound surface and the film border adheres to intact periwound skin on all sides.

When Not to Use Opsite Plus

• Infected wounds.
• Wet, greasy, or compromised periwound skin where the adhesive border cannot bond.
• Wounds producing exudate volumes that exceed the pad absorption capacity.
• Known sensitivity to polyurethane or the adhesive components.

Precautions

• Apply to completely dry intact skin.
• Apply without tension.
• Remove slowly along the skin surface, not at a sharp upward angle.
• On fragile or elderly skin, support the skin ahead of the peeling edge at removal.
• Single use only.

Adverse Effects

• Skin stripping or blistering if applied under tension or removed sharply from fragile skin.
• Adhesive skin reaction in individuals sensitive to the adhesive formulation.
• Wound pad adherence if the dressing is left beyond the appropriate change interval.

Situations Where Opsite Plus Is Appropriate

• Post operative wound cover where the patient needs a waterproof absorbent dressing for home management during the healing period
• Surgical incisions in the early post operative phase, where some wound exudate is expected, and waterproof protection for showering is a practical requirement
• Long orthopaedic incision lines, where the 35cm x 10cm size allows full incision coverage with a single dressing
• Adults and children on intact periwound skin where the standard film adhesive is appropriate

Opsite Plus vs Mepore Film and Pad

Opsite Plus (Smith & Nephew) and Mepore Film & Pad (Molnlycke Health Care) are both waterproof absorbent island dressings combining a transparent film outer with a central absorbent pad. Both are suited to the same clinical applications. The differences are manufacturer, adhesive formulation, and the size range available. Opsite Plus offers five sizes, including the 35cm x 10cm for long incision lines. Clinical selection is typically based on formulary, size requirements, or clinician preference rather than a clinical distinction between the two products.

Opsite Plus does not require a prescription. All five sizes are available from Pharmacy Planet without a clinical consultation.

Our pharmacists can advise on size selection for specific wound dimensions and on when Opsite Plus or another waterproof island dressing format is the most appropriate choice.

For infected wounds, wounds not healing as expected, or wounds requiring specialist assessment, seek clinical advice alongside dressing purchase.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not store above 25 degrees C.
• Keep in original sealed sterile packaging until immediately before use.
• Do not use if the packaging seal is broken.
• Check expiry date before use.
• Apply as soon as the packaging is opened.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC registered online pharmacy. All five Opsite Plus sizes are genuine Smith & Nephew products stocked through regulated UK supply chains.

Our pharmacists can advise on Opsite Plus and on other post-operative waterproof dressing options from the Smith & Nephew range.

References

1. Smith & Nephew. Opsite Plus — Product Information. Smith & Nephew. https://www.smith-nephew.com. Accessed June 2026.
2. NHS. Your operation and recovery: wound care at home. https://www.nhs.uk. Accessed June 2026.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Wound care products: selection and prescribing. https://www.nice.org.uk. Accessed June 2026.