Removing Nexplanon requires a trained healthcare provider to carefully extract the implant through a small incision under local anesthesia.
Understanding Nexplanon Removal: What Happens First?
Nexplanon is a small, flexible rod implanted under the skin of the upper arm to provide long-lasting birth control. When it’s time to remove it—usually after three years or sooner if desired—the process must be done by a healthcare professional. Removal isn’t complicated, but it requires precision and care to avoid complications.
The first step in taking out Nexplanon involves locating the implant. Since it’s inserted just beneath the skin, most providers can feel it easily by gently pressing on the inside of your upper arm. If the implant isn’t palpable, an ultrasound or X-ray might be used to find its exact position. This ensures that removal will be smooth and minimizes any unnecessary tissue damage.
Once located, the provider will clean the area thoroughly and apply a local anesthetic to numb the site. This numbing step is vital for comfort during removal. Unlike insertion, which can cause some discomfort, removal is usually quick and relatively painless.
Step-by-Step Process: How Do You Take Out Nexplanon?
The actual extraction involves making a small incision—typically less than one centimeter—directly over the implant site. The healthcare provider uses sterile tools to gently pull out the rod through this tiny cut.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how it happens:
- Numbing: Local anesthesia is injected around the implant to block pain.
- Incision: A small cut is made over where the implant lies.
- Extraction: Using forceps or tweezers, the provider carefully grasps and pulls out Nexplanon.
- Closure: The incision is closed with steri-strips or a few stitches if needed.
- Dressing: A bandage covers the area to protect it while healing.
This entire procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Afterward, you’re advised to keep the site clean and dry for several days and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity with that arm.
When Is It Time To Remove Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is effective for up to three years but can be removed earlier if desired—for example:
- If pregnancy is planned
- If side effects become intolerable
- If you want to switch birth control methods
Your healthcare provider will guide you on timing removal safely without losing contraceptive protection if you want continuous coverage.
Risks and Precautions During Removal
Though Nexplanon removal is straightforward, certain risks exist:
- Infection: Any breach in skin carries infection risk; sterile technique minimizes this.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury: Rare but possible due to proximity of nerves near insertion site.
- Difficulty locating implant: Sometimes implants migrate slightly or become embedded deeper in tissue.
If your provider cannot feel Nexplanon easily, don’t panic—imaging helps locate it precisely. In rare cases where removal proves challenging, referral to a specialist may be necessary.
Pain Management After Removal
Most people experience mild soreness or bruising at the removal site for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually handle any discomfort well.
Avoid scratching or picking at scabs as this can delay healing or cause infection. If swelling worsens significantly or you notice redness spreading beyond the incision area, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Nexplanon Removal vs Insertion: What’s Different?
Insertion involves placing Nexplanon under your skin using an applicator device that releases it into place with minimal trauma. It takes only a few minutes and typically causes some initial soreness or bruising.
Removal requires cutting into your skin but generally causes less discomfort due to local anesthesia use. Both procedures are outpatient and don’t require general anesthesia or hospital stays.
| Aspect | Nexplanon Insertion | Nexplanon Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure Time | About 3-5 minutes | About 10-15 minutes |
| Anesthesia Used | No anesthesia (local numbing optional) | Local anesthesia applied routinely |
| Pain Level | Mild discomfort during insertion | Mild soreness after removal site heals |
| Sterility Requirements | Sterile applicator used; minimal incision needed | Sterile environment with small surgical cut needed |
| Healing Time | A few days for soreness/bruising to subside | A few days for incision site healing; stitches possible |
Taking Care After Removal: Tips For Faster Healing
- Avoid heavy lifting with your arm for at least 24-48 hours.
- Keep wound clean and dry; change bandages as instructed.
- Avoid swimming or soaking in baths until fully healed.
- If stitches were placed, follow up with your provider for removal (usually within one week).
- Watch for signs of infection such as fever, increasing redness, swelling, or pus discharge.
The Importance Of Professional Removal: Why DIY Isn’t an Option?
Nexplanon sits just beneath your skin but can be tricky to remove safely without medical training. Attempting DIY removal risks:
- Infection from non-sterile tools or improper technique.
- Damage to nerves or blood vessels causing numbness or bleeding.
- Incomplete removal leaving fragments behind that continue releasing hormones.
- Scarring or prolonged healing from improper incisions.
Only trained healthcare providers have the right instruments and knowledge of anatomy required for safe extraction. Your health depends on professional care here.
The Role Of Ultrasound In Difficult Removals
Sometimes implants migrate slightly from their original spot under skin tension or muscle movement over time. If your doctor cannot feel Nexplanon easily during removal attempts, an ultrasound scan helps pinpoint its location accurately.
Ultrasound guidance allows providers to:
- Locate deeply embedded implants without guesswork.
- Make precise incisions minimizing tissue trauma.
- Reduce procedure time and patient discomfort significantly.
This technology ensures even complicated removals remain safe and effective.
Key Takeaways: How Do You Take Out Nexplanon?
➤ Consult a healthcare provider for safe removal.
➤ Removal is a quick outpatient procedure.
➤ Local anesthesia is used to minimize pain.
➤ The implant is gently pulled out through a small incision.
➤ Follow post-removal care instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Take Out Nexplanon Safely?
Taking out Nexplanon requires a trained healthcare provider who will numb the area with local anesthesia before making a small incision. The implant is then carefully extracted using sterile tools to avoid complications and minimize tissue damage.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Take Out Nexplanon?
The process begins with locating the implant, followed by numbing the site. A small incision is made, and the rod is gently pulled out. The provider then closes the incision with steri-strips or stitches and covers it with a bandage.
When Should You Take Out Nexplanon?
Nexplanon is typically removed after three years but can be taken out earlier if you plan pregnancy, experience side effects, or want to switch birth control methods. Your healthcare provider will advise on the best timing for removal.
Does Taking Out Nexplanon Hurt?
Removal is usually quick and relatively painless due to local anesthesia numbing the area. Some mild discomfort or soreness may occur afterward, but most people tolerate the procedure well with minimal pain.
Are There Risks When Taking Out Nexplanon?
While removal is generally safe, risks include infection, bruising, or scarring at the incision site. Choosing an experienced healthcare provider helps minimize risks and ensures a smooth extraction process.
Your Questions Answered: How Do You Take Out Nexplanon? Final Thoughts
Removing Nexplanon is a quick outpatient procedure done by medical professionals using local anesthesia for comfort. The process involves locating the implant through touch or imaging, making a tiny incision over it, then gently pulling out the flexible rod before closing up carefully.
Recovery tends to be smooth with minor soreness that resolves within days when proper wound care is followed. Risks like infection or nerve injury are rare but underscore why professional handling matters so much here.
| Date Since Implantation | Efficacy (%) | Status at Removal Time |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 years | >99% effective | Easily palpable & removable in most cases |
| >3 years | Efficacy decreases slightly | May require imaging assistance for location |
| Early removal (anytime) | Immediate loss of contraceptive effect unless alternative started | Usually easy if within first year |