Removal of the contraceptive implant

Professor Dr. Iman Yahya - Women's and Obstetrics Specialist, Infertility, and Women's Cosmetic Surgery, 38 years of experience The contraceptive implant is a small plastic rod inserted under the skin above the arm. Its removal is a simple procedure done in the clinic and usually takes 5–15 minutes. Steps of removal: Locating the implant by touch (and sometimes with ultrasound if not palpable). Sterilizing the skin above the arm. Local anesthesia with a small injection around the implant site. Making a very small incision (about 2–3 mm). Gently pushing the implant and removing it with medical tweezers. Closing the incision with medical tape or a small stitch rarely, then applying a pressure bandage. What might you feel? A slight prick from the anesthetic needle. Light pressure during removal with usually no pain. After removal: Light bruising or mild pain for a few days. Keep the pressure bandage on for 24 hours, and the small adhesive for 3–5 days. Pregnancy can occur quickly after removal, so if pregnancy is not desired, it is preferable to start another method immediately. The cycle returns to normal within weeks to months.