Ultrasound Guided Contraceptive Implant Removal

The removal of a contraceptive implant using ultrasound technology to locate the implant within the arm is known as ultrasound guided implant removal.

If your contraceptive implant is difficult to feel or if others have attempted and failed to remove it, it is likely that your implant was inserted too deeply, and you will require an ultrasound guided procedure to determine the exact position of the implant.

A clinician may have told you that this is the case and that you will need to see a specialist to have your implant removed.

A contraceptive implant can be removed at any time for multiple reasons. They may include, but are not limited to:

• Your implant has expired
• You’re experiencing side effects
• You want to try another method of contraception
• You want to conceive

It is important to know that fertility returns very quickly and you can get pregnant from the moment your implant is removed.

In most cases, an implant removal is a straightforward procedure and you will be able to continue life as normal.

However, small scars, bruising, and blistering are usual outcomes. These may appear at the site of the incision and around the bandaging. These are usually temporary but may vary in duration and appearance among individuals.

You may feel a little bit of soreness for a day or so after the procedure.

Other potential complications include bleeding, infection, and change in skin colour. Scar formation may also be a long-term outcome.

In some cases, there may be a failure to remove the implant. Should the removal not be successful, it may be at least 4 weeks before another attempt can be made.

I understand that no procedure can be guaranteed to be 100% successful or free from complications.

If you do not wish to conceive then we recommend abstaining from sexual interaction for 7 days prior to your ultrasound guided implant removal.

Furthermore, we recommend wearing a loose top so that we can easily reach the site of the implant.

Otherwise, there is no need for precautions or abstinence to be practised.

An ultrasound guided implant removal is a straightforward and safe procedure. You can absolutely return to your daily activities as normal.

However, we will recommend taking things lightly (especially if your job requires physical activity).

Yes. You can bring your partner, friend or family member to your appointment.

However, if you feel that you would rather not bring someone to the appointment, rest assured that our staff are here to support you and make you comfortable in any way possible. Clarewell Clinics is a safe space.

Usually, you do not need to make any special travel arrangements for after your appointment. However, some patients may feel a bit of discomfort after the procedure (especially as the local anaesthetic starts to wear off) and may prefer not to drive.

We will begin with a consultation to review your medical, sexual & contraceptive history. We will be able to discuss any concerns you may have and your future contraceptive needs. This is done in order to make sure that removing the implant is a safe option for you.

Using the ultrasound, we will confirm the location of the implant before proceeding with the removal.

A local injectable anaesthetic will be administered in order to numb the skin around the implant. This should make the procedure as painless as possible.

Your clinician will then make a tiny incision in your skin and gently guide the implant out. A bandage will be placed on your arm and your clinician will explain the aftercare guidance.

If you are looking to have a new implant fitted in, please mention this at the time of your booking so we are prepared.

After the anaesthetic has been injected you should not feel any pain during the implant removal.

We will not start the incision until your arm is completely numb. We find that many patients, including those who are anxious or scared of needles, leave the clinic not knowing why they were so worried at all.

Please note that you may feel discomfort in your arm as the local anaesthetic starts to wear off.

Yes, absolutely you can. Please let us know at the time of your booking (or upon your arrival) so that we are ready to accommodate your wishes.

Yes, you can have another form of contraception after having your implant removed (please let us know at the time of your booking so that we are prepared). If you wish to continue with the implant as a future method, we can offer you a new one in the same appointment.

Absolutely. Please request this at the time of booking so that we may book you an extended appointment.

For more information about our STI tests, please visit this page: https://www.clarewellclinics.co.uk/sexual-health-clinic.

Absolutely. Please let the clinician know and they will be more than happy to show you your implant after the removal.

Although every effort will be given to remove the implant, it may not always be possible.

If we are unable to remove the implant during your appointment we will only charge you the consultation fee.

In the event that we cannot remove your implant, you may require a referral to a plastic surgeon, where the implant will be removed in a hospital setting under general anaesthesia.

Please note that the removal of your contraceptive implant by a private plastic surgeon would be charged according to the surgeon you visit.

Following an ultrasound guided implant removal, your clinician will fit a pressure bandage over the removal site. The bandage will limit any potential bleeding and bruising of the area, it is crucial for it to remain in place for 48 hours following the procedure. During these 48 hours, please avoid getting the area wet or dirty – please cover the bandage when showering.

Do not hesitate to loosen your bandage slightly if you think it is too tight, or if your fingers feel numb or cold. If you choose to do this, please ensure that the bandage is still wrapped firmly around the wound. After removing your bandage, you may notice sticky strips holding the incision site together. Please leave these in place. They will fall off on their own once the implant site has fully healed.

On occasion, your clinician may put a stitch at the site. If this happens, they will advise you about its care and removal. In rare cases, you may require pain relief following the procedure. If you feel it may be necessary, please take your normal pain relief medication as per its packaged instructions (i.e. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen with food).

You do not require a check up once the implant has been removed unless you are showing signs of an infection. These may include redness in the removal site, generally feeling unwell and pain relief medication is not helping with the pain and discomfort.

If you think that something is not quite right after your procedure, please contact the clinic or email us on support@clarewellclinics.co.uk. 

We will be able to arrange a follow up call for you and your clinician will be able to discuss the next steps with you.

You can have sex as soon as you would like to after your ultrasound guided implant removal.

Please note that you are no longer proctected against pregnancy and should consider another method of contraception if you are not looking to conceive.

Fertility should return straight away and you can start trying to conceive straight away after having your implant removed.

Your period should return within 4-6 weeks after removal. The implant hormones leave the body’s system very quickly. Therefore, if you do not wish to fall pregnant, please use a reliable method of contraception as soon as the implant is removed.