No waiting list
With some appointments available on the same day
Pain relief as priority
Minimal pain experienced from the implant fitting/replacement.
Specialists & friendly clinicians
With patients travelling from across the country
About the procedure
Local anaesthetic
Yes, we provide a local anesthetic injection
Length of appointments
Approx. 30 minutes in total
Recovery & aftercare
You can continue with your day as normal, whilst minimising physical activity.
Locations
A contraceptive implant fitting or replacement is a straightforward procedure which rarely poses complications. It usually takes a few minutes and does not require any stitches.
We will begin by discussing any questions and concerns that you may have about the implant, the procedure and rule out pregnancy before we proceed (in the same appointment) with the fitting/replacement.
Once we have completed the consultation element of the appointment, we will then ask you to lie down on the couch and roll up your sleeve (so please do wear something loose and comfortable). After cleaning the area of your arm where the implant is to be fitted/replaced with an antiseptic wipe, we will administer a local anesthetic injection.
Once the area is numb, we will proceed to insert the implant under the skin on the inner side of your upper arm. We will then check that the implant can be felt in your arm and show you how to feel it is in place.
If we are replacing your implant, we first make a tiny cut in your skin and gently pull the old contraceptive implant out.
Once the implant has been fitted/replaced, the area will be cleaned and a bandage applied (to be kept clean and dry for 24-48 hours).
You may then re-dress and we’ll make sure you’re feeling alright and answer any further questions before the end of your appointment.
The Process
The consultation and procedure happen in one appointment, as long as it’s safe to do so.
Questionnaire
In order to be most prepared and leave plenty of time for discussion and procedure, we will ask you to fill out a simple questionnaire.
Consultation
In the consultation, we will review your questionnaire and discuss how the implant fitting/replacement will work, along with any questions that you may have.
Ultrasound Scan (if booked)
If you have a deep implant and you have booked in for an ultrasound guided replacement, then we will conduct an ultrasound scan to confirm the location of the implant.
Procedure
We will then proceed to fit/replace the implant. Once this is done, we will cover the site with a bandage and discuss aftercare with you.
Aftercare
If you’ve just had an implant fitted/replaced by us and are seeking advice on recovery and aftercare, we’ve got the information for you just here.
General
When can I have an implant fitting/replacement?
The implant can be fitted at any time during the menstrual cycle, as long as there is no risk of pregnancy.
If the implant is fitted during the first 5 days of your menstrual cycle, you will be protected immediately from pregnancy.
If inserted at any other time, you will not be protected from pregnancy straight away, and will need to use an additional method of contraception for another 7 days.
Can I have the implant fitted as emergency contraception?
No, the implant cannot be used as emergency contraception.
The IUCD (or the copper coil) is used as emergency contraception and has the highest efficacy rate in preventing an unwanted pregnancy.
Can I have an implant fitting/replacement if I am on my period?
Yes, you can.
What are the possible complications of having an implant fitting/replacement?
It is very likely that your bleeding patterns can change and either you may have more frequent/heavier bleeding or no bleeding at all.
Patients may also experience hormonal side effects such as headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, acne, weight gain and nausea.
The side effects tend to settle after 3-6 months.
What is the effectiveness of an implant?
The implant is over 99% effective once fitted, and lasts for 3 years.
Before the appointment
How can I prepare for my implant fitting/replacement?
You do not need to do anything to prepare for your appointment. However, wearing a top where the sleeves are easy to roll high up the arm will be helpful and showering in the morning to avoid getting it wet in the evening.
Will I need to take time off for my implant fitting/replacement?
There is no need for you to take any time off after the implant fitting/replacement.
Can I bring someone with me?
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.
What travel arrangements should I make for after the implant fitting/replacement?
Just keep in mind that your arm may be slightly sore. But other than that, you do not need to make any special arrangements.
During the appointment
Does the implant fitting/replacement hurt?
You should not feel any pain during the procedure, as the area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic injection. This can not take away a pressure feeling when the implant is placed. Our specialists will walk you through what to expect and how to be prepared during the consultation.
You may ask any questions you may have then and discuss ways in which to make the procedure more comfortable.
Can I listen to my music during the implant fitting/replacement?
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.
Does the implant fitting/replacement hurt?
You should not feel any pain during the procedure, as the area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic injection. This can not take away a pressure feeling when the implant is placed. Our specialists will walk you through what to expect and how to be prepared during the consultation.
You may ask any questions you may have then and discuss ways in which to make the procedure more comfortable.
Can I have an STI test during my 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/.
After the appointment
What should I expect after my implant fitting/replacement?
Overall, you should feel completely fine after getting your implant taken out.
Your arm may feel tender or swollen around the area where the implant was for a few days and sometimes a bit of bruising may be noticeable after the procedure. Otherwise, you will be fine to go on with the rest of your day as normal.
We recommend keeping the bandage around your arm upto 48 hours. This will mean avoiding any water in the area and (possibly) physical activity.
Other complications, like infections and scarring are extremely rare.
Will I require a follow up appointment after my implant fitting/replacement?
It’s not always necessary to have a check up after an implant fitting/replacement, unless you are experiencing symptoms of infection (pain, fever, swelling), you think the implant has changed shape in your arm, or you can no longer feel it.
What do I do if I think I have a problem after the implant fitting/replacement?
If you think that something is not quite right after your procedure, please contact the clinic or email us on info@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.
Implant Fitting/Replacement Private Costs
Implant Fitting/Replacement £300
Health Insurance
Find out if you can claim your visit
Don’t wait months.
Page reviewed by Dr Praveen Jayadeva & Julie Milsom
Last reviewed date: 1 April 2022
Next review due: 1 April 2025
Whilst this content is written and reviewed by sexual health specialists, it is for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.
References & Further Reading
- European Radiology: Minimally invasive removal of deep contraceptive implants under continuous ultrasound guidance is effective, quick, and safe
- South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Non-palpable and difficult contraceptive implant removals: The New Somerset Hospital referral-clinic experience
- BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health: Continuing need for and provision of a service for non-standard implant removal
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190428223051id_/
- BMJ: UK provision for removal of non-palpable contraceptive implants
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: Referral Center Experience With Nonpalpable Contraceptive Implant Removals
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: Removal of a Nonpalpable Etonogestrel Implant With Preproced
- Contraception: Innovative technique for Norplant® implants removal
- The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care: Difficult removal of a deep implant using a traditional removal method
- Contraception: Difficult removal of subdermal contraceptive implants: a multidisciplinary approach involving a peripheral nerve expert – ScienceDirect