What should you know about nexplanon after care?

The area may feel sore when you move your arm or touch it. Bruising can change colour as it settles. Keep the wound dry for the period advised by your clinic, avoid picking at adhesive strips, and follow any instructions about bathing, exercise and pain relief. The after-care advice may differ between insertion and removal.

Wash your hands before touching the dressing. Check the skin once a day for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, discharge or opening. Keep your follow-up instructions and implant record. If the implant was removed and you do not want pregnancy, confirm when your replacement method or backup contraception begins; options include an Etonogestrel Implant Rod or a Hormonal Coil.

Contact the clinic promptly if pain or swelling is worsening rather than settling, the wound leaks fluid, you develop a fever, or your hand becomes numb, weak, cold or unusually pale. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding from the site, severe swelling, or breathing difficulty.

Ask when the dressing can come off, when normal exercise is reasonable, which pain relief is suitable for you, and who to contact if the rod cannot be felt or the wound changes.