Implant aftercare

Introduction

The following information is for patients who have had an implant inserted or removed.

You may remove the pressure bandage after one full day but the plaster over the wound should be kept in place for three days.

If the pressure bandage is too tight and you experience any discomfort, “pins and needles”, numbness or coldness in your hand, you should loosen it. If the continues after loosening the bandage, please contact the clinic for advice.

Keep the insertion site dry until the wound is fully healed. Swimming is not advisable for the first few days to avoid any risk of infection.

Bruising is normal following the procedure. If you are experiencing pain, you can take paracetamol 500mg three times a day.

If you experience any of the following, you should see your GP or return to the sexual health clinic:

• Redness or soreness around the wound
• Pus from the wound
• Bleeding from the wound
• Itching around the implant
• The implant feels broken, bent or misshapen
• The implant cannot be felt at all
• Numbness, shooting pain or difficulty with movement of the arm

Further information about the contraceptive implant can be found on the Sexwise website.