Nexplanon removal is a quick, minor medical procedure performed in a healthcare provider’s office, involving a small incision in the upper arm to extract the contraceptive implant. Proper post-procedure care, especially concerning the incision site, is important for quick and complication-free healing. Following specific instructions regarding protective bandages helps minimize the risk of bruising, swelling, and infection. Understanding the correct timeline for removing each layer of dressing is the first step in managing recovery.
The Bandage Removal Timeline
The removal site is typically covered with two distinct types of dressings, each with a specific purpose and removal schedule. Immediately following the procedure, the healthcare provider applies a bulky pressure bandage or wrap over the small incision site. This initial dressing is designed to apply constant pressure to the area, which helps minimize bleeding and control the development of bruising and swelling.
You should plan to leave this pressure wrap on for a full 24 hours, or as specifically directed by your clinician. Removing this bandage too early may result in increased bruising or a larger hematoma forming under the skin. After the initial 24 hours have passed, you can carefully remove this outer pressure bandage at home.
Beneath the outer wrap, a smaller adhesive bandage or thin strips of tape, often called Steri-Strips, are placed directly over the tiny incision. These secondary dressings are intended to keep the wound edges together, promoting better healing and reducing the appearance of a scar. This smaller dressing should remain in place for approximately three to five days.
It is important to keep the area completely dry during this period to ensure the adhesive strips stay secured and the incision remains protected. These strips are often water-resistant and may even fall off naturally toward the end of the recommended time frame. You should not pick at or forcibly remove the Steri-Strips before the five-day mark, as the incision may not be fully closed beneath them.
Caring for the Incision Site
Once all layers of the bandage, including the Steri-Strips, have been removed, you can begin to gently wash the area. The incision site should be cleaned using mild soap and water, ensuring you do not scrub the delicate healing skin. After washing, the area should be patted dry with a clean towel, avoiding any rubbing motion that could irritate the wound.
For the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should avoid getting the arm wet entirely to protect the initial pressure bandage. After the pressure wrap is removed, you can safely shower, but you must still keep the underlying Steri-Strips or smaller adhesive bandage dry for the remaining three to five days. You may find it helpful to cover the arm with plastic wrap or a waterproof covering during showers to prevent water exposure.
Full submersion of the arm in water, such as in a bath, pool, or hot tub, should be avoided until the incision is completely closed and healed. This usually means waiting until the Steri-Strips have come off and the skin has sealed, which is typically after the first five days. To prevent the incision from reopening, you should also avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or any exercise that puts significant stress on the upper arm for the first few days following the removal.
Monitoring the Healing Process
Knowing what to expect during the healing process can help you distinguish between normal symptoms and potential complications. Minor bruising, slight tenderness, and a small amount of swelling at the removal site are common and generally resolve on their own within one to two weeks. These temporary symptoms are a normal part of the body’s response to the procedure.
You may also notice a small, flat scar forming where the incision was made; this will fade over time. It is helpful to monitor the incision site daily to watch for any changes in appearance or feeling. Keep in mind that a fully healed site should not be painful, excessively swollen, or warm to the touch.
There are specific signs that indicate a possible infection or other complication requiring immediate medical attention. You should contact your healthcare provider if you notice excessive redness that is spreading outward from the incision or if the site feels increasingly warm. Other concerning signs include persistent or worsening pain, the presence of thick discharge or pus, or any bleeding that soaks through the bandage. A fever or a general feeling of being unwell in conjunction with localized symptoms also warrants prompt evaluation by a clinician.