Do they numb you for Nexplanon removal? Your guide to a pain-free procedure

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 99% of patients who undergo a Nexplanon removal receive a local anesthetic to ensure a painless experience. While the thought of any medical procedure can cause anxiety, it is reassuring to know that trained healthcare providers take measures to maximize your comfort during Nexplanon removal. The entire process is designed to be as straightforward and gentle as possible, typically taking only a few minutes.

Quick Summary

A healthcare provider administers a local anesthetic to numb the area before removing a Nexplanon implant. A small incision is made, and the implant is extracted with forceps. The procedure is quick, and patients should only feel a slight pinch during the numbing injection.

Key Points

Local Anesthetic Used: A shot of local anesthesia is standard practice for Nexplanon removal to numb the area.
Minimal Discomfort: The numbing injection is the only part of the procedure that you should feel, described as a slight pinch or sting.
Quick Procedure: The actual removal typically takes only a few minutes once the area is numb.
Straightforward Process: A small incision is made, and the implant is gently removed with forceps.
Potential for Complexity: In rare cases, if the implant has moved or is too deep, imaging may be needed, and removal may take longer.
Normal Aftercare: Expect some soreness and bruising after the anesthetic wears off, managed with a pressure bandage and over-the-counter pain relief.
Fertility Returns Quickly: Your fertility can return to normal very soon after removal, so plan for alternative contraception immediately.
New Implant Option: A new Nexplanon can be inserted during the same appointment.

Yes, local anesthetic is standard for Nexplanon removal

For anyone anticipating the removal of their Nexplanon implant, a common question is whether the process will hurt. A local anesthetic is routinely used for Nexplanon removal to ensure minimal discomfort during this in-office procedure. This numbing agent is applied to the specific area where the matchstick-sized implant is located in your upper arm.

Local anesthetic numbs the targeted area without causing unconsciousness, allowing you to remain awake and aware while the healthcare provider performs the removal. The only sensation you might feel is a brief pinch or sting from the injection of the anesthetic, which is often compared to a bee sting. Once the numbing takes effect, the remainder of the procedure should be pain-free.

Preparing for your Nexplanon removal

To prepare for your Nexplanon removal, your doctor will discuss your post-removal plans. You'll be positioned on an examination table with your arm accessible. The provider will locate the implant by touch and may mark the site. If the implant is not easily felt, imaging like an ultrasound might be necessary. The removal site will then be cleaned to prevent infection.

The Nexplanon removal procedure step-by-step

The Nexplanon removal process is typically quick. Here's what generally happens:

Anesthetic Injection: A local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, is injected to numb the skin where the incision will be. This is usually the only part where you might feel a mild sting.
Incision: A small incision, usually 2-3mm, is made at the end of the implant closest to the elbow after the area is numb.
Implant Extraction: The provider gently guides the implant towards the incision and uses forceps to grasp and remove it. Sometimes, minor dissection is needed to free the implant.
Closure and Bandaging: The incision is closed with a small adhesive bandage, and a pressure bandage is applied to help reduce bruising.

Comparing standard vs. complex Nexplanon removals

Most Nexplanon removals are straightforward, but some can be more complex depending on factors like the implant's location or how it's integrated with tissue.


Feature	Standard Removal	Complex Removal
Anesthesia	Local anesthetic injected around the implant.	Local anesthetic is standard, possibly more is needed. General anesthesia is very rare.
Location	Easily felt just under the skin.	Deeper than intended or has moved.
Imaging	Not typically needed.	Ultrasound or X-ray may be used to find a non-palpable implant.
Incision Size	Small, usually 2-3mm.	May be slightly larger to reach a deeper implant.
Tools	Standard forceps used for removal.	May require specialized tools and potentially an experienced specialist.
Procedure Time	Typically less than 5 minutes.	Can take longer based on difficulty.

After the procedure

Following removal, you'll receive aftercare instructions, typically involving keeping a pressure bandage on for 24 hours to minimize bruising, and an adhesive bandage for several days. Expect some tenderness or soreness as the anesthetic wears off, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Bruising and swelling are common but usually resolve within a couple of weeks.

Impact on your body after removal

Hormone levels from Nexplanon decrease rapidly after removal, usually within a day. This can lead to changes as your body adjusts, potentially resolving side effects experienced while using the implant, such as irregular bleeding. Your fertility will return quickly, so it's important to have a new birth control method ready if you want to avoid immediate pregnancy. You also have the option to have a new implant inserted during the same appointment.

Conclusion: A comfortable and controlled process

The use of local anesthetic makes Nexplanon removal a generally comfortable and controlled procedure. From the initial numbing to the quick extraction, the process prioritizes your comfort and safety. Understanding these steps can help you feel more confident about your removal appointment.

For more information on contraception options after Nexplanon, resources like Planned Parenthood's website can provide valuable guidance on reproductive health decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it should not hurt. Your healthcare provider will use a local anesthetic to numb the area of your arm where the implant will be removed. The most you should feel is a small pinch or sting from the numbing injection.

A local anesthetic, most commonly 1% lidocaine, is injected under the skin at the removal site. This medication blocks nerve signals, preventing you from feeling pain during the procedure.

The numbing effect of the local anesthetic typically lasts for a few hours, ensuring that the entire removal procedure is painless. You will likely feel some soreness as it wears off.

Your provider will ensure the area is fully numb before proceeding with the incision. If you feel any sensation of pain or discomfort during the procedure, it is crucial to tell your provider immediately, so they can administer more anesthetic.

The removal process might feel slightly more involved than the insertion, as it requires a small incision to get the implant out. However, since both procedures use a local anesthetic, they should both be manageable and relatively pain-free.

If your provider cannot easily palpate the implant, they will use imaging techniques like ultrasound to locate it. In very rare cases, a specialist may be needed to perform the removal.

Serious reactions to the local anesthetic are extremely rare. The most common side effects are temporary numbness or tingling, which is the intended effect, and some soreness after it wears off.

You will need to talk with your healthcare provider about your plans after removal. They will provide specific instructions, but generally, there is no special preparation required. You should arrive for your appointment well-rested and prepared to discuss next steps.