I have a Nexplanon implant in my arm and want to get liposuction done on my arms. Will I need to have the implant removed?

Hello, thank you for your question.That is something to discuss in a consultation. I suggest to visit a board certified plastic surgeon to get more information about your concern.Good luck.

Dear suyung2582,Thank you for your thoughtful question. When it comes to having liposuction on the arms with abirth control implant, there are a few things to consider. First, the placement of the implant willbe important. Most liposuction done on the arms is performed on the posterolateral or outerregion of the upper arms, and the procedure may potentially damage or displace the implantdepending on where it is located. Second, if the implant were left in during surgery, trying toavoid it could affect the outcome of your procedure and result in contour irregularities. Finally,the removal of fat and tissues in the area may affect absorption rates and make the implant lesseffective. Post-operative inflammation and swelling could also be problematic. Due to theseconcerns, I strongly recommend that you discuss your upcoming procedure with the doctor thatplaced your Nexplanon implant in addition to scheduling a consultation with a board-certifiedplastic surgeon. They will be able to provide you with more specific information and recommendwhether the implant should be removed for surgery and reinserted, or if it can be left in place.Good luck to you!

This is a question that would have to be determined during an in-person evaluation. See an expert to review your options. Keep in mind Hi-Def Liposuction yields the best, most contoured results. Best, Dr. Emer. 

Dear suyung2582,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination, but most plastic surgeons will suggest you to remove the implant before liposuction. Once you are fully healed, you can get it placed again. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Usually upper arm liposuction is done on the outer portion of your arms only as that is the safest place for it. The nerves and vessels run more on the inner aspect of the arm (also where your implant is), and therefore that area is usually avoided with liposuction. So it should be OK to leave it. However, you would need to confirm with the surgeon you choose.

Dear suyunh 2582, Thank you for your question. This depends on the location of your implant and the location of liposuction. Please consult with your Board Certified Operating Surgeon. Best of luck to you!

suyung2582I appreciate your concern and arm liposuction may be an option, depending on the location of the device and area of need for liposuction. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area and point out the exact location of the device.  Good luck!

If easy for you, then yes remove the implant.
If not easy for you, then it is also possible the arm lipo with the implant on site.

You’re not going to find any consistent opinion on this from either the doctors who placed the implants which is usually OB/GYN doctors or plastic surgeons who do the liposuction.Probably the best option is to remove the implant change forms of birth control and have the liposuction then get a new implant when you’re healed up if that’s what you want to do.Happy to do liposuction and someone with an implant but will not vouch for the implants function or effectiveness for birth control. I don’t think any OB/GYN will step up to the plate and confirm that the implant will work properly after liposuction either.You’re going to find a plastic surgeons will either want your implant removed or are OK doing the liposuction with the implant in place but probably none of us will speak on behalf of how the implant functions immediately after the procedure or if it could be damaged from the procedure.This comes up every once in a while. To my knowledge there’s no documented signs or a specific protocol available for this and neither medical specialty will cover on behalf of the other.Because of this it’s probably better to convert to a different form of birth control then start over againwith a new implant.Best, Mats Hagstrom MD