From the Guidelines
Nexplanon is placed in the inside of the nondominant upper arm, 6 to 8 cm above the elbow, by a medical professional who has completed the requisite training. This location is ideal for the implant as it allows for easy insertion and removal, while minimizing the risk of complications such as nerve injury or damage to major blood vessels. The implant is inserted subdermally, just under the skin but above the muscle layer, which enables steady release of hormones into the bloodstream while keeping the device secure 1. Key considerations for the placement of Nexplanon include:
- The implant should be inserted in the nondominant arm to minimize discomfort and interference with daily activities
- The location 6 to 8 cm above the elbow is chosen to avoid major blood vessels, nerves, and tendons
- The subdermal placement allows for easy palpation and verification of the implant's presence by healthcare providers
- The use of local anesthetic and a special applicator ensures a relatively painless and quick insertion process, taking approximately 1 minute 1.
From the Research
Area of Nexplanon Placement
The area where Nexplanon is typically placed is:
- The inner side of the upper non-dominant arm, approximately 8-10 cm above the medial epicondyle of the humerus 2
- The medial side of the non-dominant upper arm 3
- Subdermally, superficial to the triceps muscle, to lower the risk of insertion into vessels and nerves 2
Characteristics of Nexplanon Placement
Key characteristics of Nexplanon placement include: