Implanon Removal and Immediate Reinsertion
Yes, an old Implanon can be removed and a new one inserted immediately at the same time through the same incision. This is the recommended approach to maintain continuous contraceptive coverage without gaps 1.
Procedure Details
The CDC explicitly recommends that if a woman wishes to continue using the contraceptive implant, a new implant can be inserted immediately after removal of the old implant through the same incision used for removal 1. This approach offers several advantages:
- No gap in contraceptive protection occurs when the new implant is placed immediately, eliminating the need for backup contraception 1
- Single procedure reduces patient visits and minimizes repeated local anesthesia and incisions 2, 3
- Immediate continuation ensures no interruption in hormonal contraception, which is particularly important since fertility returns rapidly after implant removal 4
Timing and Contraceptive Coverage
When performing same-day removal and reinsertion:
- No additional backup contraception is needed if the new implant is inserted immediately after removing the old one 1
- The procedure can be performed at any time during the menstrual cycle 1
- No waiting period is necessary between removal and reinsertion 1
Clinical Considerations
The implant removal and insertion process is straightforward:
- Removal takes approximately 2.6 minutes on average using the "pop out" technique through a 2-mm incision 2, 3
- Insertion takes approximately 1.1 minutes using the pre-loaded applicator 2, 3
- Complications are rare, with removal complications occurring in only 0.2% of cases 2
Important Caveats
Do not perform the procedure if active infection is present at the removal site 1. This is the primary contraindication to same-day removal and reinsertion.