Are you looking to get your arms tattooed, but worried about the effect it may have on your Nexplanon contraceptive implant?
Unfortunately, tattooing over a Nexplanon implant is not recommended and should be avoided.
Tattooing over or NEAR a Nexplanon implant can be risky because it can mess up its effectiveness. Plus, Nexplanon has to be removed some day and the surgery would scar the tattoo if you get one over.
In this post, I’ll give you a quick rundown of everything you need to know, from safety to the potential risks, so that you can make an informed decision before you tattoo over Nexplanon.
Note: Don’t take any of this as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or the person who inserted the implant.
What Is A Nexplanon Implant?
Nexplanon is a long-lasting birth control implant placed under your skin in your non-dominant upper arm. This type of birth control is extremely safe and effective and lasts up to 3-5 years.
It releases the hormone progestin into your body which prevents the release of an egg during ovulation and thickens the cervical mucus to make it harder for sperm to reach the uterus.
Can I Get A Tattoo Over Nexplanon?
It is possible to tattoo over a Nexplanon implant, but certain risks must be considered when making this decision, which I’ll get to in a minute.
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The reason I wouldn’t recommend getting a tattoo over or even near the implant is because the tattoo process could damage the Nexplanon since needle depth is neither constant nor predictable and it could hit the implant.
And when the implant needs to be removed or replaced, the incision will scar and ruin the tattoo design.
Let’s take a look at the other risks:
Potential Risks Involved
Tattooing over a Nexplanon implant carries many potential risks aside from the normal risks associated with getting a tattoo.
While it is true that some people have had success with the procedure without any issues, there is no guarantee that this will be the case for everyone.
Related: Can You Become Amish If You Have Tattoos?
- Tattooing can introduce bacteria into the skin around the implant and potentially cause infections or other problems.
- Tissue damage to or near the Nexplanon implant. The amount of power and heat generated during the tattooing process could potentially cause damage to the tissue surrounding the implant or to the implant itself.
- Skin reactions can occur anytime a foreign material such as ink, ink pigments, and antiseptics is introduced into your body.
What Can I Do Instead?
Instead of getting the tattoo on your non-dominant arm, why not get it on the other arm?
Or maybe instead of tattooing your upper arm, you could tattoo the lower part and that should not affect the implant in any way.
If you WANT to get the tattoo on that area, your best option is to wait a few years until your implant is removed IMHO.
FAQs
Can You Get a Tattoo Over the Birth Control Implant?
It is generally not recommended to get a tattoo directly over a birth control implant. The implant may interfere with the tattoo process, and the tattoo needle could potentially damage the implant or cause an infection.
It is safer to choose a different location for the tattoo that is away from the implant site.
What Does a Broken Nexplanon Feel Like?
A broken Nexplanon implant might feel like a bent or irregularly shaped rod under the skin and may cause localized pain or discomfort due to the unusual bending or snapping of the device.
The cause is typically physical impact or improper insertion, and it’s important to consult a healthcare provider immediately if a break is suspected.
Conclusion
Before you get a cool new arm tattoo over or near a Nexplanon implant, it’s important to understand what the risks are.
Although it may be possible to tattoo over Nexplanon without any side effects, there is no guarantee that this will be the case for everyone.
You need to take into consideration any potential medical complications that can occur during the tattoo procedure, it’s also important to think through how long it may take for your body to heal and if you’ll feel comfortable during all stages of healing.
Before making a decision, make sure to talk with your doctor and your tattoo artist.
Ultimately, you will need to decide if these potential risks outweigh any potential benefits when considering a tattoo near your Nexplanon device.