Is it safe to get a tattoo near the implant?

[Aunt_Flo]

Hi Nurse Nettie!

I’m looking to get a new tattoo on my arm, but it will be a bit close to my Implanon. Is a bit idea to get a tattoo near the device? I’m not aiming to get it directly on the implant, but it will cutting it fine.

[Nurse_Nettie]

Hi @aunt_flo, it’s a good question! The main concern is the risk of the Implant breaking & not providing contraceptive cover. Although tattooing may go to different depth in the skin to the implanon, the pressure applied may cause breakage. Generally the advice is to get a tattoo first & then the Implanon inserted after…or choose a different site on the body for a tattoo.

[Aunt_Flo]

Thanks @nurse_nettie!

Hmm, that’s something to think about. Is getting it on the ‘front’ of the arm a safe enough distance between the implant and a tattoo, or should I just avoid the entire bicep/tricep area?

[Nurse_Nettie]

@aunt_flo, there’s no need to avoid the entire bicep/tricep area. As implants are usually placed on the inside of the non dominant arm, having the tattoo on the front of the arm is totally fine. It’s just best to avoid tattooing over or near the implant.

[Aunt_Flo]

Thank you for confirming!

I was looking to get it on the same arm as the implant. I’ll just warn the artist that I have the implant, and make sure the tattoo doesn’t go too close to the implant.

Thanks @nurse_nettie!

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