Silicone injections removal, closed technique, 9 weeks post-op

Like many others I was the victim of silicone injections. I was injected about 13 years ago by a family member. She had them and told me they were safe and I believed her.
I am glad I found Dr. Katzen and was able to remove the poison from my body. Dr. Katzen and his staff are kind, attentive and most important don't make you feel ashame of the procedure. Prior to the surgery I had 4 conversations with Dr. Katzen. He was patient and kind to always answer my questions and concerns. Thalia, always answered my questions and emails. I also received follow-up calls after my procedure. When I had an issue with a medication, I left a message with the out of office team on a Sunday and Dr. Katzen called me immediately. I am very grateful for Dr. Katzen and his staff.
Ladies, this procedure is not easy. whether you get the closed or open technique. you still need to prepare yourself mentally, physically and also have someone assist you atleast for the first week.
I am 9 weeks post-op and happy that the sciatic pain I used to have on my left leg is almost gone and that I can sit without my back area feeling like if it's on fire. I am still heeling physically and mentally. At 9 weeks, I am still a little swollen and ofcourse I'm also trying to get used to my new butt. it's very small compare to before, but like Dr. Katzen says, Health is the important thing here.
My first week - I slept through it. I was in so much pain that I took my meds, would wake up for a few hours drink protein shakes and would go back to sleep. I had a urinary catheter, pain pump and drains inserted.
2nd week - I was still in pain, but more conscious. I was walking a little bit around the house everyday (on a walker) and I was still taking my pain medication, blood thiner, nausea patch, stool softener, muscler relaxers and antibiotics. I was so afraid to have a bowel movement, but was advised by Dr. Katzen that I had to. So I continued to take my stool softener pills and milk of magnesium and it finally happened. I was afraid to sit, so I was almost standing. During my follow-up visit my urinary catheter and pain pump were removed. I stopped taking my pain medication and replaced it with Tylenol Extra Strenght.
3rd week - During my follow-up visit my drains finally came off. I also stopped taking Tylenol for the pain and I was able to stop all other medications.
4th week - I was finally walking normal without a walker nor weird with a tilt or stiff.
8th week- I was finally cleared to return to the gym. I started my fitness journey and I'm hoping I can build muscle and fill in the dents I have on my buttocks and leg from the removal. I'm really don't want to get reconstruction, but only time will tell.

I'm 4 months post-op. I'm still heeling, things don't feel completely normal yet. I'm still having some sciatic pain (symptom from. before). Dr. Katzen ordered me an MRI and it showed that I still have inflammation. Dr. Katzen recommended for me to resume lymphatic massages again.
It's been a big adjustment for me. My buttocks is significantly smaller. It's definitely taken a toll on me mentally and physically. I continue to workout and focus on growing my muscle to avoid reconstruction.

I'm 5 months post op since my closed technique removal. it has been very mentally challenging. My buttocks has dents, it sags now and its full of stretch marks. I miss the way my clothes used to look.

pain wise, the burning sensations and pain when sitting down are gone. I still have minimal and occasionally sciatic pain, but nothing compare to before my surgery.

My buttocks feels normal now. it has no bumps or hard areas.

I continue to workout and hope to grow my glutes. if I'm unable I will be getting reconstruction surgery, so I'm harvesting my belly fat as backup.