Silicone Injections Removal from the Buttocks

I am now, six weeks postop, and here is the progress that has occurred. On December 27th my two upper drains were pulled due to irritation. On January 3rd my two, lower drains were pulled partly because my right side drain was coming out, and my left side was barely draining. At this point the risk for infection became much greater than the work the drains were actually doing. At this point, I thought I had turned the corner, the relief from the drains was tremendous. Most importantly, I could finally shower! However, soon after I noticed, my buttocks were accumulating fluid, which led to the development of a seroma. For the past two weeks I have been going in weekly to have the fluid aspirated, initially 290 cc was aspirated and today at my follow up appointment 180cc we’re aspirated. Thank God it’s less fluid than the week prior. In regards to pain and discomfort it is tolerable if not minimal and my energy level is back to about 80%. I’m still on anabiotic’s, iron supplements, and pain pills as needed. Most days I’m okay with Tylenol, Motrin, or nothing at all. Dr. Mir and his staff (Alex in particular) as well as Dr. Ip and his office staff have been very supportive throughout the entire process. Alex has made herself available at all hours, and I truly appreciate her support. As of right now, my only fear is that the seroma I developed will hinder my reconstruction process. It is too soon to tell right now, and I will continue to post updates.

Today is the 20th day since my first surgery for removal of silicone (placed via injections, by non-medical individuals) from the buttocks , which I had placed about 15 years ago. Initially, I did not have any issues with the product, but about 8-9 years ago, I started suffering from lower back pain, pain when I sat on hard surfaces, extreme itchiness in the lower back and buttocks, and it looked as if my bottom was sagging from all the product that I had placed (depending on my attire, sometimes it looked as if i had a diaper on). The procedure has been intense from the pre/post-op, and recovery standpoint. Prior to surgery, I had to complete the following: insurance prior authorizations for both surgeries and hospital stay (5 days in-house), pre-op bloodwork, EKG, chest x-ray, psychiatric consultation (required prior to surgery), and COVID-19 test (3 days prior to surgery). I was cleared for surgery, and on December 2nd the first surgery was performed. About 60% of the silicone was removed in this first round, from the lower back and buttocks area. Also during the surgery a wound VAC was placed. Relief was almost immediate! Although I had some surgical pain, it was nothing compared to the pain and discomfort I was experiencing prior to surgery. My back pain was gone! On December 5th, the second surgery was performed to remove the remaining silicone product. The second surgery was a bit more intense, as four drains were placed and the wound vac remained. Each surgery lasted between 2 to 4 hours, as for pain it was well controlled via medication’s and there were days that I was able to go at least 12 hours without any pain medication. The expectation was to be discharged on December 7th, however, due to an elevated WBC and a low hemoglobin I was discharged on day seven. Prior to being discharge, I did require a blood transfusion (1 unit) due to the low hemoglobin. I was placed on two broad spectrum antibiotics, administered via IV while in the hospital and once discharged I was prescribed two antibiotic pills. In addition to the two anabiotic’s that I take twice a day, I’m also taking daily iron to help with my hemoglobin, and for pain I have now transitioned to Tylenol or Motrin, from Norco. Prior to being discharged, the wound vac was also changed to small portable one; which was removed on 12/10. Discharge Instructions were very specific: unable to sit or lay on by back for more than 4 hours, unable to shower (only sponge bath), and I’m only able to sleep on my sides or tummy (I’m not a tummy sleeper). Follow-ups are weekly, with Dr. Mir’s colleague, Dr. Ip. I see Dr. Ip weekly for wound dressing changes and evaluation of the drains. Hopefully, this week he will be able to remove two drains and within the next week or two the remaining two drains. That’s all for right now, but I’ll continue to document my progress as we move forward. I am so grateful to have found Dr. Mir, although I’m still recovering, I would definitely do it all over again if I had to.