@sart
My surgery was more than a year ago. I woke up feeling very painful because I didn’t have nerve blocking. The pain disappeared quickly after the nurse administered painkillers through IV. I only took painkillers at night for five days mainly for good sleep, not for the pain. With nerve blocking you won’t feel the pain for at least 2 days. My sister had nerve blocking and she didn’t have to take any painkillers at all. I went flat and am happy with my decision. The drains are not painful, they are a nuisance. I have 2 on each side. Make sure you wear compression bra for at least a week.
I don’t wear prostheses. There’s a site that sales inserts that I use for swimming. They are light and not expensive. A member here recommended to me.
It took me 2 months before I can start therapy due to a large and thick hematoma. I’m doing fine now. I agree with @briarrose, it takes 6 months to a year for things to settle down. I don’t have dog ears, but does it matter much? Wish you all the best.