I had a bilateral mastectomy eight days ago. My wonderful surgeon told me to feel that skin on the side prior to my surgery. It was there, like fat, and she said that was the number one complaint if women decide not to have reconstruction (I chose no reconstruction based on my conversations with several women who had mastectomy). I have yet to have a single pain, but I am more than ready to lose the drains! I could definitely do paperwork for a few hours if I needed to, even the first day out of surgery.