Excited but Scared!

Im a 34E - have hip and shoulder problems and so tired of carrying these things around since I have been 12 (started as a C cup). Notches in my shoulders so deep. Had 3 children, breast fed all three. I will be 58 in 10 days. Am so excited about my surgery but also scared as I never had surgery before. Also w Covid being out there, that is an added worry. Love my dr and trust her. It will be about 3.5 hours in a surgi-center same day surgery. Wonder what to expect re recovery. A lot of posts have said the pain isnt too bad. My daughter will be helping me post-surgery. I have my own business and wondered how soon I can lift anything. How long to wear sports bra type bra? How long before underwire? Will I be ready for a nice bathing suit this summer? When can I drive? What is best to prevent scars? Silicone things or creams? I know my Dr will answer all these questions as we get closer, but I love this site to hear from real people who have experienced it! I cant wait! I guess like others I will post some before and after pix. thanks all!

My Plastic Surgeon is Dr. Renee Comizio, of Morristown, NJ. She is warm, compassionate and skilled! I had my breast reduction surgery on March 4, 2021. I am 4 weeks post op and doing great! I was actually closer to a 34G at time of surgery. I am pretty sure I am a C now, though I've been told that that is subject to change in the next month and up to one year. I told my PS that she was Michelangelo! I felt like a sculpture when I first took my bandages off!
My adult daughters took care of me the first and 2nd weeks. Had very little pain. Took tramadol for about 5 nights. Used Tylenol the rest of the time. My PS also recommended Arnica and Juven which I think helped immensely for healing! My pain was more soreness and zingers. I slept in recliner first ten days then in my bed. I take Benadryl at night to sleep so I get good rest. Could sleep on side at 1 week but decided to wait a bit longer - could drive at 12 days but I still use a pillow between me and the seatbelt.

You definitely need someone to help for first several weeks with dishes, meals, household chores, etc. Lifting heavy stuff and reaching are not good ideas and can cause setbacks.

I will address my OWN questions below lol - Covid was not really a concern. Surgery was at a surgery center across from the hospital and was very clean. I did not stay overnight. I could not have anyone come in with me at drop off or pickup.

I have already bought some cute bathing suit tops and a lot of the clothes I already had fit me way better! I also got some really cute bras, sports bras and bralettes. My Dr said to avoid tanning that area for now so I got a UV shirt to use if I sit in sun before summer. My PS recommended Aquaphor on the incisions daily at bedtime for one month at my 2 wk visit, which I have also been doing. My incisions are so smooth and flat and beautiful!

I got a Covid shot this Tues, then ran a lot of errands Tues, thru Thurs so now I have a little fluid and swelling but it is because I did too much! I felt so good I thought I was back to normal but don’t let it fool you! Here are some pix