Can you recover from surgery alone?

Sadly, a lot of older people have to (and on average, they are going to have worse health anyway).
I still don't know why we got rid of convalescent homes! A half-way house between hospital and home, where you got basic help but a medically trained person on hand if needed would save so many hospital readmissions.
Anyway, that's not going to happen in time for you (if you're reading, Andy B, this would be a great thing for you to do!) so you have to think about how much you need the surgery.
If you're in absolute agony, or there's a serious risk to your health, it might be worth it. Could you pay for carers for a week or two?
Many women would like breast reduction for discomfort but are in the same situation, as in the recovery period puts them off.

It's good to know there are appliances for wiping. I don't need that right now but won't forget because I think that is probably the very last thing I'd ever want to have to have help with.

Someone else has already said ready meals. I would go for salads and any others that can be eaten cold (rice dishes, pasta bakes) just for ease. And get some paper plates - anything to maximise the initial healing period.

You might want to post again to ask about others' experience of healing times and what to expect specifically for breast augmentation because different surgeries will heal differently. When I had a medical breast procedure my experience of healing was very different to the information in the leaflet I was given. Don't be alarmed, it wasn't dreadful. But I was worried as it wasn't what I was expecting. It was two random women who'd overheard my concerns who reassured me.

There’s plenty appliances for ‘wiping’ just search on Google. I read once that Henry 8th used a swans neck (a dead swan I imagine ….hope!)

Of course you can.

People recover from life saving and necessary surgery by themselves.

Google : Long reach bottom wiper, Rinsemate personal hygiene system, Shattaf spray and for @NegativeFreak for next time, press button hands-free can opener.

It definitely wasn't as per my consultants recommendations.
My ex wouldn't have them (they're AuDHD and he was finding it hard in those days to cope with them, apparently 🙄), so i just had to get on with it. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I’m just gone through cancer surgery and having help was massive but we also have kids. If I was alone (and no kids) it would have been uncomfortable but doable. Just make sure you have everything ready like meals made etc

Not so here, I had a taxi home after lung surgery. Although I have a DH at home I would have managed fine on my own( in some ways it’s probably easier because you can do whatever you like without having to worry about anything)

Had many surgeries, non-elective, small children at home, had help only with shopping delivery and getting kids to activities - recovered fine. You just meticulously plan.

Had spinal and abdominal surgeries that hindered wiping. Wasnt impossible. Did my best. You can do this.

Currently recovering from surgery, cant wipe but bowels not opening so not an immediate issue. Usually by time bowels move I can wipe and/or shower.
Batch cook and freeze portions (healthier than micro meals) and maybe a water dispenser in the fridge if must drink bottled.
All the best.

It is for all surgeries. It’s the law afaik.
You will have to find someone who is available to collect you. They don’t have to stay over night.

It's possible with good planning, but not much fun. I had to ask random strangers on the street to open tins of soup for me. I thought I'd been clever by getting ring pull, but even sat on the floor with tin clamped between my feet I couldn't get it open with one functioning arm.

I had a caesarean and managed absolutely fine alone, with a new baby.

It’s amazing that you coped with that. But I suspect Drs wouldn’t advise it.

You’ll be fine. Prepare as much as possible. Prep some meals. Buy tiny cartoons of milk. Have painkillers and water beside the bed.
It is advised that you move around. You’ll feel tight but not in pain when you take the pain meds regularly.
Private hospitals sometimes give antibiotics when you’re leaving to prevent infection, see if that’s an option with some anti inflammatory and pain medication.
They won’t let you out without someone collecting you.,

Oh and where I am they are VERY strict about a responsible adult (a stretch with my friendship group) picking you up and pledging to stay overnight. No responsible adult, no discharge.

I did it recently and while it CAN be done I would not recommend it. I stayed with family initially then insisted I was fine to go home (which at the time I genuinely believed). It was a terrible decision. I ended up exhausted and miserable and the wound got infected because I’d been doing too much.

Another vote for a contingency plan.

Im not sure how stringently the ‘need to be taken home from the ward’ rule is enforced. After a recent GA, I explained that DH would collect me but since his mobility was very limited I had arranged to meet him in car park so he didn’t need to get out of the car.

A nurse insisted that I was walked down to the car park and saw me actually get in. How they would have known whether that was a taxi or my actual DH I’m not sure but I think a plan for someone to collect you is definitely a good idea

Id also consider having someone at home when you first get there, and then on standby or to visit for an hour so so for a few days.

You are much less likely to do something that would set back your recovery if you know there is someone who can do things.

Id look out for ‘carers’ , here and where my DM lived there are private people who are known to be carers who might take you on for a few hours for the first few days. A local Facebook page would help if you don’t know anyone to ask.
Alternatively a service like HomeInstead.co.uk would be happy to provide someone.

id just consider it as part of the overall cost

all the best. Much better to make arrangements which turn out not to be needed than not to and set your recovery back.

You need a contingency plan.
My sil had complications after a breast enlargement. Stitches started to come apart and she developed a fever overnight. So I think plan well, but have a plan B in case things don't go as expected.

I was absolutely fine, I avoided lifting, and made sure I got anything I might need out of any high cupboards. Still looked after my children and cooked dinner etc.

Me too. Currently four weeks post hip replacement.

Plus I went through a year of cancer treatment alone which included surgery.
Surprising what you can do if you have to.

As regards bottom wiping OP, a long armed aid exists to help should you need it.

I've had gynae surgery and could have looked after myself. I didn't need DH to do anything except pull down the wheelie bins on bin day, walk the dogs and hoover.

I had absolutely no appetite for several weeks so didn't need cooking for and I could walk up and down stairs etc.

A friend of mine broke her arm & shoulder last year. She lives alone. She found it very hard alone just using 1 arm and dealing with the pain but she had no choice

I have had breast surgery on both sides for other reasons. I didn’t need help with going to the loo but you might find wipes easier than tissue.

Top tip is to get a little travel kettle, that really helped. Stock up on ready meals and box sets. I think it’s doable but probably worth having a friend on standby just in case.