Can you recover from surgery alone?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.,

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

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. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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

Of course you can.

People recover from life saving and necessary surgery by themselves.

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!)

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.

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.

I had GA surgery and each time had to stay in hospital overnight. The cat apparently was not suitable as someone at home in case of emergency. 😆

I’ve had a fair few surgeries and try as much as possible to make things easy for myself. I always buy in disposable plates bowls cups and cutlery so no issues with washing up. Either batch cook beforehand or buy ready meals in. I made my bed beforehand and put 4 bottom sheets on then just took one off when I wanted a fresh sheet to lie on.
I bought lots of small bottles of water and put them next to my bed with painkillers etc and a small bin for empties.
I also bought a SheWee type thing to keep and use in my room if needed. I bought a couple of grabbers and kept one in my bedroom and one in the living room . I put temporary grab rails in my shower too

Multiple surgeries including c-sections , upper body, abdominal surgery as well as multiple fractures and dislocations. my DH had limited time off and although it would have been lovely for him to been home helping me it just wasn’t feasible if he was to keep his job.

had no option but to cope with both myself and the children.

it’s very much a case of when there’s a will there’s a way. You just prep as much as you can in advance and then do things slowly and carefully.

You adapt and find ways that work for you.

keep your phone in your pocket at all times in case of an emergency .

It is unwise to go home alone after a GA. You are generally advised to have someone with you for 24 hours.
DP had a hernia repair (day surgery that took 20 minutes), and was not allowed to leave the hospital without someone getting him.... not even a taxi picking him up.