Recovery is generally a few days to one or two weeks. The first day or two are the most intense. During this time any swelling is at its maximum. In about 36 hours, swelling begins to subside. Sutures are generally removed anywhere from 4-14 days following surgery.
Physical activity is permitted within a week of most procedures.
Examples of exceptions would be contact sport following a rhinoplasty or exercising following an abdominoplasty. It is not uncommon to have changes in mood the first few days or weeks following cosmetic surgery. Lasers used in surgery are very safe and have been used successfully in plastic surgery since the early 80s. In the 90s lasers have become commonly used for cosmetic surgery. Their use seems to be increasing with each passing year.