This should not be construed as medical advice. I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. The type of surgery is the first unknown. Recovery time involves reduction of swelling and bruising until the patient feels comfortable being seen. The amount of residual swelling that bothers each person varies.
Women can cover bruising with makeup and have less of a concern with the discoloration.
How does that person heal, some stay swollen longer. Some face and neck lifts can be fine for public in 2-3 days, others need several days to 10 days before they feel comfortable. I have posted an eight day after surgery set of photographs to demonstrate this point. Certain operations and patients may need more time. I hope this information proves of some use.