You should think of facelift recovery in phases. First is the physical healing part of recovery. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first week or two. The surgeon typically applies bandages initially to enhance healing. Most patients can return to work or go out to dinner a week or 2 after the surgery, although visible swelling may still exist. The second phase of recovery is the time it takes to see full results and be ready for a significant social event, such as a wedding. It can take several months to see the final results, so schedule your surgery accordingly if you have a wedding, class reunion, or other big event on your calendar.