Realistically how long after a neck and lower facelift does it take before you can go out in public and look normal?

Of course, that depends on what activities you are engaging in. After a little over a week, you should be able to go out with very close friends or family and moderately heavy makeup. Most women are back to work, unless they have a very job that requires high visibility, at two weeks.  For social functions, I suggest two to three weeks. For important functions, a month. However, if it's your daugher's wedding I like to schedule surgery at least three months before the event to make sure you are fully healed. 

A facelift is not considered to be a very traumatic procedure (as compared to other surgeries), so actual healing time is usually no longer than a week.  Most noticeable signs of a recent facelift are swelling around the cheek area and bruises in the lower neck.  On average, it takes 1-2 weeks for these problems to dissapear.  At the end the second wee, very few people have noticeable signs of a recent surgical procedure.  If any bruises or swelling are still remaining, it could be covered with make up or creative hair styling.Best wishes!Dr. Konstantin

Most patients will want to avoid public activities for 2-3 weeks after a typical facelift procedure. The drains and sutures are removed by the end of the first week, and the bruising and swelling has significantly improved by the end of the second week.  Patients are also off of their pain medication and feel more comfortable driving at this time.  Realize that the healing is still ongoing for several months, and important social events should be avoided until this timeframe.  This also allows time for management of any minor complications that could delay healing.