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

Depends, typically 1-3 weeks.The reason there is variability is largely because of the following reasons. Everyone has differing degrees of face and neck laxity and differing healing "speeds"; furthermore everyone has different levels of social comfort; that is some people would be deftly afraid of being seen in public or by friends with even the slightest amount of bruising or swelling, whereas others are OK or are not bothered by their appearance, even with a significant amount of bruising or swelling. Everyone is different, but most fall with the 2 weeks period.Lastly, different surgeons use different techniques, but be aware that shorter "downtimes" does not necessarily mean better technique or longer term results.The attached link provides more information.I hope this helps.

Throughout the #facelift #healing process you should be seen frequently by your doctor and one of their registered nurses to ensure you are following instructions properly and your recovery is going well. The healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. #Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen.If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

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.