How long does the recovery period for a facelift involve swelling and scarring?

Lately, I've been increasingly concerned about facial sagging, so while looking into lifting procedures, I also became interested in a facelift.

As I get older, I can see my jawline becoming less defined and the skin below my cheeks sagging noticeably, so I started wondering if I should look into surgical options.

However, since a facelift involves incisions, I am as worried about the recovery process as I am about the results.

I am particularly curious about how long the swelling and bruising last after surgery, and how much the scars from the incisions in front of and behind the ears fade over time.

How long do I usually have to wait to feel natural enough to go out or meet people as usual?

I would like to ask those who have actually undergone a facelift a question.

1. How many weeks after surgery do major swelling and bruising usually take to subside?

2. Will the incision scar around the ear become less noticeable over time?

3. How long after the surgery did you have to wait before you could return to work or external activities without difficulty?

I am curious to hear honest stories from those who have gone through the entire process, from immediately after surgery to the recovery. It would be especially helpful if you could share any unexpected discomfort during recovery or the specific care you needed to pay attention to.