Hi windsofchange,
For some reason, I can't reply to your PM because I don't have access. :\
When I first started going, I had more hair, which meant more swelling, which meant more recovery time. I'd go on a Wednesday and would basically be fine for work by Monday, as in the swelling wasn't noticeable anymore. Usually, I'd have a bruise or two that would last a few weeks, however. The last few times, I went on a Thursday and was ready for work by Monday. If you're going for 3 days, I'd count 5 days from your last day as the first day people won't really notice. Worse case scenario, just tell them you had an allergic reaction.
My recommendation is to ice constantly, drink lots of water, and have a sense of humor about how awful you look. I would also lightly moisturize and use the zinc oxide they give you sparingly for the first two days. Your face doesn't need anything more than that. No aloe, no astringents, nothing.