Is consistent visible swelling only on one side of face normal 3 weeks after a Facelift?

The swelling at 3 weeks after a facelift and fat grafting should be gradually but progressively getting better at this point.  By 6 weeks after surgery you should be 90-95% of the way there, but it may take 3 months before the swelling is completely gone.  Generally, the swelling is the worst right in front of the upper part of the ear and down in the neck right below the ear lobe.  Asymmetry to your face is common both before and after surgery, but should never be dramatic or noticeable to the casual observer.   

Asymmetric swelling is not uncommon in any surgery.  It is important to note these asymmetries to your surgeon and help determine why there is a difference.  It may take 6 months to a year for your face to fully heal so be patient if necessary.

 It's impossible to say from your description but significant asymmetry of swelling should be reported to your surgeon. Nobody  heals symmetrically but your surgeon can reassure you that this is a variation of normal and not a collection of subcutaneous fluid that should be drained.

You're in early stages of healing process and it is not unusual to have asymmetrical swelling after facelift and fat grafting. communicate your concerns with your surgeon he will provide you with better answers. 

This is a commonly asked question.  The left and right face is very different and plastic surgery may not and will not make them perfectly symmetrical.  The swelling and how you sleep play a major role. Lets give it some time.

It is not unusual for one side of the face to be more swollen than the other after facial cosmetic surgery, including a facelift and fat grafting.  Normally, as the swelling resolves, the sides will begin to look equal.  It will take several months for the swelling to subside and it can take 6-12 months for the entire healing process to occur.  I would wait more time before being concerned that there is any permanent difference between sides.  

Your issue with asymmetric swelling following a facelift with fat grafting is not unusual and can be very normal 3 weeks post operatively.  Of course, the degree of asymmetry and swelling are important to know because there may indeed be a collection of blood or fluid on one side.  Make an appointment with your surgeon to evaluate this problem at your earliest convenience.

3 weeks is way too early for you or anybody to be able to tell final results from a facelift surgery. You need to wait around 6 months to have a very good idea where this is heading. It is normal to have more swelling in one side of the face than the other. depending on the side that you like to sleep on, the swelling will prefer to go to that dependent (lower) side more that to the other. Hope this helps.Dr. Gustavo A. DiazDouble Board Certified facial Plastic Surgeon

It is definitely far too early to draw any conclusions about your result and it is very common for one side to heal at a different rate and be more swollen compared to the other side.  In addition nobody is symmetric and often asymmetry between the two sides of the face seem to become more noticeable during the recovery period as they were often overlooked before surgery.  It will take about 4-6 months for swelling to resolve completely and so I would be patient at this point.  Usually most concerns will resolve during this time frame.

Contact your surgeon as soon as possible in the event you have a collection of subcutaneous fluid that should be drained.  What you are speaking of is not normal at 3 weeks post op.