
Breast lipofilling
Breast lipofilling is a plastic surgery procedure that increases breast volume using the patient’s own fat, harvested by liposuction and then re-injected, with no implant or foreign body. Unlike implants, it gives a result that feels very natural to the touch and refines the donor areas at the same time, in a single procedure. For women who want a moderate, natural augmentation, to correct an asymmetry or to restore volume lost after pregnancy, Maison Tóā in Lausanne assesses the suitability of each project during the consultation, towards a harmonious, lasting result.
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Indications: moderate, natural breast augmentation (≈ 1 cup size) · asymmetry correction · restoring volume after pregnancy or weight loss
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Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia
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Duration of the procedure: 1 to 3 hours depending on the areas treated
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Hospital stay: outpatient (day surgery)
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Recovery: work after 1 to 3 weeks; sport after 4 to 6 weeks.
- Price: See our prices
What is breast lipofilling?
Breast lipofilling, also called fat transfer or autologous fat grafting, is a plastic surgery procedure that reshapes and enlarges the breasts by re-injecting the patient’s own fat. It adds volume, corrects asymmetry and refines the donor areas, naturally and durably, with no implant or foreign body. This technique is increasingly popular for its entirely natural approach: no implants, no synthetic products. Fat is harvested where it is in excess (abdomen, hips, thighs, flanks), purified and then re-injected into the breasts to enlarge them and restore their shape.
Goal
To achieve a moderate, natural increase in breast volume (a gain of about 1 cup size) while sculpting the donor areas. The desired result is subtle, harmonious and consistent with the patient’s body shape.
How it works
The procedure combines two steps: gentle liposuction of the donor areas, then re-injection of the purified fat into the breasts with micro-cannulas, in small amounts spread across several anatomical planes (the “fanning” technique) to promote blood supply and graft survival.
Method
Lipofilling is based on an autologous fat transfer in four stages: harvesting by liposuction with fine cannulas, centrifugation and purification in the operating theatre so that only fat cells are kept, then re-injection with micro-cannulas spread across several planes (the “fanning” technique). No drain is usually needed.
Differences from other approaches
Unlike silicone implants, lipofilling introduces no foreign body: the result feels natural to the touch, with no risk of rupture or capsular contracture and no replacement to plan for. On the other hand, the augmentation remains moderate (about 1 cup size) and part of the injected fat is reabsorbed, whereas an implant provides a larger, immediate gain in volume.
Indications and treatment areas
Breast lipofilling is an ideal technique for some patients, but not for all. A pre-operative consultation is used to assess suitability.
Main indications
Lipofilling suits patients who want a moderate augmentation, have sufficient donor areas, do not want implants and prefer a natural approach, or wish to correct a breast asymmetry.
Secondary indications
It can restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss, and can be used in reconstruction or as a complement after breast cancer surgery, in consultation with the oncologist.
Treatment areas
The treatment area is the breasts, where the fat is re-injected to increase volume and restore shape.
Specific areas
The donor areas (abdomen, flanks, hips or inner thighs) are involved in the harvesting — a double benefit, since they are refined during the same operation.
Limitations
Lipofilling does not allow a large augmentation (1 cup size at most) and depends on the fat reserves available. It is less suitable for very slim patients without sufficient donor areas; for a more marked gain, a second session or a combined approach with implants can be considered. Active smoking (to be stopped 8 weeks before and after) and certain medical histories also limit its indication.
How does the procedure work at Maison Tóā, Lausanne?
Every procedure follows a structured medical pathway, from the consultation to post-operative follow-up.
1 The consultation

The pre-operative consultation includes a full assessment: examination of the breasts, identification of donor areas, a mammogram or ultrasound depending on age, and photographs. The surgeon explains the procedure, realistic expectations and the recovery. A detailed quote is provided.
Read more2 The procedure

The harvesting areas are marked before anaesthesia. Then, under general anaesthesia, the fat is removed by gentle liposuction, purified by centrifugation and re-injected into the breasts with micro-cannulas. The procedure takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the amount of fat and the areas treated.
Read more3 Follow-up

A compression bra is worn day and night for 4 to 6 weeks, avoiding any pressure on the breasts for 4 weeks. It is advisable to sleep on your back, keep a stable weight and avoid direct sun exposure for 3 months. Not smoking, as instructed, improves graft survival.
Read moreResults: what to expect (before/after)
Breast lipofilling has one particularity: the result is not immediate and stabilises gradually over several months.
BEFORE / AFTER
First results
The enlarged breast is visible immediately (day 0), but with post-operative swelling. Between 1 and 3 months, the swelling subsides and part of the fat (30 to 40%) is naturally reabsorbed by the body.
Stabilisation
Between 3 and 6 months, the result stabilises: the remaining fat (60 to 70%) is permanently integrated. At one year, the breast has regained all its suppleness and the final result is consolidated.
Duration
Once integrated (60 to 70% of the injected volume), the fat stays permanently in place. It does, however, change with the body: significant weight gain or loss, or a later pregnancy, can alter the volume. Keeping a stable weight preserves the result in the long term.
Maintenance
Depending on the desired volume and the fat available, a second lipofilling session may be offered 6 to 12 months after the first to optimise the result — a “two-stage” strategy particularly suited to slim patients who want a more marked result.
Variability
Results vary depending on body shape, skin quality, the donor areas and graft survival. As with any procedure, results may vary from person to person.
Scars
Lipofilling leaves only small entry points a few millimetres long, on the breasts and donor areas, which become almost invisible once healed — a notable advantage over the 3 to 5 cm incision needed for implants.
Contraindications and side effects
Breast lipofilling has an excellent safety profile when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Complications are rare but do exist, and are explained during the pre-operative consultation.
What are the contraindications?
Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, a personal history of breast cancer (unless approved by the oncologist), active autoimmune disease, an unstabilised clotting disorder, active smoking (to be stopped 8 weeks before and after), insufficient donor areas, or expectations of too large a gain in volume.
Possible side effects
Rare complications may occur: infection (rare with rigorous asepsis, treatable with antibiotics), breast microcalcifications (to be monitored, distinguishable from pathological calcifications by an experienced radiologist), oil cysts or fat necrosis (limited by a careful “fanning” technique) and asymmetry that may require a touch-up.
Prices
Breast lipofilling prices:
At Maison Tóā in Lausanne, breast lipofilling is offered at a transparent price:
- Breast lipofilling (fat transfer augmentation): from CHF 6,900
- Breast surgery consultation: CHF 200, deductible from your first procedure if it is booked within three months of the consultation.
Payment
Payment is made before the operation, by card or in cash. Instalment payment options are available, subject to eligibility.
What’s included
The price includes the procedure, anaesthesia and post-operative follow-up.
Quote
The price depends on the harvesting areas, the amount of fat to be transferred and the complexity of the procedure. A second session, if considered to optimise the result, is priced separately. A personalised quote is drawn up at the pre-operative consultation, specifying the cost and what is included.
A deposit of CHF 200 (the consultation fee) is required to confirm your appointment at Maison Tóā Clinic. If you cancel at least 48 hours in advance, this deposit will be refunded in full.
Alternatives and complementary treatments
Alternative treatments
For a larger augmentation or an immediate, stable result, breast augmentation with implants is the main alternative. Lipofilling suits you if you want a moderate augmentation, have donor areas to refine, and want a 100% natural result with minimal scarring; implants suit you if you are looking for a significant gain in volume (2 cup sizes or more), are very slim with no donor area, or want a more pronounced cleavage.
Combining with other treatments
In some cases (marked asymmetry, thin skin over the implant, a wish for significant volume with a natural look), a combined implant + lipofilling approach is possible: the implant provides the volume, while lipofilling improves coverage, shape and naturalness. This strategy often gives the most natural results in slim patients.
Why choose breast lipofilling?
Lipofilling offers a natural augmentation, with no foreign body and a double aesthetic benefit. It is performed by Dr Sophie Nordback, an FMH-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of the clinic, in a setting that brings aesthetic medicine and aesthetic surgery together under one roof.
Trust our experts
At Maison Tóā, our team of specialized physicians embodies excellence and innovation in aesthetic medicine. Passionate about their craft, they put their expertise at the service of your beauty and well-being. Every treatment is performed with careful attention, using the most advanced techniques to ensure natural and personalized results.

Dr. Sophie Nordback
Dr. Alexandra Miles
Dr. Reda Bennani

Dr. Laetitia Guarino

Dr. Adnan Plakalo
Dr. Natalia Koltunova
Frequently asked questions
How many cup sizes can breast lipofilling add?
On average, a gain of about 1 cup size is possible in a single session (e.g. from B to C). For more volume, a second session can be carried out 6 to 12 months later, or a combined lipofilling + implant approach can be considered.
Is breast lipofilling painful?
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, with no pain during the operation. Recovery is described as moderately uncomfortable: aching in the harvesting areas and slight breast tenderness, usually well controlled with standard painkillers.
How long is the recovery?
Allow about 1 week of relative rest, a return to daily life within 2 weeks, to work within 1 to 3 weeks depending on your job, and to sport within 4 to 6 weeks. The compression bra is worn for 4 to 6 weeks. The final result can be assessed at 3 to 6 months.
Why is 30 to 40% of the fat reabsorbed?
It is a natural phenomenon: not all injected cells regain a blood supply. The surgeon anticipates this reabsorption by injecting slightly more than the desired volume; the remaining 60 to 70% is permanently integrated.
Does lipofilling interfere with screening mammograms?
No, when it is performed according to good practice. A baseline mammogram is carried out before the procedure, and any microcalcifications can be distinguished from pathological calcifications by an experienced radiologist.
Can I breastfeed after breast lipofilling?
Yes. Lipofilling preserves the milk ducts: the fat is injected into the deep tissues without reaching the glandular structures. A later pregnancy may, however, change the volume and shape of the breasts.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, provided you keep a stable weight. The integrated fat (60 to 70%) stays permanently in place but changes with the body; significant weight gain or loss, or a pregnancy, can alter the result.
Related articles
Medical consultation and booking
Breast lipofilling is an important decision that deserves careful support. During the pre-operative consultation, Dr Sophie Nordback assesses your breasts, your donor areas, your anatomy and your goals, then defines the most appropriate approach — lipofilling alone, implants alone or a combined approach. A personalised quote is then provided.













