Many patients desire naturally looking, larger, and well-shaped breasts. Breast augmentation remains one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. Both young women who have very small breasts after their breasts have finished developing, as well as women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy or breastfeeding and suffer from sagging breasts, desire a natural breast augmentation. This is achieved with Implants and/or autologous fat (lipofilling) are possible. Depending on the initial situation, in addition to breast augmentation, a Streamlining of the skin flap and repositioning of the nipple may be necessary.
Autologous fat for breast augmentation requires that sufficient fat buttresses are available.
Key Points at a Glance
Breasts for 3 weeks (no bra)
Consultation for Breast Augmentation Using Autologous Fat
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lüdi specializes in breast surgery and will be happy to advise you personally from woman to woman in her clinic in Basel on the subject of breast augmentation with autologous fat (lipofilling).
Before undergoing breast augmentation with autologous fat, two detailed consultations typically take place. It is very important to us that you are well-informed about the procedure, that all your questions are answered, and that your wishes are taken into account. Dr. Lüdi will discuss the surgical technique, potential risks and complications, and post-operative care with you. We’d also be happy to show you before-and-after photos of breast augmentation using autologous fat.
The Procedure for Breast Augmentation with Lipofilling in Basel
On the day of surgery
On the day of the operation, Dr. Lüdi prepares a photo documentation before the operation and makes the markings on the breast. You will then be prepared for the upcoming operation and accompanied to the operating room.
Breast surgery using the patient's own fat—how is breast lipofilling performed?
Breast augmentation using the patient’s own fat can be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia in our clinic’s own operating room in Basel. During the procedure, fat is harvested via liposuction from another area of the body—such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs—processed, and then injected into the breast through small incisions using a fine cannula (lipofilling). This allows for very natural and harmonious results.
Immediately after breast surgery using the patient's own fat
After breast lipofilling, you can recover in our beautiful patient rooms with a view of the Rhine, where our team will take care of you. After another checkup with Dr. Lüdi, you can have a companion pick you up and return home the same day.
The aftercare
- After about a week, the first follow-up inspection takes place.
- You may shower starting on the second day after surgery.
- In order to promote healing of the transplanted fat cells, pressure on the breast should be avoided during the first 3 weeks after surgery and therefore no bra should be worn.
- For 6 weeks, you should consistently wear the fitted compression girdle in the area of the fat extraction site.
- We recommend a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, you should avoid exercise, carrying or lifting heavy objects, and sleeping on your stomach.
- Pain after surgery is generally mild and can be easily managed with common pain relievers.
- Scar care can be started from 3 weeks postoperatively.
Risks and Complications of Breast Surgery Using Autologous Fat
In principle, every surgical procedure carries certain risks; however, breast augmentation using the patient’s own fat is generally a low-risk procedure, and complications are rare. There are the usual surgical risks (e.g., bruising, poor wound healing, infections).
After breast lipofilling, bruising and localized swelling are typically to be expected. These subside within the first few days to weeks. A slight numbness also disappears within the first few weeks. In very rare cases, dimples may develop, which can be smoothed out with a minor corrective procedure.
Once the scars have matured, the small scars are usually barely noticeable. A portion of the injected fat (up to 50%) is reabsorbed by the body. The final result is visible after 3 months, once the fat cells have fully healed.
To achieve the desired breast size, several procedures (2 to 3 sessions) at intervals of approximately 3 to 6 months are therefore sometimes necessary.
It can take 6 to 12 months for the tissue in the area where liposuction was performed to heal completely and for the final result to become visible. Only then will the final result be evident and ready for evaluation.
Alternative Methods for Breast Augmentation Using Autologous Fat
Cost of Breast Augmentation with Autologous Fat in Switzerland
The cost of breast augmentation using your own fat depends on your preferences, the type and extent of the surgery, and the type of anesthesia. During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to you and provide you with a personalized cost estimate.
As a rule, health insurance does not cover the costs of breast augmentation, as it is an aesthetic procedure.
Dr. Simona Lüdi, M.D., is a board-certified specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery (FMH, EBOPRAS)
She grew up in the Basel region, studied medicine at the University of Basel, and has many years of surgical experience in the field of cosmetic surgery, with a focus on cosmetic breast surgery.
Breast augmentation using the patient's own fat requires precise surgical planning as well as a thorough understanding of breast anatomy and fat grafting. At the Zum Goldenen Schnitt Clinic in Basel, the procedure is performed in the clinic's own state-of-the-art operating room.
Dr. Lüdi provides personalized, honest, and individualized advice—woman to woman—with a focus on natural and harmonious results.