Breast Augmentation with Autologous Fat in Zurich
Are you interested in natural breast augmentation?
Harmonious proportions using your own body fat, for an aesthetic result without any implants
As of July 2026 · Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Adrian Palma, board-certified surgeon (FMH)
Key Points at a Glance
Your Benefits at a Glance
100% natural results
Your own fat tissue ensures a gentle and natural-looking contour.Two treatments in one procedure
Liposuction and breast augmentation, for a slender silhouette and more volume.Minimally Invasive Technique
Gentle treatment with barely visible puncture marks and quick healing.
Many women want breast augmentation that does not involve the use of implants
Breast augmentation with autologous fat is a gentle procedure that uses your body’s own fat to add volume and optimize the shape of your breasts. Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, processed, and then injected precisely into the breasts. This procedure not only shapes the breasts naturally but also enhances your silhouette by removing excess fat deposits. During a personal consultation with Dr. Adrian Palma, we will work together to determine the appropriate treatment strategy that meets your wishes. The goal is a harmonious, natural-looking result that perfectly complements your body’s proportions.
Are you unhappy with the shape of your breasts?
Find out during a personal consultation how breast augmentation with your own fat can help you achieve your goals, without any foreign materials. Our guide , “Breast Augmentation with Your Own Fat: Results After 1 Year,” explains how much fat is retained and what the results look like after one year.
Treatment Details
Breast augmentation with autologous fat is a minimally invasive procedure in which your own fat tissue is used to shape and enlarge the breasts. Fat is harvested from areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, or hips, processed, and precisely injected in several layers. Since only the body’s own tissue is used, there is no risk of rejection. About 60–80% of the injected fat cells remain permanently in the breast, ensuring a long-lasting, natural result. This method is particularly suitable for women who want moderate enlargement and, at the same time, wish to reduce excess fat in other areas.
Final result
Immediately
Downtime
Usually 3–4 days
Consultation
During your consultation with our specialists, we will explain the personalized approach and work with you to plan the surgery. We perform this surgical procedure only on non-smokers.
Duration of Treatment
The surgery is performed under twilight sedation or general anesthesia. It lasts approximately 2 hours.
Costs
starting at CHF 8,000.00
Follow-up treatment
Wear a sports bra for 6 weeks; avoid exercise for 4–6 weeks
The breast augmentation with my own fat preserved my natural breast shape, it's great!
, testimonial from B.S.
Who is this method suitable for?
Autologous fat breast augmentation is suitable for healthy, non-smoking women with sufficient fat reserves who desire a moderate, natural increase of up to one cup size. No implants are used.
During the consultation, we review four points:
Fat reserves. There must be enough fat on the abdomen, hips, or thighs to allow for its removal. Very slim patients are often not suitable candidates; in such cases, we recommend implants.
Expectations. If you want to increase your cup size by more than one size, you'll need either multiple sessions or the hybrid method.
Non-smokers. Nicotine constricts precisely those tiny blood vessels that the transplanted fat cells need to connect to. For this reason, we perform this surgery only on non-smokers.
Stable weight. The transplanted cells behave like normal fat tissue. If you lose a significant amount of weight, they will also lose volume. Any planned diet should take place before the procedure, not after.
Here's how the operation works
The procedure takes about two hours and is performed under twilight sedation or general anesthesia.
Fat Extraction
Your fat is suctioned out through small incisions measuring just a few millimeters using fine cannulas, a gentle procedure that keeps the fat cells intact. At the same time, you’ll benefit from improved contouring in the area where the fat is removed.
Processing
The harvested fat is purified and concentrated: blood, anesthetic solution, and damaged cells are removed, leaving only viable fat cells. This step plays a key role in determining how much fat will accumulate later.
Injection
The fat cells are inserted layer by layer through many fine channels, not as a single deposit, but distributed so that each cell can connect to the blood supply. This is precisely where surgical experience comes into play.
Fat Gain Rate: How Much Fat Actually Remains?
About 60–80% of the injected fat cells become permanently established. Whatever remains after about three months is permanent. The established cells then become the patient’s own tissue with normal blood supply.
When you compare hospital websites, you’ll find figures ranging from 40% to over 80%. This is due in part to different measurement methods and in part to inflated figures. Systematic reviews of autologous fat breast augmentation report an average volume retention rate of 60%, with significant variation depending on the technique used.
Three factors influence the success rate, two of which are within the surgeon’s control: the gentle extraction and processing of the fat, and the layer-by-layer injection technique. The third factor is your behavior afterward, specifically, avoiding nicotine, maintaining a stable weight, and not applying pressure to the breast during the first few weeks.
The portion that does not take root is broken down by the body. That is why we slightly overcorrect and evaluate the final result after about three months. To see how the results develop over twelve months, check out our guide , “Breast Augmentation with Autologous Fat: Results After 1 Year.”
What volume is realistic?
An increase of up to one cup size per session is realistic. If you'd like more, schedule a second session or choose the hybrid method.
This is the most honest statement on this page: Autologous fat cannot replace implants in terms of maximum size. The breast can only absorb as much fat per session as its tissue can supply with blood. If too much is injected, the survival rate decreases and the risk of oil cysts increases.
That's why careful planning means: it's better to choose one cup size that heals completely than two that don't.
Autologous fat, implant, or hybrid?
Three ways to achieve more volume; the choice depends on how much augmentation you want and how much fat tissue you have.
| Autologous fat | Implant | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Increase in volume | up to about 1 cup size per session | 1–2+ cup sizes, can be planned precisely | 1–2 cup sizes with a natural contour |
| Feel and Look | like natural breast tissue | depending on the implant and tissue | Implant volume, transitions concealed by fat |
| Foreign Body | no | yes | yes |
| Shelf Life | permanent (healed native tissue) | Implant replacement may be necessary during the course of treatment | like an implant |
| Scars | a few millimeters (punctures) | Incision in the inframammary fold | like an implant |
| Additional effect | Liposuction on problem areas included | – | Liposuction included |
| For those with a very slender figure | limited | yes | limited |
| Costs | starting at CHF 8,000.00 | starting at CHF 8,000.00 | starting at CHF 11,500.00 |
We’ll determine which method is right for you during a personal consultation, and we’ll be honest with you, even if the answer goes against your initial preference. You can find detailed guidance to help you make your decision in the guide “Autologous Fat or Implants.”
Risks and Safety
Breast augmentation using the patient's own fat is considered a safe, well-established procedure. Like any surgical procedure, however, it does carry risks that you should be aware of.
Partial resorption. The most common drawback is not a risk in the strict sense: some of the fat does not take hold. The result is less volume, but there is no health risk.
Oil cysts and necrosis of adipose tissue. If individual areas of fat do not heal, small cysts or hardened nodules may form. They are generally benign, can be clearly identified on ultrasound, and can be aspirated if necessary.
Calcifications. Degraded fatty tissue can leave behind fine calcifications, which are relevant for mammography; see below.
General surgical risks. Infection, bruising, swelling, and temporary changes in sensation. Rare when performed by an experienced surgeon.
Asymmetries. If the sides grow at different rates, a minor corrective session may be advisable.
What you don't need to worry about: rejection reactions, capsular fibrosis, or implant failure. These risks are associated only with foreign materials.
Mammography and Breast Cancer Screening
According to current research, breast augmentation using the patient's own fat does not increase the risk of breast cancer. Calcifications resulting from lipofilling may be visible on mammograms, but experienced radiologists can distinguish them from suspicious findings.
This topic is missing from most hospital websites. We address it because it’s part of providing honest advice.
Systematic reviews have found no increased rate of breast cancer following lipofilling in healthy female patients. Furthermore, calcifications following fat grafting differ in appearance from microcalcifications suspected of being malignant; experienced radiologists generally classify them correctly.
There’s just one important thing: Be sure to mention during every preventive screening that you’ve had an autologous fat transfer. For more details , see: Autologous Fat and Breast Cancer, What the Studies Say.
Recovery: Week by Week
Days 1 through 4
Recovery. Swelling and bruising in the areas where fat was removed are normal. Most patients are able to return to work after 3–4 days.
Weeks 1 through 2
Everyday wear, yes; support, no. Compression garments at the extraction sites, a sports bra for the chest.
Weeks 3 through 6
The swelling subsides, and the interim results become visible. Avoid exercise and wear compression garments for a total of 4–6 weeks.
Starting in Month 3
The results are stable; whatever volume is there now will remain. Final checkup at the clinic. The guide *Recovery Week by Week* describes the entire process.
Costs in Switzerland
At artis AESTHETICS in Zurich, breast augmentation using the patient's own fat starts at CHF 8,000.00. The final price depends on the extent of the liposuction and the desired augmentation.
After your consultation, you will receive a binding quote with no hidden additional costs. You can find an overview of all procedures on our Prices page.
Honesty is key here, too: Some patients need two sessions to achieve their desired volume. We’ll let you know during the consultation whether one session will be enough, not afterward.
Since this treatment is purely cosmetic, it is not covered by health insurance.
FAQs
In an autologous fat transfer procedure, fat tissue is harvested from areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs, processed, and then injected into the breasts. The result is a natural-looking augmentation that harmoniously enhances your proportions.
About 60–80% of the injected fat cells are retained long-term. The final result is usually permanent if the transplanted fat heals successfully.
Prices start at CHF 8,000.00. The final price depends on the amount of fat removed, the extent of the procedure, and the desired size increase.
Recovery takes about 5–7 days. Mild swelling and bruising at the donor sites are normal and will subside within a few weeks.
Most patients are able to return to work after one week. For physically demanding activities, we recommend taking a longer break.
This method is suitable for women with sufficient fat reserves who are looking for a moderate breast augmentation without implants.
Possible risks include infection, swelling, or partial resorption of the fatty tissue. However, these risks are minimized through precise techniques and experienced practitioners.
The ability to breastfeed is generally fully preserved, as the procedure does not affect the glandular tissue.
Per session, it is generally possible to achieve an increase in cup size of up to one size. More significant changes can be achieved through multiple sessions.
Compression garments should be worn over the donor sites for about 4–6 weeks to support healing and optimize the results.
Neither better nor worse, just different. Autologous fat provides a natural-looking result without foreign materials, but is limited to about one cup size per session. Implants allow for larger, precisely predictable volumes. The hybrid method combines both.
Any calcifications that may develop after lipofilling are visible on a mammogram, but experienced radiologists can distinguish them from suspicious findings. It is important that you mention during every screening exam that you have undergone autologous fat transfer.
Not necessarily. One session can result in an increase of up to one cup size. If you’d like more volume, or if less fat accumulates than expected, a follow-up session is possible as soon as the results from the first session have stabilized.
Nicotine constricts the smallest blood vessels, precisely the ones to which the transplanted fat cells need to attach. Female smokers gain significantly less fat, and the outcome would be unpredictable.
- Groen JW et al. Autologous fat grafting in cosmetic breast augmentation: a systematic review of radiological safety, complications, volume retention, and patient and surgeon satisfaction. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 2016.
- Largo RD et al. Efficacy, safety, and complications of autologous fat grafting to healthy breast tissue: a systematic review. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 2014.
- Coleman SR, Saboeiro AP. Fat grafting to the breast revisited: safety and efficacy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2007.
Art is ...... to feel feminine and completely comfortable in your own body.
- Dr. Palma
I can wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Palma and his entire team. Dr. Palma is an absolute expert in his field, his work is simply fantastic and was performed with the utmost precision and perfection. The entire team is also incredibly friendly, warm, and professional. … Thank you so much for the wonderful care and the beautiful result, I’m more than satisfied!
Simply amazing! I don't even know where to start, this team is just sensational! From the very first moment, I felt welcome, understood, and in good hands. … This combination of professional excellence and human warmth is, unfortunately, rare these days, and that's exactly why this team deserves every bit of recognition!
Over the years, I have consulted with some of the most highly regarded aesthetic doctors in Zurich, so I came to artis with high standards and realistic expectations. What I found there truly exceeded them. … He combines outstanding expertise with a calm, honest, and thoughtful approach that immediately inspires trust. … I can wholeheartedly recommend artis.
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Treatments
artis AESTHETICS
Am Stadtrand 5
CH-8600 Dubendorf
- T: +41 44 820 00 66
- F: +41 44 820 00 55
- info@artis-aesthetics.ch
Hours of Operation
Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Evening and weekend appointments are available upon request.