Home > News > Breast augmentation in switzerland: implants, lipofilling or both?

​Breast augmentation encompasses two distinct surgical techniques: the placement of breast implants and breast lipofilling, also known as autologous fat transfer.


In Geneva and French-speaking Switzerland, implants cost from CHF 7,900 (round implants) or CHF 8,900 (anatomical implants), while lipofilling starts at CHF 6,000 for outpatient procedures. Implants allow for a significant and predictable increase in volume in a single session. Lipofilling offers a natural result without foreign substances, but is limited to approximately half a cup size per session.


The two techniques can be combined in a hybrid breast augmentation. The choice depends on the desired volume, the patient's body shape, and her expectations.​​

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Breast implants: volume, precision, durability

Breast implants are silicone shells filled with cohesive gel. They are inserted under the breast tissue or under the pectoral muscle, depending on the patient's morphology and the technique chosen.


What implants allow: a significant and predictable gain in volume from the first session, a precise choice of shape (round or anatomical) and size, an immediate and stable result for 10 to 15 years, and a tailor-made projection impossible to reproduce with a simple fat transfer.


What to anticipate: a discreet scar (below the breast or in the armpit depending on the technique), the presence of a foreign body, and the possibility of long-term surgical revision in case of rupture or change in positioning.


Breast augmentation with implants at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or in Geneva is performed under general anesthesia, with a hospital stay of 1 to 2 nights. The procedure lasts approximately 1 hour. In accordance with Swiss law, a reflection period is required between the initial consultation and the surgery.

​​Breast lipofilling: natural, without implants, without visible scars

Breast lipofilling involves harvesting fat via liposuction from an area of ​​excess body tissue (abdomen, thighs, hips), processing it, and then reinjecting it into the breasts. The fat used is the patient's own: no foreign material is introduced.


What lipofilling allows: a natural result to the touch and visually, the absence of visible scars, a double aesthetic benefit by simultaneously refining the area of ​​extraction, and excellent biological tolerance thanks to the autologous tissue.


What to expect: a moderate increase in volume, approximately half a cup size per session. The patient must have sufficient fat reserves: a very slim figure may limit or preclude this technique. Regular mammographic follow-up is recommended after the procedure.


According to ISAPS , breast augmentation remains one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the world, with a notable increase in fat transfer techniques in recent years.

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The hybrid technique: combined implants and lipofilling​​

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It is possible to combine the two approaches: placing implants to achieve the desired volume, and injecting fat around them to soften the contours, cover irregularities, and create a more natural result. This composite breast augmentation is particularly suitable for patients with little natural breast tissue, significant asymmetries, or tuberous breasts.


The fat injected around the implant also helps to conceal the edges of the prosthesis, improve the natural curve of the cleavage, and provide an overall remodeling effect impossible to achieve with implants alone. This is the most requested technique for patients with very little native breast tissue (low body mass index, breast hypoplasia).


Its price in Switzerland starts at around CHF 11,900 depending on the complexity.

How to choose between implants and lipofilling?

What patients are looking for

If you want a significant and immediate change in volume, implants are the most direct answer. If you prefer subtle augmentation, a natural feel and the absence of foreign bodies, and you have sufficient fat reserves, lipofilling is a solid alternative.


Comparative table: implants vs lipofilling vs hybrid

CriteriaImplantsLipofillingHybrid
Volume gainSignificant, tailoredModerate (~½ bonnet/session)Important + natural
Natural resultVery goodExcellentExcellent
ScarringDiscreetQuasi invisibleDiscreet
Foreign bodyYesNoYes
Result duration10 to 15 yearsPermanent if weight stable10 to 15 years
Physical conditionNo strings attachedFat reserves requiredFat reserves reserves
Swiss priceFrom CHF 7,900From CHF 6,000From CHF 11,900



What the surgeon evaluates

The surgeon takes into account morphology (density of breast tissue, ptosis), the desired volume, medical history and the availability of harvestable fat. A patient with a low body mass index may not be eligible for pure lipofilling. In cases of severe hypotrophy, significant asymmetry or reconstruction, implants often remain the most suitable technique.

Breast augmentation before/after: what do the results look like?

The visual evolution after breast augmentation varies depending on the technique and the patient's profile.

After implants:


Days 3 to 10: The breasts are swollen, high, sometimes hard. The final appearance is not yet visible.


1 month: The implants begin to settle and take their natural position. The feeling of firmness diminishes.


3 months: The result is close to the final result. The breasts are softer, and the scar is gradually fading.


6 to 12 months: The result has stabilized. The scar is thin and pearly white.

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augmentation_mammaire_en_suisse_implants_lipofilling_ou_les_deux_

After lipofilling:


Day 15: The volume is slightly reduced compared to the immediate postoperative period. Partial resorption of the injected fat is normal at this stage.


4 months: The residual volume is permanent. On average, 50 to 70% of the injected fat is retained long-term.


6 months: Final result. The breasts have a natural feel; the result is generally indistinguishable from a non-operated breast.


Consult the gallery of the Clinique de la Croix d'Or to view real breast augmentation results.

Breast augmentation prices in Switzerland​​

Round implants: from CHF 7,900

Anatomical implants: from CHF 8,900

Breast lipofilling: from CHF 6,000 (outpatient)

Hybrid augmentation (implants + lipofilling): from CHF 11,900


These amounts include the consultation, anesthesia, operating room time, and postoperative follow-up. Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure not covered by Swiss health insurance, except in specific situations (post-cancer reconstruction, Poland syndrome, documented functional asymmetry).


Consult the cosmetic surgery prices at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or in Geneva for an estimate tailored to your needs. Prices in French-speaking Switzerland include higher standards of medical supervision, anesthesia, and postoperative care than those offered by medical tourism abroad.

Breast Augmentation FAQ – Between Implants & Lipofilling

How long do breast implants last?​​​
​Latest generation silicone gel implants have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Regular follow-up is recommended.​​
Is it possible to breastfeed after breast augmentation with implants?​​
​Yes, in most cases. The incision technique is chosen to preserve the milk ducts. This point should be discussed with the surgeon beforehand.​​
Does breast lipofilling increase the risk of breast cancer?​​
​No, there is no established link between lipofilling and breast cancer. Calcifications may appear on imaging but are not pathological. Mammographic follow-up by an experienced radiologist is recommended.​​
How many cup sizes can be gained with lipofilling?​​
​On average, half a cup size to a full cup size is gained per session. For a greater gain, several sessions or a hybrid technique are necessary.​​
What is the recovery process like after breast augmentation?​​
​Approximately one week of sick leave is required for a sedentary job. A compression bra is worn for 4 to 6 weeks. Resuming sports activities is possible after 6 weeks.​​
When do you see the final results of breast augmentation?​​
​After implants, the result stabilizes at 3 months and is considered final at 6-12 months. After lipofilling, the residual volume is fixed at 4 months. In both cases, the result continues to evolve slightly over time if weight fluctuates.​​
Is there a minimum age for breast augmentation in Switzerland?​​
​The procedure is possible from the age of 18, after breast development has stabilized. The surgical consultation will assess the patient's physical maturity and the feasibility of the procedure.​​

​Define your breast augmentation project in Geneva

Implants, fat grafting, or a hybrid technique: the right choice depends on your body type, desired volume, and expectations. A surgical consultation is the crucial step in identifying the appropriate solution.


Make an appointment at the Clinique de la Croix d'Or in Geneva for a personalized evaluation of your breast augmentation project, with a plastic surgeon specializing in breast surgery in French-speaking Switzerland.

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