Buttock volume can be increased in two main ways: with solid silicone buttock implants, placed within or beneath the muscle through an incision hidden in the intergluteal fold, or by transferring the patient's own fat, harvested by liposuction, known as fat transfer or BBL. A hybrid method combines the two. Implants are mainly suited to slim people without fat reserves; fat transfer to people who have fat to harvest, with the added benefit of a slimmer figure. Their price depends on the plan. Injections of large volumes of fillers are not recommended, and liquid silicone must be avoided. For the procedure itself, see our page on buttock augmentation.
The price of an implant augmentation includes the implants, their placement, anaesthesia, one night in the clinic and follow-up. That of a fat transfer includes liposuction, preparation and ultrasound-guided injection of the fat. The two budgets are similar; the choice depends mainly on body shape. Buttock augmentation is cosmetic and not reimbursed.
Implants give predictable, long-lasting volume, even in a very slim person, but with a scar in the fold and a sometimes delicate recovery. Fat transfer gives a natural result and slims the harvest areas, but the volume depends on reserves and some of it is reabsorbed. The hybrid method combines projection with a natural look.
| Method | Who it suits | Relative budget |
|---|---|---|
| Implants | Slim people | High |
| Fat transfer | Sufficient reserves | High |
| Hybrid | Slim, wanting a natural contour | Highest |
| Buttock lift | Sagging buttocks | High |
Buttock implants are made of solid silicone, more resistant than the gel in breast implants, to withstand the pressure of sitting. They are placed within the gluteus maximus muscle or beneath its sheath. The quote includes the implants, their placement, general anaesthesia, one night and a suitable garment. Healing of the incision, in the intergluteal fold, requires rigorous hygiene.
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Implants | Solid silicone |
| Fitting | Within or beneath the muscle |
| Anaesthesia | General |
| Clinic | Often one night |
| Follow-up | Check-ups, fold hygiene |
Injections of large volumes of hyaluronic acid into the buttocks are expensive, temporary and carry a risk of complications. Injections of liquid silicone or unauthorised products must be avoided at all costs: they cause serious, lasting complications that are difficult and costly to correct. A low-cost offer of buttock augmentation by injection should raise alarm bells.
Buttock implant placement costs slightly less outside Geneva; the breakdown by city and then by canton is shown below.
| Urban area | Canton | Instalment payment possible | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | Geneva | Often | Baseline |
| Lausanne | Vaud | Often | 2 to 5% lower |
| Montreux | Vaud | Depends on the clinic | 5 to 7% lower |
| Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel | Depends on the clinic | 3 to 6% lower |
| Bern | Bern | Often | 1 to 5% lower |
| Basel | Basel-City | Often | 0 to 5% lower |
| Zurich | Zurich | Often | 0 to 2% lower |
| Zug | Zug | Often | 1 to 6% lower |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen | Depends on the clinic | 6 to 8% lower |
| Lugano | Ticino | Often | 5 to 8% lower |
| Chur | Graubünden | Depends on the clinic | 6 to 12% lower |
| Canton | Consultation cities | Detailed quote provided | Relative cost | Time to get an appointment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aargau | Baden, Aarau | Depending on the practitioner | 4 to 6% lower | About one month |
| Appenzell Ausserrhoden | St. Gallen, Herisau | Usually | 3 to 10% lower | Varies with the season |
| Appenzell Innerrhoden | St. Gallen, Zurich | Depending on the practitioner | 4 to 9% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Basel-Country | Basel, Liestal | Usually | 3 to 8% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Basel-City | Basel | Usually | 2 to 7% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Bern | Bern, Biel | Usually | 3 to 9% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Fribourg | Fribourg, Bern | Depending on the practitioner | 5 to 7% lower | One to two weeks |
| Geneva | Geneva | Usually | Baseline | Three to five weeks |
| Glarus | Zurich, Glarus | Usually | 2 to 9% lower | One to two weeks |
| Graubünden | Chur | Depending on the practitioner | 6 to 12% lower | A few weeks |
| Jura | Basel, Neuchâtel | Depending on the practitioner | 7 to 13% lower | About one month |
| Lucerne | Lucerne, Zug | Usually | 3 to 6% lower | A few weeks |
| Neuchâtel | Neuchâtel, La Chaux-de-Fonds | Depending on the practitioner | 4 to 8% lower | Two to three weeks |
| Nidwalden | Lucerne, Stans | Usually | 3 to 7% lower | About one month |
| Obwalden | Lucerne, Sarnen | Usually | 3 to 7% lower | Three to five weeks |
| St. Gallen | St. Gallen, Zurich | Depending on the practitioner | 4 to 9% lower | A few weeks |
| Schaffhausen | Schaffhausen, Zurich | Usually | 2 to 6% lower | Varies with the season |
| Schwyz | Lucerne, Zug | Usually | 2 to 5% lower | Varies with the season |
| Solothurn | Solothurn, Olten | Usually | 3 to 7% lower | A few weeks |
| Ticino | Lugano, Locarno | Depending on the practitioner | 5 to 8% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Thurgau | Frauenfeld, Zurich | Usually | 2 to 9% lower | Three to five weeks |
| Uri | Lucerne, Altdorf | Usually | 2 to 7% lower | One to two weeks |
| Valais | Sion, Martigny | Usually | 2 to 10% lower | One to two months |
| Vaud | Lausanne, Morges | Usually | 3 to 6% lower | One to two months |
| Zug | Zug, Zurich | Usually | 0 to 5% lower | Two to four weeks |
| Zurich | Zurich, Winterthur | Usually | 0 to 2% lower | A few weeks |
Fat transfer requires sufficient reserves and injection only beneath the skin, preferably under ultrasound guidance. See the buttock fat transfer price and the ultrasound-guided BBL price.
After implants, you should avoid sitting directly for several weeks, sleep on your front and look after the fold. After a fat transfer, similar precautions protect the fat. Work often resumes after two to three weeks.
Check the method, the type and size of the implants, the placement plane, or for fat, the harvest areas and injection beneath the skin. Ask for side and back photos.
A very slim woman with flat buttocks: implants. A woman with a thick abdomen and flanks and flat buttocks: fat transfer. A slim woman who wants a natural contour: hybrid.
Cushion, suitable clothing, two to three weeks off work, fold care.
The choice between implants and fat should not depend on price, which is often similar, but on body shape. A very slim person does not have enough fat for a significant transfer; a person with reserves benefits from a slimmer figure as well as a rounder curve. Skin quality, the desired shape and lifestyle, particularly prolonged sitting at work, also come into play. The surgeon examines the patient standing and in profile, assesses fat reserves and buttock tone, before recommending a method.
| Criterion | Points towards |
|---|---|
| Little fat available | Implants |
| Fat reserves | Transfer |
| Wish for a slimmer waist | Transfer |
| Significant volume in a slim person | Implants or hybrid |
| Sagging buttocks | Buttock lift |
After weight loss or with age, the buttocks may sag rather than lack volume. A buttock lift, often performed as part of a circumferential tummy tuck, removes excess skin and lifts the curve. See the circumferential tummy tuck price.
Implant augmentation often takes two to three hours under general anaesthesia, with one night in the clinic. A fat transfer takes longer when liposuction covers several areas. The hybrid method combines both stages. These durations, the anaesthesia and the stay make up most of the price, along with the implants for the first method.
| Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Implants | Two to three hours |
| Fat transfer | Two to four hours |
| Hybrid | Three to four hours |
The medical aspects, from assessment to follow-up, are covered on our page Buttock augmentation in Switzerland.
Everything about price, in a few lines.
Can the hips be widened? With fat transfer, not with implants.
Are implant results immediate? The volume is visible; the shape settles over a few months.
Do implants prevent cycling? No, after recovery.
Is transferred fat permanent? The fat that has taken is, depending on weight.
Do I need to sleep on my front? Yes, for the first few weeks.
Does the hybrid method cost much more? It combines both, so the budget is higher.
Is a pre-operative assessment needed? Yes, tailored to the anaesthesia.
Can implants be felt when sitting? Very little once healing is complete, if they are well placed.
Is implant volume limited? Yes, by the size of the muscle and the skin.
Can the implant shape be chosen? Yes, round or oval depending on body shape.
Does the intergluteal fold heal well? It requires rigorous hygiene in the first weeks.
Is a drain inserted? Sometimes.
Do implants interfere with intramuscular injections? Their presence should be reported to healthcare staff.
Can implants move? Rarely, if placed in a suitable pocket.
Implants or fat: which method costs more? Both are in similar budgets; it all depends on the plan.
Who are implants suitable for? Mainly slim people without enough fat to transfer.
Are buttock implants solid? They are made of solid silicone, designed to withstand pressure.
Where are the implants placed? Within or beneath the muscle, depending on the technique.
Is the scar visible? It is hidden in the crease between the buttocks.
Are filler injections an alternative? Large volumes are not recommended; some products must be avoided.
Is liquid silicone dangerous? Yes, it must be avoided at all costs.
Are large amounts of hyaluronic acid advisable? No, because of the cost and risks.
Is buttock augmentation reimbursed? No, except in rare reconstructive situations.
How long does the operation take? Often two to three hours.
Is an overnight stay in the clinic needed? Often one night.
Can I sit afterwards? With care, for several weeks.
How much time off work? Often two to three weeks.
Are complications common? Healing of the fold can be delicate; rigorous follow-up is necessary.
Do implants need to be replaced? Rarely, but follow-up is advised.
Is there a hybrid method? Yes, implants and fat combined for a natural contour.
Can the hips be treated? With fat transfer.
Is a buttock lift different? Yes, it lifts sagging buttocks, often after weight loss.
Does the price vary between Lausanne and Zurich? A little; see our tables.
Is a very low price risky? Yes, check the method, the products and the surgeon.
Is sport possible afterwards? Yes, gradually after several weeks.
Tell us your canton: a surgeon experienced in buttock surgery will send you a quote, free of charge.
Feel free to contact us for relevant information about your medical project and payment options.
Benefit from a personalised assessment and significant discounts from the second procedure onwards. Save up to 60% on the total cost of your operations.