Facial fat transfer in Switzerland: restoring volume with your own fat

Over the years, the face does not just become lax: it also loses volume. The temples hollow, the cheekbones flatten, dark circles deepen, the cheeks empty and the jawline loses its definition. Facial fat transfer involves taking a little fat from an area where there is excess, purifying it and then reinjecting it in fine droplets where the face needs it. It is a natural filler, using your own tissue, which restores volume and often improves skin quality. This page explains what fat transfer can correct, how it is performed, what to expect from graft take, what the risks are, how it combines with a facelift, and where to have it in each of the 26 cantons.

Facial fat transfer takes fat from the abdomen, hips or thighs, purifies it and reinjects it in micro-droplets into the hollow areas of the face. Some of the injected fat is reabsorbed in the first few months; what remains after three to six months is generally lasting. A second session is sometimes necessary. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia, as day surgery. Swelling lasts one to three weeks. Cosmetic fat transfer is not covered by basic insurance. Relative budget on our page on facial fat transfer prices in Switzerland.

A youthful face is characterised by full, continuous volumes: slightly rounded temples, high cheekbones, full cheeks and a smooth transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek. With age, the fat compartments of the face shrink and shift, and the bone itself is slightly reabsorbed around the eye sockets and jaw. The face gradually changes from an inverted triangle, wide at the cheekbones, to a squarer or more rectangular shape, with hollows and shadows.

Age

The deep fat compartments shrink, the bone is slightly reabsorbed and the skin loses elasticity. Hollows appear at the temples, under the eyes and on the cheeks.

Thinness

Very slim people have little fat reserve in the face, which looks more hollow, sometimes from their thirties.

Endurance sport

Runners, cyclists and triathletes, of whom there are many in Switzerland, often have a gaunt face that looks older or more tired.

Weight loss

Significant weight loss empties the face faster than the body.

Certain diseases and treatments

They can cause localised loss of facial fat.

Sun and smoking

They accelerate skin ageing and loss of support.

When you see yourself as tired or aged in the mirror, you rarely describe a missing volume. You talk about dark circles, hollow eyes, a stern look. What the eye actually perceives is shadows. A convex surface reflects light towards the observer; a hollow surface holds it and creates a dark area. A youthful face is made up of a series of convex curves that join without a break: the cheekbone meets the lower eyelid, the temple extends the forehead, the cheek runs down to the jaw. With volume loss, these curves break, and each break creates a line of shadow.

That is why fat transfer can transform expression with modest quantities. The aim is not to puff up, but to remove the breaks that catch the shadow. One or two millilitres well placed at the junction between the eyelid and the cheek can make a shadow disappear that was put down to tiredness. Conversely, an injection in the wrong place creates a new bump, and therefore a new shadow, and makes the result look artificial.

Everyday lighting

Overhead lighting, as in offices, lifts and bathrooms, accentuates hollows because the light falls from above. Many patients say they look fine at home and unrecognisable under the fluorescent lights at work. At the consultation, a good surgeon observes the face under several lighting angles, and sometimes asks in which situations your reflection bothers you most. This information guides the choice of priority areas.

Why photos are misleading

Flash light erases shadows and gives the impression of a fuller face than in reality; side light from a window, on the contrary, deepens them. This is one of the reasons why photos taken under comparable conditions before and after the procedure are requested, and why comparisons with pictures taken in different places should be treated with caution.

Thirty

Volumes are still full; the first hollows sometimes appear under the eyes in slim or tired people.

Forty

The temples and tear trough start to hollow, and the cheekbones lose some definition. Targeted fat transfer or hyaluronic acid is often enough.

Fifty

Volume loss is accompanied by early laxity; fat transfer restores volume, sometimes combined with a light facelift.

Sixty and over

Volume loss and laxity are marked; fat transfer is often combined with a facelift for a harmonious result.

Facial volume loss is not just a matter of fat. With age, the bone is slightly reabsorbed around the eye sockets, which enlarge, at the cheekbones and at the jaw. The bony framework that supports the tissues shrinks, which accentuates hollows and the descent of the tissues. Deep fat transfer, against the bone, partly compensates for this lost support. In some cases, bone implants or firmer fillers may be proposed for the cheekbones or chin.

Facial fat is not a uniform layer: it is divided into compartments separated by thin partitions. Some are superficial, just under the skin, others deep, against the muscles and bone. With age, the deep compartments, which support volume, tend to shrink, while some superficial compartments descend. Restoring the deep compartments first, such as those under the cheekbones or near the eye sockets, gives the face natural support again. That is why the surgeon often injects deeply first, then refines more superficially.

The idea of moving fat from one part of the body to another dates back to the late nineteenth century. For a long time, results remained unpredictable, as large pieces of fat were injected and much of it was reabsorbed. From the 1990s, surgeons codified a technique of gentle harvesting, purification and reinjection in very small quantities, through multiple tunnels, which clearly improved graft take. Since then, microfat and nanofat techniques and a better understanding of the fat compartments have made fat transfer a major tool in facial rejuvenation.

Harvesting

Through very small incisions, the surgeon aspirates fat with a fine cannula, usually from the abdomen, hips or inner thighs. Harvesting is gentle to preserve the fat cells.

Purification

Blood, fluid and oils are removed from the fat by decanting, gentle centrifugation or filtration. This gives a concentrated fatty tissue.

Reinjection

Using very fine cannulas, the surgeon injects the fat in tiny threads, in several layers and in several directions. Each droplet must be surrounded by tissue with a good blood supply to survive: this is the key to graft take.

Graft take

The injected fat cells must connect to the small blood vessels of the receiving site in the first few days. Those that succeed survive lastingly; the others are reabsorbed.

Microfat and nanofat

Depending on the aim, the surgeon may use fat in small fragments, known as microfat, to restore volume, or very finely emulsified and filtered fat, known as nanofat, which adds almost no volume but is injected superficially to improve skin quality, particularly under the eyes and around the mouth. This improvement is attributed to the cells and factors present in fat.

Fat is not just a storage tissue. It contains adipocytes, the cells that store fat, but also stem cells and cells that form blood vessels, as well as many growth factors. After grafting, adipocytes located within one or two millimetres of a blood vessel in the receiving tissue survive; those further away die, but some are replaced by new cells derived from the stem cells. This explains both the need to inject in micro-droplets and the effects observed on skin quality. Research continues to improve graft take further.

Gentle harvesting

Low-pressure aspiration and a fine cannula preserve the fat cells.

Careful preparation

Removing blood, oils and fluid without damaging the cells improves their survival.

Micro-droplet injection

Each small quantity of fat must be surrounded by tissue with a blood supply. Injecting large volumes in the same place risks necrosis.

A well-vascularised receiving site

Areas rich in blood vessels, such as the temples and cheekbones, retain fat better than very mobile areas such as the lips.

Stopping smoking

Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces fat survival.

Following the instructions

Not massaging, and avoiding heat and exertion in the first few weeks, protects the cells while they integrate.

A stable weight

Grafted fat follows the body's weight changes.

Decanting

The syringe of fat is left to stand for a few minutes: the oil rises, the fluid sinks, and the surgeon keeps the middle layer. Simple and gentle.

Gentle centrifugation

A centrifuge separates the layers more quickly and clearly, which concentrates the fat. The speed must remain moderate so as not to damage the cells.

Filtration and washing

Closed filters wash the fat with saline and remove blood and debris, giving a very clean tissue.

The choice

There is no universally superior method; what matters is gentle handling and quick reinjection.

To reinject the fat, the surgeon uses very fine cannulas, often blunt-tipped, which push blood vessels aside rather than piercing them. They inject while withdrawing, depositing tiny threads of fat in several layers and several directions, like weaving a mesh. This technique distributes the fat in tissue with a good blood supply, which improves its survival and limits irregularities. The entry points, one to two millimetres in size, are placed in natural creases or discreet areas.

Knowledge of the anatomy

The surgeon knows the course of the facial blood vessels and avoids high-risk areas or injects there with particular caution.

Blunt-tipped cannulas

They push blood vessels aside instead of piercing them.

Small quantities

They deposit tiny amounts with each pass, never a bolus.

Injecting while withdrawing

The fat is deposited as the cannula is withdrawn, so that it is not injected at a fixed point.

Gentle pressure

Slow injection, without forcing, reduces the risk.

Monitoring

The team watches for any unusual signs during and after the injection.

Nanofat is obtained by finely emulsifying the fat, then filtering it to keep only a liquid rich in cells and growth factors, without real fragments of fat. Injected just under the skin or by microneedling, it adds no volume, but is used to improve the texture, radiance and suppleness of the skin, particularly under the eyes, around the mouth or on scars. Its effect builds gradually over several months. It is often combined with volumising fat transfer or a facelift. The scientific data are encouraging, but the extent of the effect varies between individuals.

Some practitioners offer to mix the fat with a platelet concentrate obtained from a blood sample, called PRP. The idea is that the growth factors contained in the platelets would promote revascularisation of the graft and therefore its take. The available studies give variable results: some show a benefit, others do not, and preparation methods differ from one centre to another.

This addition is therefore not essential. It adds a cost and a blood test, with no particular risk since the product comes from you. If it is offered to you, it is legitimate to ask what benefit the surgeon observes in their practice, how the product is prepared and what share of the quote it represents. Good fat transfer relies above all on the quality of the harvest, preparation and injection.

The question is often asked when the surgeon says a second session may be useful: why not harvest more the first time and keep the excess for later? Freezing fat is technically possible, but it is rarely practised in facial aesthetics, for several reasons.

First, freezing and thawing damage some of the cells, which reduces the take rate further compared with fresh fat. Second, storing human tissue is subject to strict traceability and safety rules, which few facilities are equipped to meet. Finally, a new harvest from another area, under local anaesthesia, is a simple and well-tolerated procedure that provides better-quality fat.

In practice, most surgeons therefore prefer to carry out a new harvest at the second session. If a storage offer is made to you, ask under what conditions the fat is stored, for how long, at what cost and with what data on the quality of the tissue after thawing.

Beyond volume, many patients notice softer, more radiant skin and a more even complexion in the treated areas after fat transfer. Fat contains cells and factors that appear to promote tissue regeneration. This effect, which develops gradually over several months, is particularly appreciated under the eyes and around the mouth. It is not guaranteed and varies between individuals, but it is an advantage of fat transfer over fillers.

Fat transfer is suitable for all skin types, but a few nuances are worth knowing. On fair, thin skin, irregularities in placement show more easily, particularly under the eyes, where the skin is the thinnest on the body. The surgeon then favours very fine fat and deep placement, against the bone.

On olive or dark skin, the main point to watch is the entry points: a small brown mark, called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, can persist for several months if the area is irritated or exposed to the sun. The surgeon chooses entry points in discreet areas and advises strict sun protection. Thick, oily skin often tolerates volume better and hides small irregularities more, but sometimes requires a slightly larger quantity to achieve a visible effect.

Skin that marks easily, with a tendency to thick scars, does not contraindicate the procedure, as the entry points are tiny. It is nevertheless useful to mention it, so that the surgeon can adapt the closure and follow-up.

The temples

With age or extreme slimness, the temples become hollow and give the face a gaunt, sometimes severe appearance. Fat transfer restores their slightly rounded curve, softens the facial contour and supports the tail of the eyebrow. As the skin there is thick, the fat generally takes well. It is one of the most rewarding areas.

The cheekbones

Flattened cheekbones make the midface look flat and tired. Fat transfer restores definition and a highlight on the upper cheek, which also supports the tissues below and slightly softens the nasolabial folds.

The tear trough and dark circles

This is the most delicate area: the skin is very thin, and the slightest overcorrection or irregularity shows. The surgeon injects very small amounts, deep against the bone. The result can be remarkable, but caution is essential.

The cheeks

Hollow cheeks give a tired or aged face. Fat transfer restores their fullness, respecting the proportions of the face to avoid an overly full look.

The nasolabial folds

The fold running from the nose to the mouth deepens as the tissues descend. Fat transfer mainly fills its upper part and restores support; a deep fold due to significant laxity calls for a facelift instead.

The lips and area around the mouth

Fat transfer can restore volume to thinner lips and improve the quality of the skin around the mouth, where fine lines form. Graft take is more variable there, because of constant movement.

The chin and jaw

A little fat can slightly project the chin or redefine the jawline. For a significant correction, genioplasty is more appropriate; see our page on genioplasty.

The forehead

A flat or hollow forehead can be slightly rounded, which softens the upper face.

The temples are often overlooked, although they play a major role in the appearance of the face. When hollow, they give a gaunt, severe or unwell look, make the forehead look wider and the tail of the eyebrow lower. Temple fat transfer restores a continuous curve between the forehead, temples and cheekbones, and softens the face as a whole. The skin there is thick and well vascularised, which promotes good graft take. This is often the area where patients notice the most natural effect.

High, full cheekbones give a youthful, radiant face. As they lose volume, they let the cheek tissues descend, which deepens the nasolabial folds and jowls. Deep fat transfer to the cheekbones restores this support and slightly lifts the neighbouring tissues. The surgeon adjusts the volumes to avoid a puffy look and places the highest point at the right height, in keeping with the proportions of the face.

Hollow cheeks give a tired, sometimes austere face, and make the cheekbones and jaw stand out angularly. Cheek fat transfer restores a soft fullness, but requires great restraint: excess weighs down the lower face and can accentuate jowls over the years. The surgeon often starts by restoring cheekbone support, then adds small amounts to the cheek if necessary. In men, they respect slightly flatter, more masculine cheeks. The aim is a lively face, not a round one.

The nasolabial fold, running from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth, deepens with age because of the descent of the cheek and loss of volume. Fat transfer acts in two ways: by restoring cheekbone volume, it supports the cheek and softens the fold from above; by injecting a small amount along the upper part of the fold, it softens it directly. It does not remove a deep fold due to significant laxity, which calls for a facelift. Overfilling the fold gives a heavy, unnatural look; restraint remains the rule.

A flat or slightly hollow forehead, particularly in slim people, can be rounded with fat transfer, which softens the upper face and gives an impression of youth. Under the tail of the eyebrow, a small amount of fat restores support and can slightly open up the eyes. These areas require precise knowledge of the blood vessels that cross them; the surgeon injects cautiously, with blunt-tipped cannulas. When the eyebrow has clearly dropped, a brow lift remains more effective; see our page on brow and temporal-midface lift.

Oval face

Lost volumes are discreetly restored, respecting the natural balance of the face.

Long, narrow face

The temples and cheeks are often the priority, to slightly widen the midface and soften the features.

Round face

Filling the cheeks is avoided; definition at the cheekbones and slight work on the chin give more definition.

Square face

In women, fat transfer to the cheekbones and temples softens the angles; in men, the crispness of the jaw is respected.

Asymmetrical face

Fat transfer allows both sides to be gradually rebalanced, often in two sessions.

A common fear is whether the face will remain expressive. Unlike botulinum toxin, which acts on the muscles, fat transfer has no effect on mobility. It restores the volume within which the muscles move. Smiling, frowning and expressions of surprise remain your own.

There are, however, areas where excess fat can alter the dynamics. In the lips, too much volume makes the smile less natural; in the lower cheeks, overloading can create a visible lump when smiling; under the eyes, a deposit that is too superficial can appear as a bulge when the cheeks rise. That is why the surgeon observes your face in motion at the consultation, asks you to smile, talk and squint, and adjusts the quantities area by area. Patients are often surprised by how much time is spent observing the face in motion: it is essential.

The contour of the face, from the cheekbone to the jaw and then the chin, loses its definition with age. Fat transfer can redefine some parts of this contour: restoring definition to the cheekbones, filling a hollow in front of the ear, slightly emphasising the jaw or slightly projecting the chin. When the contour is blurred by jowls and a lax neck, a facelift remains necessary; fat transfer then complements the result. See our page on facelift and facial fat transfer.

The eye area is where fat transfer requires the greatest finesse. Under the eyes, the skin is very thin and the slightest overcorrection can create a visible bulge or lump. The surgeon injects very small amounts, deep against the bone, and sometimes favours superficial nanofat. For a hollow upper eyelid, which gives sunken eyes, a few drops of fat can also restore fullness. Eye-area fat transfer is often combined with blepharoplasty; see our page on blepharoplasty.

The term "dark circles" covers three different realities, and fat transfer acts on only one of them. Distinguishing between them before deciding avoids a common disappointment.

A simple test helps tell the difference: when you gently pull the skin downwards, pigmented colouring remains visible, while a hollow shadow fades. Similarly, looking at yourself in a mirror held above your head and then at waist height, you will see a hollow dark circle change in intensity with the lighting. Many people have a combination of several types, which explains why fat transfer alone clearly improves the shadow but leaves slight colouring. For bags, our page on blepharoplasty in Switzerland details the surgical solutions.

The lips thin with age, and the skin around the mouth wrinkles. Fat transfer can restore some volume to the lips and improve the quality of the surrounding skin. As the lips are very mobile, graft take is more variable and swelling in the first few days more marked. Several light sessions often give a more natural result than one large session. For precise, reversible enhancement, hyaluronic acid is often still preferred.

The surgeon chooses with you the area from which to take the fat, generally where it is available and where slight contouring is welcome: lower abdomen, hips, inner thighs or knees. Harvesting is done through one or two micro-incisions, with a fine cannula and gentle aspiration, to preserve the cells. The area is tender and may be bruised for one to two weeks; a compression garment may be recommended. The quantities harvested for the face are small, so the contouring effect on the donor area is discreet. If you want more marked contouring, liposuction can be combined; see our page on liposuction.

The two techniques are complementary: hyaluronic acid is suited to small, precise and reversible corrections, fat transfer to larger and longer-lasting restoration of volume. See our page on hyaluronic acid injections.

Several options exist for restoring facial volume. Hyaluronic acid gives an immediate, precise and reversible but temporary result. Biostimulators, such as poly-L-lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite, gradually stimulate collagen production over several sessions, with a longer-lasting but non-reversible effect. Fat transfer uses natural tissue, lasting for the portion that takes, with a benefit for skin quality, but requires a minor surgical procedure and involves some reabsorption. The choice depends on the volumes to be restored, your preferences and your long-term budget. See our page on aesthetic medicine.

A facelift lastingly tightens the tissues, but does not stop volume loss from continuing. Years after a facelift, a face may look pulled or hollow. Fat transfer then restores volume and softens the result, without a new facelift. This is a common request that often gives very natural rejuvenation. Bring the report of the previous procedure to the surgeon.

• People whose face has become hollow with age, at the temples, cheekbones or under the eyes.
• Very slim people or endurance athletes whose face looks gaunt.
• Patients who want to complement a facelift, which tightens but does not restore volume.
• People with asymmetry or volume loss after an injury or illness.
• People who prefer filling with their own tissue rather than an injectable product.

Limitations

You need a little fat to harvest; in very slim people, the quantity may be limited, but a few tens of millilitres are often enough for the face. Fat transfer does not tighten lax skin and does not replace a facelift when laxity is significant. Smoking and significant weight loss after the procedure reduce graft take.

Many patients considering fat transfer have already tried hyaluronic acid, sometimes for years. This history matters, and the surgeon will ask you to trace it as precisely as possible: which areas, which products, and when the last injection was.

When a lot of hyaluronic acid remains, particularly under the eyes, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve it a few weeks before fat transfer. Starting from "clean" tissues makes the result more predictable. Permanent products, rarely used today, require more precautions: they may have caused chronic inflammation, and adding fat to these areas is not always advisable.

If you no longer know which product was injected, ask the doctor who performed the injections for your file. In Switzerland, you have the right to obtain a copy of your medical record. This information avoids guesswork on the day of the consultation.

If you regularly get cold sores, tell the surgeon, especially if the lips or the area around the mouth are to be treated. Trauma to the skin and small injections can reactivate the herpes virus in the following days. A cold sore on a freshly injected area delays healing and increases the risk of secondary infection.

The doctor can prescribe preventive antiviral treatment, to be started the day before or on the day of the procedure and continued for a few days. This precaution is simple and effective. If a cold sore appears anyway, do not scratch it or cover it with make-up, and contact the care team to adapt the treatment.

More generally, a recent infection, a cold with fever or a wound on the face justify postponing the procedure for a few days. It is better to move a date than take an unnecessary risk with the graft.

Confusing hollows with laxity

A lax face is not corrected by adding volume; a facelift is needed.

Confusing a bag with a hollow

Under the eyes, a fat bag calls for blepharoplasty, not fat transfer.

Forgetting the temples

Filling the cheeks without treating the temples gives an unbalanced face.

Ignoring skin quality

Skin badly damaged by the sun also requires surface treatments.

Men mainly seek advice for hollow temples and cheeks, which give a tired or gaunt look, particularly in endurance athletes. The surgeon restores volume while respecting masculine contours: less rounded cheekbones, a crisp jaw, slightly flatter cheeks. Male skin, which is thicker, hides small irregularities well. Fat transfer can also slightly redefine the jawline and chin. The quantities of fat available are sometimes smaller in very slim men, but are often enough for the face.

Facial fat transfer is not reserved for mature people. Before forty, requests are different: they rarely involve correcting age-related volume loss, more often modifying a constitutional feature. Naturally hollow temples, barely defined cheekbones, a narrow face or hollow dark circles present since adolescence are common examples.

In young adults, the quality of the fat and the receiving tissues is generally excellent, which promotes good graft take. Restraint is nevertheless needed: the face will continue to change, and a volume that looks harmonious at thirty may seem excessive at fifty if the face becomes rounder. The surgeon favours measured corrections, focused on areas where the deficit is obvious.

This is also the period when outside influences are strongest. A request inspired by a trend or a retouched photo deserves careful discussion. An attentive surgeon will help you distinguish a personal, lasting project from a passing wish.

Endurance athletes, very numerous in Switzerland, from marathon runners and cross-country skiers to cyclists and trail runners, often have low body fat. Their face can look hollow, especially at the temples and cheeks, giving them a tired look that does not reflect their fitness. Fat transfer suits them well, provided they have a little fat to harvest; a few tens of millilitres are enough. Intense sport is suspended for about four weeks, and the return is gradual. As their weight varies little, the result is generally stable.

After sixty, volume loss is often marked, combined with skin laxity. Fat transfer alone improves hollows but does not tighten the skin; it is therefore often combined with a facelift. Graft take remains good in a person in good health, although thinner skin requires careful injection. The result combines a tightened face and restored volume, for natural rejuvenation.

At menopause, falling hormone levels accelerate facial volume loss and skin thinning. The temples, cheekbones and area around the mouth are often the first affected. Fat transfer can restore these volumes and improve skin quality. Graft take remains good in a woman in good health, and the result is all the more natural when performed with restraint.

Significant weight loss, after a diet, obesity treatment or bariatric surgery, often makes the face hollow and look older. Once weight has been stable for several months, fat transfer restores volume in the temples, cheekbones and cheeks. If the skin of the neck and face is lax, a facelift can be combined. See our guide to obesity surgery.

It is a common paradox: the people who most need volume in the face are also those who have the least fat to harvest. Long-distance runners, naturally very slim people and those who have lost a lot of weight often have a gaunt face and low body reserves. Fat transfer generally remains possible, as the face requires little fat compared with the body.

The surgeon looks for the reserves that persist even in slim people: the inner knees, inner thighs, lower back, flanks or the area around the navel. They can combine several small donor areas so as not to unbalance any of them. The amount harvested is calculated to cover the needs of the face, the loss during preparation and a safety margin.

In these patients, the surgeon often stresses two points. First, weight stability: further weight loss after the procedure will also melt some of the grafted fat. Second, the possibility of a second session, because the quantities that can be injected at once are limited by the quality of the receiving tissues, which are often thin and poorly vascularised. If the donor area is really insufficient, they may propose treating some areas with injectable products such as hyaluronic acid, and reserving the fat for the areas where it brings the most.

Fat transfer is not only cosmetic. It is used to correct asymmetry after an injury, volume loss linked to certain diseases or treatments, after-effects of surgery or radiotherapy, and to improve adherent scars. In these situations, insurance coverage can be discussed on prior request with a medical report. Procedures are often carried out in several sessions by surgeons experienced in reconstructive surgery.

Fat transfer has a useful place in facial feminisation or masculinisation pathways. For feminisation, it can round the cheekbones, soften the temples and add volume to the lips, in addition to bone procedures on the forehead, jaw or chin. For masculinisation, it can strengthen the definition of the jaw and chin, combined with or as an alternative to implants.

The fat available and its distribution depend partly on the hormone treatment under way, which gradually changes the facial shape. It is often advisable to wait until the face has stabilised under treatment before restoring volume, then to reassess after bone surgery if this is planned. The pathway is planned in several stages, with a team experienced in these requests. Our page on facial feminisation in Switzerland describes all the possible procedures.

Depressed, adherent or rigid scars, for example after an accident, severe acne or surgery, can be improved with fat transfer. Fat injected under the scar lifts and softens it; nanofat improves skin quality. Several sessions are often needed. This treatment can be combined with laser or other techniques. See our page on scar treatment.

Fat transfer is also used elsewhere, on the same principles: breasts, buttocks, backs of the hands, body scars. The backs of the hands, which become hollow with age and show the veins and tendons, can be rejuvenated with fat transfer, often at the same time as the face. See our pages on breast fat transfer and buttock fat transfer.

Claire, 52, Geneva: hollow temples

Claire found her face severe. Fat transfer to the temples and cheekbones softened her features without changing them.

Marc, 44, Zurich: a long-distance runner

Marc, who was very slim, had hollow cheeks and temples. Fat transfer, using fat taken from his hips, restored freshness to his face.

Sophie, 61, Lausanne: facelift and fat transfer

Sophie had a neck and face lift combined with fat transfer to the cheekbones and temples, for a result that was tightened but not pulled.

Nadia, 39, Bern: hollow dark circles

Nadia had a pronounced tear trough. The surgeon injected very small amounts deep down; a light second session completed the result.

Pierre, 58, Basel: asymmetry

After an accident, Pierre's left cheek was hollow. Fat transfer in two stages rebalanced his face.

Anna, 47, Lugano: a trial first

Anna first tested hyaluronic acid filling. Happy with the effect, she chose fat transfer for a lasting result.

Isabelle, 45, Fribourg: a tired face

Isabelle felt she looked tired despite a healthy lifestyle. Fat transfer to the temples, cheekbones and tear trough restored freshness to her face.

Thomas, 55, Neuchâtel: after an old facelift

Thomas's facelift was eight years old and his face looked hollow. Fat transfer softened the result.

Lea, 36, St. Gallen: a triathlete

Lea, who was very slim, had hollow cheeks. A small amount of fat taken from her inner knees was enough.

Giovanni, 67, Bellinzona: a scar

A depressed scar on Giovanni's cheek, the result of an accident, was lifted with two sessions of fat transfer.

"All the fat disappears"

Some is reabsorbed, but what takes is lasting.

"The face will look puffy"

The initial swelling disappears; measured dosing gives a natural result.

"A lot of fat is needed"

A few tens of millilitres are enough for the face.

"Fat transfer replaces a facelift"

It restores volume but does not tighten lax skin.

"It is risk-free because it is your own fat"

The tissue is natural, but the injection technique carries rare risks that require an experienced practitioner.

"Fat transfer makes the face fatter with age"

Grafted fat follows weight changes, but does not grow on its own if weight remains stable.

"The fat can migrate towards the neck"

It generally stays where it has taken.

"It is only for older people"

Young, slim people also benefit from it.

"The result is unpredictable"

It is less predictable than a filler, but an experienced surgeon has good control of the technique.

• Check that the lighting is identical: front lighting erases hollows.
• Look at the temples, cheekbones and under the eyes in lighting from above.
• Favour results at six months or more.
• Check whether the face looks natural and rested, not too full.

Facial fat transfer is very present on social media, often under brand names that suggest a revolutionary technique. Behind these names, the principle remains the same: harvesting, preparing and reinjecting your own fat. A few reflexes help you sort things out.

• A photo taken just after the procedure mainly shows swelling and overcorrection, not the result. Only photos at six months or more are meaningful.
• A filter, make-up or different lighting between before and after invalidates the comparison.
• A promise of a guaranteed result or total fat take is not serious: some fat is always reabsorbed.
• Fat transfer is a surgical procedure that must be performed by a qualified doctor in an authorised setting, never in a beauty salon.
• A price far below that of other practitioners in the same city should make you ask what is not included: anaesthesia, facility, check-ups.

Social media can serve as a source of inspiration, but the decision is made at the consultation, based on your face, not on a retouched image.

Fat transfer subtly changes the face. The most satisfied patients are those who want to regain lost volume and a rested look, rather than transform their features. Comparing your current face with old photos helps formulate the right request. Taking time to think, possibly testing a volume with a temporary filler, and choosing a surgeon who favours restraint are the best guarantees of a result that looks like you.

Observe

Compare your face with photos from ten or fifteen years ago to identify lost volumes.

Consult

A surgeon assesses the volumes, skin quality and laxity.

Test if needed

A hyaluronic acid injection can show the effect of a volume.

Choose the approach

Fat transfer alone, combined with a facelift, or temporary filling.

Organise

Allow one to two weeks and a period without intense heat.

• Which areas of my face have become hollow?
• Is my skin lax enough to require a facelift?
• Am I prepared to accept a swollen face for one to two weeks?
• Is my weight stable?
• Would I accept a possible second session?
• Have I already tried a temporary filler?

• A front view, face relaxed, without make-up.
• Two profiles and two three-quarter views.
• A front view in lighting from above, which reveals hollows.
• A photo of yourself ten or fifteen years earlier, if possible.

Mention your medical history, treatments, weight and its stability, and the areas that bother you most.

Listening

The surgeon asks what has changed in your face and what you would like to regain.

The examination

They analyse volumes, skin quality, laxity and the available harvest sites.

Photos

Current and old photos help identify lost volumes.

The proposal

They indicate the areas to be treated, the planned volumes, the possibility of a second session and useful combinations.

The quote

It details the procedure, anaesthesia, clinic and check-ups.

The success of fat transfer depends greatly on the quality of the dialogue with the surgeon. Yet it is difficult to describe in words what bothers us about our face. Patients often use vague terms, such as "tired", "sad" or "younger", which can cover very different realities.

A few methods help. Pointing with your finger, in front of a mirror, at the areas that bother you is often clearer than a long explanation. Bringing two or three photos of yourself at different times lets the surgeon see where volume has been lost. Saying what you definitely do not want, for example prominent cheekbones or overly marked lips, is as useful as expressing what you want.

Finally, ask the surgeon to rephrase your request in their own words and to tell you which areas they would treat, in which order and with what expected result. If their proposal does not match what you imagined, this is the time to discuss it, not after the procedure.

• Which areas do you propose to treat, and with what volumes?
• What proportion of the fat do you expect to take in my case?
• Will a second session be needed, and is it included in the price?
• Which harvesting and purification technique do you use?
• How do you prevent the risk of injection into a blood vessel?
• Do you recommend a combined facelift?
• Can you show me results at six months?

Check the practitioner's title in the MedReg register and their specific experience of facial fat transfer.

Asking a second surgeon for their opinion is a normal step, which experienced practitioners do not take badly. It is particularly useful in three situations: when the proposal received is very different from what you imagined, when you are advised to have a more extensive procedure than expected, or when you are simply hesitating and need another explanation.

For the second opinion to be useful, bring the same information as for the first consultation: your old photos, the list of your medical history and injections, and your expectations. You do not have to show the first quote, but you can if you want a precise comparison. Note the points on which the two surgeons agree: these are often the most reliable.

If the two opinions differ markedly, do not hesitate to go back to the first surgeon with your questions. A difference can sometimes be explained by a difference in philosophy, one favouring discreet restoration in two stages, the other a more marked correction in one go. Understanding these choices allows you to decide with full knowledge of the facts.

• Which cannulas do you use for the injection?
• How do you avoid areas of vascular risk?
• How much do you inject with each pass?
• What happens in the event of a complication during the injection?
• Can you be reached if there is a problem in the first few days?

Before any cosmetic procedure, the surgeon gives you an informed consent document. It is not an administrative formality: it is the written record of the information you have received about the procedure, its alternatives, its expected benefits, its risks and its limitations. Swiss law requires the patient to be informed clearly and understandably, and their consent to be freely given.

For facial fat transfer, this document usually mentions partial reabsorption of the fat and the possibility of a second session, possible irregularities, the risks specific to the donor area, the rare but serious complications linked to injection in the face, and the recovery instructions. Take the time to read it at home, calmly, rather than signing it in the waiting room.

• Underline every passage you do not understand and ask for an explanation.
• Check that the areas to be treated match what was discussed.
• Make sure that the period of reflection between the consultation and the procedure suits you.
• Keep a signed copy in your personal file.

Signing this document does not commit you definitively: you remain free to withdraw from the procedure up to the last moment. The financial conditions of a late cancellation are a separate matter, to be checked separately.

One to two months before

Stop smoking. Stabilise your weight. Gather photos of yourself when younger.

Two weeks before

On medical advice, suspend products that encourage bleeding. Avoid the sun and UV sessions.

The day before

Prepare cold packs, pillows to sleep with your head raised and, if recommended, the compression garment for the harvest site.

On the day

Come without make-up, accompanied, in loose clothing.

Dental appointments are rarely mentioned before the procedure, although they raise real questions. Opening the mouth wide during a long session stretches the cheeks and lips; dental anaesthesia is given by an injection that sometimes passes through freshly grafted areas; retractors press on the corners of the mouth.

• Have a scale and polish or any planned treatment a few weeks before the procedure rather than afterwards.
• After fat transfer, wait if possible three to four weeks before non-urgent dental treatment, longer if the lips were treated.
• Tell your dentist: they can adapt the injection point for the anaesthetic and limit the pressure of the retractors.
• In a dental emergency, treatment is of course possible; grafted fat tolerates brief pressure — what should mainly be avoided is prolonged, repeated pressure.

An active dental infection, abscess or inflamed gums must be treated before the procedure. An infection close to the receiving areas increases the risk of complications and can compromise graft take.

Blood-thinning medicines are known to increase the risk of bruising, and your surgeon will ask you about them. Food supplements and natural products are more often forgotten, although some have a comparable, if more modest, effect. Remember to mention everything you take, even what seems harmless.

Never stop a treatment prescribed by your doctor without their agreement: some medicines, such as anticoagulants, can only be interrupted with a precise strategy. The list above is intended to prepare your discussion with the surgeon and anaesthetist, who will decide what should be suspended and for how long.

Smoking is a well-known enemy of graft take, because nicotine constricts small blood vessels and carbon monoxide reduces the oxygen available to the tissues. It is more often forgotten that vaping, nicotine pouches and nicotine replacement products also affect blood vessels, even though they avoid the carbon monoxide in smoke.

For fat transfer, where each small thread of fat depends on neighbouring blood vessels to survive in the first few days, this question is not secondary. The usual recommendation is to stop all sources of nicotine for several weeks before and after the procedure. If stopping completely is difficult, discussing it frankly with the surgeon allows the project to be adapted, for example by planning a second session from the outset or reducing the quantities injected. Smoking cessation services exist in all cantons and your pharmacist can direct you.

• Smoking stopped.
• Stable weight.
• Medicines to be suspended checked with the doctor.
• Cold packs and pillows ready.
• Compression garment for the harvest site if recommended.
• Someone arranged to accompany you.
• Lighter schedule for one to two weeks.
• Photos of yourself when younger brought to the consultation.

• Block out one to two weeks in your diary.
• Prepare cold packs and pillows.
• Have light covering make-up and sunglasses ready.
• Postpone the sauna, intense sport and trips to sunny places.
• Arrange someone to take you home.
• Prepare simple, low-salt meals for the first few days.

Limited fat transfer can be performed in a practice equipped with a procedure room meeting asepsis standards, under local anaesthesia with sedation. Extensive fat transfer or a procedure combined with a facelift takes place in a clinic with an operating theatre and a recovery room. Ask where the procedure will take place, who provides anaesthesia and monitoring, and how any complications would be managed. Facility costs must appear on the quote.

For fat transfer limited to one or two areas, local anaesthesia combined with sedation is often sufficient: the harvest site and injected areas are numbed, and you are relaxed. For extensive fat transfer or a procedure combined with a facelift, general anaesthesia is more comfortable. The anaesthetist sees you in consultation to choose the solution best suited to your health and the planned procedure.

Arrival

You arrive having fasted if sedation or general anaesthesia is planned, accompanied, without make-up.

The markings

The surgeon marks the areas to be filled with you sitting up.

The procedure

Harvesting, purification, reinjection in micro-droplets, then closure of the entry points.

Discharge

After monitoring, you go home accompanied, with instructions and cold packs.

Planning

The surgeon marks the areas to be filled with you sitting up and estimates the volumes, using photos of you when younger if possible.

Anaesthesia

Local with sedation for limited fat transfer, or general for extensive treatment or one combined with a facelift.

Harvesting

They infiltrate the donor area with an anaesthetic solution, then harvest the fat with a fine cannula. The micro-incisions measure a few millimetres.

Preparation

The fat is purified and transferred into small syringes.

Injection

Through entry points of one to two millimetres, they inject the fat in very fine threads, layer by layer, slightly overcorrecting to allow for reabsorption.

The end

The entry points are closed or left to heal; a compression garment is sometimes applied to the harvest site. The procedure takes one to two hours, longer if combined.

Infiltration of the donor area

The surgeon injects into the harvest site a solution containing a local anaesthetic and a product that constricts small blood vessels. This infiltration makes harvesting painless, limits bleeding and makes it easier to aspirate the fat.

Gentle aspiration

With a fine cannula connected to a syringe or low-pressure suction, they harvest the fat with regular fan-shaped movements, so as not to create a localised hollow. Low pressure preserves the cells.

Preparation

The fat is left to decant, gently centrifuged or filtered, then transferred into small syringes of one to three millilitres, suited to fine injection.

Entry points

Tiny openings are made in the face, often in natural creases or discreet areas, close to the areas to be treated.

Placing fat in threads

The cannula is inserted, then slowly withdrawn while depositing a thread of fat. Each pass deposits a very small amount; the surgeon makes multiple passes in several planes and directions.

Checking the result

They regularly check symmetry and contour, lying down and sometimes sitting up, and adjust the overcorrection according to the area.

Closure

The openings are left to heal or closed with a fine stitch. A light dressing or strips may be applied.

Swelling

It is greater than after hyaluronic acid injections, because the surgeon overcorrects and injects living tissue. In the first few weeks, the face may look overfilled; this is expected.

Instructions

Sleep with your head raised, apply cold for the first few days without massaging, and avoid exertion, heat, the sauna and the sun. Do not massage the injected areas unless instructed otherwise, so as not to move the fat.

Weight

Keep a stable weight: grafted fat behaves like fat from its area of origin and varies with weight.

Day 1

Swollen face, feeling of tightness, harvest site tender. Cold, rest, head raised.

Days 2 and 3

Swelling at its peak, sometimes bruising under the eyes and on the cheeks. The face looks overfilled: this is the overcorrection.

Days 4 to 7

The swelling decreases, the bruises turn yellow. Going out becomes possible again with a little make-up.

The first few nights require a little organisation. Freshly injected fat must not be subjected to prolonged pressure, and swelling decreases faster if the head is slightly raised. These two aims lead to the same recommendation: sleep on your back, with your head on two pillows or a wedge pillow.

For people who usually sleep on their side or front, this is often the most trying part of recovery. A U-shaped travel pillow placed around the neck limits head rotation during sleep. Some people place a cushion on each side of the body to avoid turning over. Sleeping on your back is advised for about one to two weeks, depending on the areas treated and your surgeon's advice.

The donor area can also be painful when lying down, especially if the fat was taken from the flanks or lower back. A painkiller taken before bed for the first few evenings improves sleep. If pain wakes you despite the prescribed treatment, report it.

At ten days, most patients have returned to an almost normal life. The face is still slightly fuller than the final result, especially on waking, and a few yellowish traces sometimes remain under the eyes. The feeling of tightness has decreased considerably.

In the morning, swelling is more marked after a night lying down and subsides within an hour of getting up. Washing is normal, with a gentle cleanser. Light make-up is possible. At work, most colleagues notice nothing, or mention that you look rested. Long meetings sitting down pose no problem; however, wearing headphones that press on the temples can be uncomfortable if this area was treated.

The donor area is often the one you notice most, with tenderness to the touch and sometimes a small area of firmness. The compression garment, if prescribed, is generally still being worn. In the evening, a twenty- to thirty-minute walk is welcome, but intense sport still has to wait. You still sleep on your back, with your head slightly raised.

Sleeping

On your back, head raised, for a week.

Washing

You can shower from the next day, avoiding very hot water on the face.

Eating

No particular restrictions, but limiting salt helps reduce swelling.

Working

Working from home is often possible after a few days; contact with the public after one to two weeks.

Going out

Sunglasses and a hat to hide bruising and protect from the sun.

The facial skin through which the cannula passed remains sensitive for a few days. Not all the products you usually use are suitable during this period, and a few simple adjustments avoid irritation.

Treatments that heat the skin or strongly stimulate circulation, such as radiofrequency, some lasers or firm massage, are postponed for several weeks because the grafted fat is still fragile during its revascularisation phase. If you follow regular dermatological treatment, mention it at the consultation: it is sometimes preferable to suspend it a few days before the procedure, which only your doctor can decide.

Sun protection remains the most useful care. The small openings made by the cannula can leave a brown mark if exposed too early, particularly on olive skin. High-factor sunscreen, a cap when walking and extra vigilance at altitude are enough in most cases.

Bruising from facial fat transfer is often less marked than after a facelift, but it does exist, especially around the eyes and on the cheekbones. It turns from purple to yellow before disappearing, generally within ten to fifteen days. Make-up allows you to resume social life sooner, provided you follow a few rules.

• Wait until the entry points have closed, generally three to five days, before applying anything to them.
• Use a covering concealer in a peach or orange shade to neutralise purple, then a fluid foundation on top.
• Pat with your fingertips rather than stretching the skin, and avoid damp sponges that rub.
• Choose recent products and clean brushes, to limit the risk of infection of the entry points.
• Remove make-up with a cleansing milk or micellar water, without abrasive pads.

For men, a light tinted moisturiser or concealer is often enough. Thick-framed glasses draw attention away from dark circles, and a few days' stubble hides bruising on the lower face. These are small measures, but they make returning to work much easier.

Fat transfer leaves no visible scar: the entry points measure one to two millimetres. In the first few days, swelling and bruising are visible; they can be concealed fairly easily with make-up and sunglasses after a few days. The exaggerated volume of the first two weeks may surprise those around you; scheduling the procedure before a holiday or a period of working from home makes discretion easier. After that, most people close to you notice a more rested face without identifying the procedure.

Several everyday accessories put pressure on the face without our noticing. Glasses press on the bridge of the nose and the upper cheeks; cycling, ski or construction helmets squeeze the temples and jaw; diving or ski masks compress the area around the eyes; headphones press on the temples.

If the areas concerned have received fat, limit this pressure for two to three weeks. Light glasses, worn without squeezing, are generally fine from the first few days; contact lenses can replace them if you tolerate them and the surgeon has no objection. For cycling or skiing, the question mainly concerns the helmet and goggles: loosen the straps, choose a model that does not press on the temples, or wait until the fragile period is over.

Switzerland has a very lively tradition of brass bands, choirs and wind bands, and many patients play an instrument. For those who play a wind instrument, the question of when to resume is a practical one: blowing into a trumpet, horn or clarinet puts the lips, cheeks and area around the mouth under pressure.

If these areas have not been treated, you can resume as soon as you feel well, often after a week. If the lips, corners of the mouth or cheeks have received fat, it is better to wait two to three weeks, or longer for brass instruments, which require strong lip pressure. Start with short sessions, without forcing, and stop if an area becomes painful.

For singing, facial fat transfer affects neither the vocal cords nor breathing. The only possible discomfort is tightness in the cheeks or lips in the first few days, which limits articulation. If intubation was necessary for general anaesthesia, slight throat irritation may last a day or two. Rehearsals can generally resume within a few days, demanding concerts a little later.

Summer heat

Heat prolongs swelling in the first few weeks; summer is not the best time for fat transfer.

Winter cold

The numb skin of the injected areas is less aware of cold; protect it on trips to the mountains.

Saunas and thermal baths

Very popular in Switzerland, they have to wait about four weeks.

Skiing and cycling

A direct impact to the face should be avoided in the first few weeks; return gradually.

It is at six months that the result is judged and that a second session is decided on, if necessary.

A second session is considered when reabsorption has been greater than expected, asymmetry persists, or an area needs completing. It is scheduled at least three to six months after the first, once the result has stabilised. It is often lighter: less fat, fewer areas, quicker recovery. The fat can be taken from the same area or another. Some practitioners include this second session in the initial price; ask before committing.

• Is the volume changing as expected?
• Would a second session be useful in my case?
• Can I massage certain areas?
• When can I resume sport and the sauna?
• How can I preserve the result in the long term?

A wedding, a graduation or an important birthday often prompt the decision. Timing is then central, because fat transfer does not give an immediate final result. The face is swollen at first, then part of the fat is reabsorbed over about three months.

If time is short, a temporary solution with hyaluronic acid may be more suitable, with fat transfer scheduled later, once the product has been partly reabsorbed. This strategy is discussed with the surgeon, who will take care not to combine the two techniques too quickly.

Day 1

"Home in the evening. Face swollen, abdomen tender where the fat was taken."

Day 3

"My cheeks look too full, and I have bruises under my eyes. The surgeon had warned me."

Day 10

"The swelling has gone down a lot. I'm back at work with a little make-up."

Month 2

"The volume has dropped a little; my face looks rested and softer."

Month 6

"The result is stable. My temples and cheekbones have regained the fullness they had ten years ago."

This diary is fictitious; every patient progresses differently.

In the first few days, your face will look swollen and sometimes discoloured; warn those close to you that this is normal and that the volume will decrease. Someone close to you must take you home after the procedure. Their help is invaluable for preparing cold packs and reminding you not to massage your face. Reassure them: the aim is a rested face, not a transformed one.

"Have you had fillers?"

No, it is your own fat, reinjected.

"Will it disappear?"

Some is reabsorbed; the rest is lasting.

"Have you lost or put on weight?"

People often simply find that you look rested.

"Why not a facelift?"

Fat transfer restores volume; a facelift tightens the skin. The two are complementary.

If you live alone, arrange for a relative or friend to be with you on the day of the procedure and the first night if sedation or general anaesthesia is used. Prepare cold packs, simple meals and your medication in advance. Most patients are independent from the next day.

One year on, the fat that has taken is part of your face. The result then changes with time, weight and natural ageing. Protect your skin from the sun, keep a stable weight and, if new hollows appear over the years, a maintenance session or light filler can complement the result.

The fat that has taken after six months is living and lasting. It ages with the rest of the face and follows weight changes. Ten years later, some of the restored volume is still present, but natural ageing may have created new hollows. A lighter maintenance session can then be considered. A healthy lifestyle, not smoking, sun protection and a stable weight prolong the benefit.

Transferred fat remembers where it came from. Cells taken from the abdomen or thighs continue to behave like cells from those areas: they grow if you gain weight and shrink if you lose it. This is something many patients discover afterwards, and it explains some unexpected changes in the result.

For this reason, it is preferable to schedule fat transfer when your weight has been stable for several months. If you are considering a diet or obesity surgery, it is better to wait until weight loss has finished, as explained in our guide to obesity surgery in Switzerland. Weight gain after the procedure is not a disaster, but it can make the cheekbones or cheeks rounder than desired.

Fat transferred to the face becomes living tissue like any other. It does not interfere with dental X-rays, sinus CT scans or brain MRI. It is nevertheless useful to tell the radiologist about the procedure, for a simple reason: a small part of the fat that did not take can leave tiny oil cysts or, more rarely, tiny calcifications. These images are benign, but a radiologist unaware of your history could mistake them for something else and order unnecessary additional tests.

Keep the operative report, which specifies the areas treated and the quantities injected, in your personal file. This document is invaluable if a test is carried out years later, or if you consult another aesthetic doctor for an injection in the same area. It avoids layering a filler on top of a volume that has already been restored.

Fat transfer can be part of a broader pathway: a plastic surgeon for the fat transfer and any facelift, a dermatologist for skin quality, maintenance injections or laser, and the family doctor for follow-up. Sharing reports and photos between these practitioners ensures that treatments remain coherent over time.

Your family doctor can review your general health, treatments and weight before the procedure, and see you if you have any doubts during recovery. If you take anticoagulant treatment or have a chronic illness, their coordination with the surgeon is useful.

Part of the follow-up of facial fat transfer can be done without travelling. After the first-week check-up, which generally takes place in person, many surgeons accept photos or a video consultation for the intermediate stages. This flexibility is appreciated by patients who live far from the clinic, in Alpine valleys or in another canton.

For remote follow-up to be useful, the photos must be comparable from one time to the next: the same room, indirect daylight, bare face, hair tied back, and the same angles as those taken before the procedure — front, three-quarter and profile. An isolated photo taken on a phone in a poorly lit bathroom gives little information.

Remote follow-up does, however, have limitations. Spreading redness, increasing pain, fever or discharge from an entry point justify an in-person consultation without delay. In this case, if the clinic is far away, your family doctor or the nearest emergency department can carry out a first examination and contact the team that operated on you.

• Daily sun protection, including in winter.
• A stable weight.
• Not smoking.
• Suitable skincare.
• If necessary, light maintenance injections or a complementary fat transfer session after several years.

Reabsorption

Some of the fat is reabsorbed, to a varying extent depending on the area and the person. A second session may be needed to complete the result.

Irregularities

Small lumps or a localised excess may appear, especially under the eyes where the skin is thin. They can be corrected by massage, injection or a small touch-up.

Oil cysts and calcifications

Small areas of necrotic fat can form nodules. They are generally benign and treatable.

Asymmetry

Uneven reabsorption can create asymmetry, corrected at a second session.

Injection into a blood vessel

This is the most serious complication, and very rare: fat injected into a blood vessel can cause an embolism, with a risk of damage to the skin, vision or brain. Blunt-tipped cannulas, slow injection in small quantities and knowledge of the anatomy greatly reduce this risk. A visual or neurological disturbance during or after the injection is an absolute emergency: call 144.

Infection

Rare; it is treated with antibiotics.

The harvest site

Bruising, tenderness, rarely a small irregularity of the skin.

A lump or nodule

Report it; targeted massage, an injection or a small touch-up can correct it once things have stabilised.

Excess volume

Small targeted liposuction or waiting for reabsorption may be enough.

Infection

Redness, warmth, increasing pain or discharge require prompt medical attention; antibiotic treatment is often enough.

A vascular emergency

Visual disturbance, pale or purplish skin, neurological disturbance: call 144 immediately.

Wanting too much volume

An overfilled face looks artificial and can become heavier over the years.

Judging too soon

The volume in the first few weeks is exaggerated; wait six months.

Massaging too soon

This can move the fat and reduce graft take.

Losing a lot of weight after the procedure

The grafted volume decreases.

Neglecting laxity

If the skin is very lax, fat transfer alone disappoints; a facelift may be necessary.

A facelift repositions lax tissues but does not restore lost volume. Conversely, fat transfer restores volume but does not tighten lax skin. Combining the two in the same procedure gives more complete and natural rejuvenation: the face is tightened without looking pulled, and hollows are filled. Fat transfer is performed in areas not undermined by the facelift, or in suitable planes, to preserve the blood supply. See our page on facelift and facial fat transfer, as well as our pages on neck and face lift and deep plane facelift.

Fat transfer performed to rejuvenate or harmonise the face is cosmetic and remains at the patient's expense. In some reconstructive situations, such as significant volume loss after an injury, illness or treatment, coverage can be discussed with the insurer, on prior request with a medical report. Ask for a written answer before the procedure.

Facial fat transfer is performed by plastic surgeons and some maxillofacial or facial surgery specialists, in the major cities and many medium-sized towns. It requires specific experience of fine injection and the vascular anatomy of the face. Check the practitioner's title in the MedReg register and ask for results at six months.

Geneva

Several plastic surgeons perform facial fat transfer, alone or combined with a facelift; the choice is wide.

Vaud

Lausanne and the Riviera concentrate provision, accessible from across the canton.

Neuchâtel

A few local practitioners; Lausanne and Bern supplement provision.

Jura

Basel and Biel/Bienne are the usual centres.

Fribourg

Bilingual provision exists; Lausanne and Bern are close by.

Valais

Sion has practitioners; protect your face from the sun at altitude after the procedure.

Bern

Bern offers a good choice; Biel/Bienne offers bilingual provision.

Solothurn

Bern, Basel and Zurich are close by.

Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft

Basel has substantial provision, quickly accessible.

Aargau

Aarau and Baden offer local provision; Zurich is close by.

Zurich

The widest choice of surgeons performing facial fat transfer.

Schaffhausen, Zug and Schwyz

Zurich and Lucerne are the usual centres.

Lucerne and Central Switzerland

Lucerne serves Uri, Obwalden and Nidwalden.

Glarus

Zurich or St. Gallen.

St. Gallen, Appenzell and Thurgau

St. Gallen and Winterthur are the reference centres.

Graubünden

Chur offers basic provision; Zurich for a wider choice.

Ticino

Lugano offers provision in Italian.

For 32 cities, this table shows the usual consultation centre, the indicative travel time and the usual price difference compared with Geneva for facial fat transfer.

In Switzerland, the language of the consultation is a practical criterion. Fully understanding the surgeon's explanations, the post-operative instructions and the content of the informed consent is part of safety. Most patients prefer to be followed up in their native language, even if they have a good command of another national language.

If you live in a region where consultations are not held in your language, two solutions are common: being followed up in a bilingual city such as Fribourg or Biel/Bienne, or choosing a city in your language region and organising check-ups accordingly. For facial fat transfer, the number of visits remains moderate, which makes the second option easy to manage. We direct you to practitioners who consult in French wherever possible.

In bilingual cantons, also ask about the language of written documents: the quote, consent form and discharge instructions. A surgeon who consults in French in Biel/Bienne or Fribourg may work in a facility whose administrative documents are written in German. Asking for a French version or a detailed oral explanation is entirely legitimate. In Ticino, a few Lugano practitioners see patients in French; in Zurich and Basel, English often serves as a common language when French is not spoken fluently by the team. In all cases, do not sign anything you do not fully understand.

Many patients have surgery outside their canton of residence: someone from Valais in Lausanne, from Jura in Basel, from Fribourg in Bern. For a cosmetic procedure that is not reimbursed, this choice has no particular administrative consequences; you pay the facility and surgeon directly. The differences mainly concern practical organisation.

The canton where the procedure takes place has no influence on the quality of the result. What matters is the surgeon's experience in facial fat transfer and how follow-up is organised. Our city comparison tool and canton-by-canton guidelines help you find the right balance between proximity, language and budget.

One last practical tip: save the care team's number and that of the hospital nearest your home in your phone before the day of the procedure, and tell someone close to you where your operative report is kept. These precautions take two minutes and are reassuring throughout recovery.

The Swiss rail network makes most major cities accessible in less than two hours from any region. For facial fat transfer, this question matters less than for major surgery, as the procedure is usually performed as day surgery. It nevertheless deserves some thought, as you must not drive on the day itself.

On the day of the procedure, arrange for someone to accompany you or a taxi home. The train is possible if the journey is short and you are accompanied, but a swollen face, sunglasses and post-anaesthetic tiredness make a long journey uncomfortable. For patients who live far away, a night in a hotel near the clinic is often the most relaxed solution: it also allows a check-up the next day without travelling again.

Details by city on our page on facial fat transfer prices in Switzerland.

• The areas treated and the estimated volumes.
• The harvest site.
• Anaesthesia: local with sedation or general.
• Clinic costs.
• Check-ups included.
• The conditions for a second session.
• VAT and any combined procedures, priced separately.

Financial arrangements vary from one facility to another, and it is better to know them before booking a date. Many clinics ask for a deposit when the operating theatre is booked, with the balance paid before or on the day of the procedure. The amount of this deposit is usually expressed as a percentage of the quote.

Ask for these conditions to be stated in writing on the quote or in an accompanying document. A reputable facility sets them out clearly and does not pressure you to sign. Our page on facial fat transfer prices in Switzerland helps you read each line of a quote.

Beyond the price of the procedure, allow for the consultation, any work-up, medication, the compression garment for the harvest site, days off work and, if necessary, a second session. Ask whether this second session is included or at what price it would be charged. Over several years, compare with the cost of repeated hyaluronic acid fillers to make an informed choice.

Fat transfer represents a higher initial investment than a hyaluronic acid session, but its effect, for the portion that takes, is lasting. Repeated hyaluronic acid fillers, needed every nine to eighteen months, can end up costing more over five or ten years, especially if several areas are treated. Conversely, for a small correction to a single area, hyaluronic acid often remains cheaper and simpler. Comparing the cumulative cost over several years helps you choose. Our page on facial fat transfer prices in Switzerland gives guidelines in percentage terms.

Fat transfer (lipofilling). Autologous fat grafting.

Autologous. Coming from the patient themselves.

Microfat. Fat in small fragments, for volume.

Nanofat. Emulsified and filtered fat, for skin quality.

Graft take. Lasting survival of the injected fat cells.

Reabsorption. Disappearance of part of the injected fat.

Overcorrection. A deliberately slightly excessive injection to compensate for reabsorption.

Fat compartments. Separate areas of fat in the face.

Fat embolism. Passage of fat into a blood vessel, a rare and serious complication.

Lipostructure. Another name for fat transfer, derived from the technique codified in the 1990s.

Blunt cannula. A cannula with a rounded tip, which limits the risk of piercing a blood vessel.

Donor site. The area from which the fat is taken.

Recipient site. The area into which the fat is injected.

Take rate. The proportion of fat that survives lastingly.

• Fat transfer restores volume with your own fat.
• Some of the fat is reabsorbed; what remains is lasting.
• The face looks too full in the first few weeks: this is normal.
• It does not tighten the skin; it is often combined with a facelift.
• Smoking and weight loss reduce the result.
• A visual disturbance during or after the injection is an emergency.

Based on your photos, a surgeon assesses whether your face calls for fat transfer, hyaluronic acid filling, a facelift or a combination, and gives you an idea of the budget. You can then consult in Switzerland with full knowledge of the facts. This opinion is free and without obligation.

For a first opinion, send us your photos using the form on this page. After the procedure, keep the practice's number to hand. In the event of visual disturbance, intense pain, pale or abnormally coloured skin, or a neurological disturbance, call 144 immediately. For a coverage question, your health insurer can advise you.

Facial fat transfer restores lost volume with your own tissue, for natural and often lasting rejuvenation. It requires precise technique, an experienced surgeon and a little patience while the fat integrates. With or without a facelift, it restores softness and freshness to the face. For a first opinion, send us your photos using the form on this page.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Facial fat transfer: prices in Switzerland.

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Answers to the most frequent questions about facial fat transfer in Switzerland.

Understanding fat transfer

What is facial fat transfer? It is the transfer of your own fat, taken from an area where there is excess, to the hollow areas of the face. After purification, the fat is reinjected in very fine droplets to restore volume lost through age, thinness or injury, in a natural way. The result is all the more natural when the restored volumes match those of your younger face.

How does it differ from a filler? Hyaluronic acid is a resorbable gel, injected in the consulting room, with a temporary and reversible effect. Fat transfer uses living tissue: some of it is reabsorbed, but what takes is lasting. It is better suited to larger volumes, hyaluronic acid to small, precise corrections. The two techniques can also be combined: fat for volume, hyaluronic acid for finishing touches.

How much fat stays in place? The proportion varies according to the area, the technique and the person. Some is reabsorbed in the first few months; what remains after three to six months behaves like normal fat and lasts. That is why the surgeon slightly overcorrects and a second session is sometimes offered. The surgeon will explain what to expect for each area treated.

Is the result permanent? The fat that has taken is lasting, but the face continues to age and lose volume. The result therefore changes over the years, like the rest of the face, from a more favourable starting point. Sun protection and a stable weight help preserve the result.

Where is the fat taken from? Usually from the abdomen, hips, inner knees or thighs, where it is available and where harvesting is discreet. The small harvesting scar is almost invisible.

Is a lot of fat needed? No, a few tens of millilitres are generally enough for the face. Even slim people generally have enough fat to harvest. An assessment at the consultation confirms the available areas.

What is microfat? It is fat harvested and prepared in very small fragments, injected with fine cannulas to restore volume precisely. These small fragments integrate better than large clumps of fat.

What is nanofat? It is emulsified and filtered fat that adds almost no volume. Injected superficially, it aims to improve skin quality, for example under the eyes. It can be combined with microneedling for better distribution.

Does fat transfer improve the skin? Many patients notice softer, more radiant skin in the treated areas. This effect is attributed to the cells and factors present in fat; it is real but variable. It develops gradually over several months.

Which areas can be treated? The temples, cheekbones, dark circles and tear trough, cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips, chin, jaw and forehead. The surgeon sets the priorities with you according to your face.

Does fat transfer treat dark circles? It can fill a hollow dark circle and soften the tear trough. Under the eyes, the skin is thin: the procedure requires great precision to avoid irregularities. Pigmented dark circles, on the other hand, require other treatments.

Does fat transfer replace a facelift? No. It restores volume but does not tighten lax skin. In many patients, the two are combined for a complete result. The two procedures are often performed in the same operation.

Can fat transfer enhance the lips? Yes, but graft take in the lips is more variable because of their mobility. Several sessions may be needed. Hyaluronic acid is often still preferred for the lips.

Can asymmetry be treated? Yes, fat transfer can rebalance one side of the face, for example after an injury or paralysis. Several sessions are sometimes needed for significant asymmetry.

Is fat transfer suitable for men? Yes, particularly for hollow temples and cheeks in slim or athletic men. The surgeon respects masculine volumes and contours. The aim is a rested face, not a rounder one.

Is it a recent technique? Fat transfer has been practised for a long time; modern micro-droplet injection techniques, developed from the 1990s onwards, have made results much more reliable. The technique has progressed considerably in recent decades.

Can fat transfer be done without surgery? It requires a minor surgical procedure for the harvest, although it is minimally invasive and often performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. The procedure remains light and recovery quick.

How many sessions are needed? Often just one, sometimes two, at least three to six months apart, to complete the result after reabsorption. A second session is often lighter than the first.

Does fat transfer age well? Grafted fat ages like fat elsewhere in the body and follows weight changes. A stable weight preserves the result; a significant change in weight can alter it.

Why do some practitioners prefer hyaluronic acid? Because it is more predictable, reversible and does not require harvesting. For small corrections, it is often the best choice. Each technique has its indications; the choice is made case by case.

Who it is for and preparation

From what age? There is no precise age: fat transfer is mainly requested from the forties, but it can correct a gaunt face at a younger age. Photos of you when younger guide the amount used.

I am very slim: is it possible? Often yes, as the face requires small amounts. The surgeon assesses the available harvest sites. A precise assessment of the available areas is carried out at the consultation.

Is smoking a problem? Yes, it reduces blood supply and decreases graft take. Stopping before and after the procedure is strongly advised. Nicotine replacement products should also be discussed with the surgeon.

Do I need to be at a stable weight? Yes. Significant weight loss after the procedure reduces the grafted volume; weight gain can increase it. A weight that has been stable for several months is ideal.

Are endurance athletes good candidates? Yes, they often have a hollow face; the amount of fat available must be assessed. A balanced diet promotes recovery.

Do I need to stop certain medicines? Products that encourage bleeding are suspended on medical advice. Never change a prescribed treatment without medical advice.

Can fat transfer be done after hyaluronic acid injections? Yes, but mention them; the practitioner may recommend waiting or dissolving the product if it is in the way. The practitioner will tell you the appropriate interval.

Is fat transfer suitable for thin skin? Yes, but under thin skin, such as under the eyes, very fine injections are needed to avoid irregularities. Very fine injections limit this risk.

How do I choose my surgeon? Look for a plastic surgeon experienced in facial fat transfer, check their title in the MedReg register and ask for results at six months. Their experience of the eye area is particularly important.

Should I bring photos? Yes, photos of yourself when younger help restore your natural volumes. They also serve as a reference for judging the result.

Can I get an opinion from photos? Yes, front, profile and three-quarter photos in natural light allow a first opinion. This opinion is a useful step in preparing the consultation.

Is fat transfer possible during pregnancy? No, cosmetic procedures are postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding. They can resume once breastfeeding has ended.

Are autoimmune diseases a problem? Some can affect healing; mention them. A specialist opinion may be requested.

Can other procedures be combined? Yes: facelift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, liposuction of the donor area. The surgeon assesses whether the combination remains reasonable.

Is a blood test needed? A work-up may be requested depending on the anaesthesia and your health. The anaesthetist will tell you which tests are needed.

Is fat transfer suitable after significant weight loss? Yes, to restore facial volume, provided your weight has stabilised. The face can then regain more youthful volumes.

Does the harvest site need to be prepared? No, but the surgeon chooses the area with you; it may benefit from slight contouring. The choice depends on the amount available.

Is fat transfer suitable for round faces? It is used with restraint; in some people, restoring definition to the cheekbones is preferred to filling the cheeks. Definition is often more flattering than filling.

How long should I take to think about it? Take as long as you need; a follow-up consultation before deciding is useful. You can always see the surgeon again before deciding.

Can I test with hyaluronic acid? Yes, a temporary injection can show the effect of added volume before fat transfer. The effect of hyaluronic acid lasts while you think it over.

Procedure and recovery

How long does the procedure take? One to two hours for fat transfer alone, longer if combined with a facelift. The duration depends on the number of areas treated.

Which anaesthesia? Local with sedation for limited fat transfer, general for extensive or combined treatment. The anaesthetist sees you before the procedure.

Do I need to stay at the clinic? Fat transfer alone is performed as day surgery; combined with a facelift, a night's stay is common. In all cases, you must be accompanied home.

Is it painful? Pain is mild in the face; the harvest site is tender for a few days, as after minor liposuction. Simple painkillers are generally enough.

How long does the swelling last? One to three weeks, with exaggerated volume at first due to overcorrection. Do not judge the result during this period.

Will I have bruising? It is common, on the face and at the harvest site; it disappears within one to two weeks. Cold and keeping the head raised limit it.

When can I go back to work? Often after one to two weeks, depending on the swelling and your job. Working from home often allows a quicker return.

When can I resume sport? After two to three weeks for gentle exercise, four weeks for intense sport. Sweat and heat prolong swelling.

Can I massage my face? Not without the surgeon's instructions, so as not to move the fat in the first few weeks. The surgeon will tell you when massage is allowed.

When is the result visible? The final result can be assessed after three to six months, once reabsorption is complete. Photos at six months allow an objective judgement.

Do I need to wear a compression garment? Sometimes on the harvest site, for a few days to a few weeks. It limits swelling at the harvest site.

Can I sleep on my side? It is advisable to sleep on your back with your head raised for the first week, to avoid pressing on the injected areas. A wedge pillow helps keep the position.

Is the sun a problem? Avoid sun and intense heat in the first few weeks, as they prolong swelling. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.

When can I wear make-up? After two or three days, avoiding the entry points until they have healed. Light make-up hides the last bruises.

Do the entry points leave scars? They measure one to two millimetres and become practically invisible. They heal within a few days.

Will the volume decrease? Yes, some of it decreases in the first few months; this is expected and planned for. This decrease is anticipated through overcorrection.

Is a second session needed? Not always; it is considered if the result is insufficient after reabsorption. It takes place at least three to six months after the first.

How many check-ups are needed? At one week, one month, three months and six months in general. They allow the change in volume to be monitored.

Can I fly? After a few days, keeping your skin well moisturised; ask the surgeon's advice. Moisturise your skin well during the flight.

Will those close to me see the difference? They will notice a more rested, fuller face, often without identifying the procedure. That is the sign of a natural result.

Risks

What are the main risks? Variable reabsorption, irregularities, oil cysts, asymmetry, rare infection and, very rarely, injection into a blood vessel, which is an emergency. The surgeon will explain the risks relevant to your situation.

What is a fat embolism? It is the passage of fat into a blood vessel. Very rare, it is the most serious complication; careful injection techniques prevent it, particularly slow injection and blunt-tipped cannulas.

Which signs should alert me? Visual disturbance, intense pain, pale or purplish skin, or a neurological disturbance: call 144 immediately. Keep the practice's number to hand.

Can lumps appear? Yes, especially under the eyes; they can be corrected by massage, injection or a touch-up. The finer the injection, the rarer they are.

Can there be too much volume? Yes, if overcorrection is excessive or if weight increases. A touch-up can remove an excess. Cautious dosing limits this risk.

Can the fat migrate? It generally stays where it has taken; displacement is rare. Targeted massage may be advised if a nodule appears.

Are oil cysts serious? No, they are small benign nodules that can be treated if they cause problems.

Is infection common? No, it is rare and treated with antibiotics. Rigorous asepsis is the rule.

Does smoking increase the risks? Yes, it decreases graft take and slows healing. Stopping also improves skin quality.

Can the harvest site remain irregular? Rarely; a gentle technique limits this risk. A compression garment helps keep it even.

Is fat transfer riskier than hyaluronic acid? The risks are different. Fat transfer requires minor surgery; both carry the rare risk of injection into a blood vessel. The choice of practitioner is decisive in both cases.

Can an excess be corrected? Yes, with small targeted liposuction or a touch-up. The touch-up is generally simple.

Can fat transfer cause asymmetry? Uneven reabsorption is possible; a second session corrects it and restores balance.

Are complications covered? For cosmetic fat transfer, the after-effects may not be covered. Check in writing with your insurer.

Who should perform the procedure? A plastic surgeon experienced in facial fat transfer. Check their title in the MedReg register. Ask for results at six months on comparable faces.

What if I am not satisfied? Wait until reabsorption is complete, then discuss a second session or a touch-up with the surgeon. Reference photos make the discussion easier.

Can fat transfer interfere with a future facelift? No, it is often combined with a facelift and even often improves its result.

Can injections be performed after fat transfer? Yes, if necessary, once the result has stabilised. The practitioner will choose the right time.

Can fat transfer calcify? Small calcifications are possible; they are benign and pose no danger.

How can the risks be reduced? Choose an experienced surgeon, stop smoking, keep a stable weight and follow the instructions. These simple precautions make a big difference.

Organising in Switzerland

Where can I have facial fat transfer in Switzerland? With plastic surgeons in the major cities and many medium-sized towns. The surgeon's experience counts for more than the city.

How much does facial fat transfer cost? There is no official fee; our table of relative prices compares the options. Compare complete quotes.

Is it reimbursed? Not when it is cosmetic; some reconstructive situations can be discussed. A prior request is required in these situations.

What should the quote contain? The areas treated, anaesthesia, clinic, check-ups, any second session and VAT. A vague quote should prompt you to ask for details.

How many days off are needed? One to two weeks in general. Working from home can shorten the absence.

What is the best time of year? Autumn and winter, with less sun and heat. Summer and heat prolong swelling.

Do I need someone with me? Yes, for the journey home. If you live alone, arrange for a relative or friend to be with you.

Can I be treated in my own language? Yes, in all language regions. State your preferred language.

Is a second session included? It depends on the practitioner; ask before signing. This information avoids misunderstandings.

How can I get a personalised opinion? Fill in the form on this page with your photos and, if possible, a photo of yourself when younger. A surgeon gives you a first opinion and an estimate. Free and without obligation. You generally receive a reply within twenty-four hours of receipt of a complete file.

Can my family doctor help me? Yes, with the work-up and local follow-up. Give them a copy of the report.

Are waiting times long? A few weeks in general. Book your appointment well in advance.

Should I keep my documents? Yes, particularly the report with the volumes injected per area. They will be useful for any second session.

Can it be combined with more extensive liposuction? Yes, the harvest site can be contoured at the same time. The surgeon assesses the amount to be removed.

Can I pay in instalments? Some clinics offer this; ask. Check the conditions and any fees.

What should I do if there is a problem at the weekend? The surgeon gives you a number; in an emergency, call 144. The practice must be reachable during the first few days.

Can I compare several practitioners? Yes, particularly their experience and their results at six months. Write down the answers so you can compare with a clear head.

Can supplementary insurance contribute? Rarely for a cosmetic procedure; check your policy. Conditions vary between policies.

Does the price vary according to the areas? Yes, according to the number of areas and the volumes. The quote must detail the planned areas.

Is a consultation needed beforehand? Yes, always, for the examination and planning. It allows the volumes to be planned precisely.

Send us front, profile and three-quarter photos and, if possible, a photo of yourself when younger. A surgeon gives you a first opinion and an estimate. Free and without obligation.