Combined procedure prices in Switzerland: what you really save

Combining several cosmetic procedures in a single operation often reduces the total cost compared with separate procedures. The savings come mainly from three items: a single anaesthetic, a single trip to the operating theatre and a single clinic stay. On top of this come indirect savings: only one period off work, one period of help at home, fewer journeys. On the other hand, a combined procedure takes longer, sometimes requires an extra night and calls for stepped-up prevention of complications. This page explains how the price of a combination is built up and points you to our detailed price pages. For the medical aspects, see our page on combined procedures.

A combined procedure generally costs less than the sum of the procedures performed separately, because anaesthesia, the operating theatre and the hospital stay are billed only once. Surgeons' fees remain close to the sum of the individual procedures, sometimes with a discount. When the programme exceeds safety limits, two stages are proposed, with a slightly higher total cost but a reduced risk.

The following table shows which cost items are shared when two procedures are performed at the same time. The surgeon's fees reflect the work done for each procedure; some surgeons offer a discount on the second. The other items are paid only once, taking a longer duration into account.

The total duration of the operation and the extent of the areas treated are limited for safety reasons. Beyond these limits, the risk of thrombosis, bleeding and complications increases. That is why a reputable surgeon may suggest splitting an ambitious project into two stages. The total cost is then slightly higher, but each operation remains safe. This decision should never be driven by savings.

Each common combination has its own price page: gynaecomastia and tummy tuck, gynaecomastia and 360 liposuction, pectoral implants and Full HD liposuction, breast reduction and tummy tuck, breast augmentation and liposuction, implant removal and breast lift, rhinoplasty and genioplasty, facelift and facial fat transfer, and many more.

When one procedure is covered by insurance, for example a breast reduction for documented symptoms, and a cosmetic procedure such as a tummy tuck is added, billing is split: the covered procedure at the contractual rates, the cosmetic procedure privately, with a share of the clinic and anaesthesia fees. A clearly separated quote and prior approval from the insurer are essential.

For a typical combined procedure, pairing breast surgery with a tummy tuck, the price differences between cities and cantons are shown below, with Geneva as the reference.

An all-inclusive quote should itemise each procedure, the expected duration, anaesthesia, the number of nights, compression garments and follow-up visits. It is also useful to ask for the price of the separate procedures to measure the real saving, and to check that the surgeon is skilled in each of the procedures.

A woman who has had two pregnancies and wants lifted breasts and a flat stomach: a mommy makeover in one operation, saving on clinic and anaesthesia costs. A man who wants a sculpted chest and abdomen: gynaecomastia and liposuction together. A woman with a very extensive project after major weight loss: two stages, a slightly higher total cost, greater safety.

Several compression garments, help at home for the first few days, an often slightly longer recovery and sometimes an extra night in the clinic.

A single period off work, a single set of family arrangements, a single recovery time: for many patients, this saving of time matters as much as the financial saving.

Imagine a patient who wants a breast lift and a tummy tuck. Separately, she would pay twice for anaesthesia, the operating theatre and the hospital stay, and take two periods off work. Combined, the two procedures require a longer anaesthetic and often an extra night, but only one stay. In most cases, the combined total is lower than the sum of the two separate procedures. The exact difference depends on the clinic and the surgeon: it is worth asking for both quotes to compare.

Male combinations often pair the chest and abdomen: gynaecomastia, high-definition liposuction, pectoral implants. See our page on the male makeover.

Indications, procedure and results: everything is described on our page Combined procedures in Switzerland.

Prices of related procedures

• Full HD liposuction and BodyTite for men: prices in Switzerland
• Gynaecomastia and tummy tuck: prices in Switzerland
• Pectoral implants and Full HD liposuction: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Short answers to help you plan your budget.

Budget and reimbursement

Can facial procedures be combined? Yes, for example nose and chin, or a facelift and fat transfer.

Is a mommy makeover a combination? Yes, the most common one among women.

Is a male makeover a combination? Yes, most often chest and abdomen.

Can I get both quotes? Yes, ask for the combined price and the separate prices.

Is combining two procedures cheaper? Yes, generally, thanks to a single anaesthetic and a single hospital stay.

How much do you save? It depends on the procedures; the savings mainly concern the clinic and anaesthesia.

Are the surgeon's fees reduced? Sometimes, depending on the surgeon.

Is an all-inclusive quote provided? It should be, with a breakdown of each procedure.

Does anaesthesia cost more for a long operation? Yes, in proportion to the duration, but only once.

Is the hospital stay longer? Often one to two nights more than for a single procedure.

Are more compression garments needed? Yes, depending on the areas treated.

Can part of it be reimbursed? If one procedure is medical, such as certain breast reductions, it may be.

How is a mixed combination billed? The covered procedure at the contractual rates, the rest privately.

Do two stages cost more than one? Yes, two anaesthetics and two hospital stays, but greater safety.

Does combining reduce time off work? A single recovery period, often slightly longer.

Is help at home needed? Often, especially after a mommy makeover.

Does help at home cost anything? If it is paid help, yes.

Are complications more frequent? The risk increases with duration; prevention is stepped up.

Is thrombosis prevention billed? Any necessary medication is prescribed.

Does the price vary by city? Moderately.

Can payment be spread out? Depending on the clinic.

Is a deposit required? Yes, often a substantial one for a long operation.

Is the first appointment charged? Often, with possible deduction.

Can a procedure be removed from the quote? Yes, the quote is adjusted.

Can the surgeon refuse a combination? Yes, if it is not safe.

Do two surgeons operating at the same time cost more? Both surgeons' fees are billed, but the operating time is shorter.

Is transport covered? No.

Are cancellation fees higher? Often, because the operating theatre is booked for a long time.

Is the quote valid for long? A few months.

Are touch-ups included? Depending on the terms for each procedure.

Are combinations more expensive in a private clinic? Clinic fees vary from one facility to another.

Is an anaesthesia consultation billed? Often; it is mandatory.

Are pre-operative tests reimbursed? For a covered procedure, yes; otherwise it depends.

Should I set aside a contingency budget? That is wise.

Are non-reimbursed costs tax-deductible? Cosmetic costs are generally not.

Can surgery be combined with injections? Injections are generally done later.

Can a combined procedure be postponed? Yes, depending on the clinic's terms.

Are photos of combined results available? Ask the surgeon for them.

Is a second opinion useful? Yes, for a major project.

Tell us your canton and your plans: we will send you, free of charge, an all-inclusive quote from surgeons experienced in combined procedures.