Breast augmentation with fat transfer in Frankfurt
Breast augmentation with fat transfer:
At a glance
Cost
from €5,500
plus anesthesia and clinic, plus the cost of 1 overnight stay if needed
Duration
1 to 1.5 hours
Anesthesia
General anesthesia
Hospital stay
Outpatient, 1 overnight stay if needed
Back to social life
The next day
Sports
after 4 to 6 weeks
Aftercare
No drain, self-dissolving sutures, sports/support bra, compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks (donor site), lymphatic drainage, regular check-ups as agreed
Natural volume enhancement through lipofilling, without an implant, with Dr. Nichlos
Would you like a fuller décolleté, but you decline breast implants out of conviction or because you have already had (repeated) problems with them? Breast augmentation with fat transfer is a gentle alternative.
Instead of the usual silicone implants, Dr. Nichlos uses excess fatty tissue in the procedure also known as lipofilling. He harvests it from areas of the body with sufficient fat reserves (the classic problem zones) to moderately enlarge and contour your breast. The result is very natural, both in look and feel, and complaints that can rarely occur with implants do not arise, because no implant is inserted. As with any procedure, there are risks. We discuss them with you in detail beforehand.
At our practice in Frankfurt am Main, Dr. Nichlos is happy to advise you personally on breast augmentation with fat transfer. The best step is to schedule an appointment right away.
What is a breast augmentation with fat transfer?
The principle of lipofilling is quite simple: Dr. Nichlos takes some fatty tissue from a place on your body where you may be glad to lose it anyway. This donor fat is then carefully prepared (including the removal of blood and tissue fluid) and injected into your breast using a special technique. This allows your breast to be shaped and enlarged by about a half to a full cup size. No foreign material is used, unlike with breast augmentation with implants.
Experiences with breast augmentation with fat transfer
What are the benefits of a breast augmentation with fat transfer in Frankfurt?
Specialist for breast augmentation with fat transfer in Frankfurt
Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos has specialized in breast augmentation with fat transfer for more than 17 years and has extensive experience in natural breast shaping.
By combining liposuction with precise preparation of the fat, Dr. Nichlos achieves especially natural and harmonious results. Dr. Nichlos looks after freshly operated patients personally. In the first 24 hours after the operation, he is available to them for questions or problems.
What reasons speak for a breast augmentation with fat transfer?
A breast augmentation with fat transfer is suitable for women who want a natural adjustment of shape and volume but deliberately wish to avoid silicone implants. The procedure is particularly suitable for a moderate volume wish, slight asymmetries, or a loss of fullness after pregnancy or weight changes. At the same time, bothersome fat deposits in other areas of the body can be reduced, so that two areas of the body benefit. Because only your own fat is used, the result is very natural and the risk of intolerance is low.
What are the pros and cons of the fat transfer method compared with implants?
With classic breast augmentation and the alternative using your own fat, plastic surgery has two established procedures for building up your breast volume and shaping your breast according to your wishes. However, the two differ fundamentally from each other, both in the operation and in the final result. To make your decision easier, we have compared the pros and cons of the two methods here. We describe the implant method in detail on the page Breast augmentation.
| Breast augmentation with fat transfer | Breast augmentation with silicone implants | |
| Look & feel | Very natural. Your breast feels soft and authentic, because we have enlarged it only with your own tissue. | With the right implant, also natural. However, the implants can sometimes be felt. |
| Possible volume increase | Limited. In our experience, an increase of about ½ to 1 cup size is possible with your own fatty tissue. | Very large. Increases of several cup sizes with just one breast operation are easily possible. |
| Scars | Minimal. After the breast surgery, small puncture sites from fat harvesting and injection remain, which usually heal inconspicuously. | Visible. Surgery with implants leaves scars in the breast fold, at the areola, or in the armpit. |
| Longevity | Usually permanent. Once the fatty tissue has grown into the breast, it stays there, but it can of course change with weight loss and with age. | Long-lasting. Modern silicone implants can remain in your body for 15, 20, or more years. |
| Tolerability | Very high. Rejection reactions are rare, as it is your own fatty tissue. | Good. Today’s breast implants are well tolerated, but remain a foreign body (keyword: capsular contracture). |
| Requirements | You need sufficient fat deposits from which we can harvest the fatty tissue for your breast. | None. There only needs to be enough breast tissue to cover the implant. |
| Additional effects | Yes. Bothersome fat pads on the abdomen, hips, or thighs are reduced by the fat harvesting. | None. With augmentation using implants, we focus exclusively on your breast. |
Is a breast augmentation with your own body fat suitable for everyone?
Unfortunately not. Breast augmentation with fat transfer requires enough donor fat for harvesting by liposuction (liposuction). In that case, the odd fat pad on the abdomen, hips, thighs, or arms pays off and is noticeably reduced as a positive side effect of the treatment.
If, on the other hand, you are very slim and athletic (this applies to women with a BMI around 20), the fat reserves are usually too small for a fat transfer. In that case, only classic breast augmentation remains. Beyond that, breast augmentation with autologous fat transfer is only suitable if you want a moderate increase in size or want to improve the symmetry of your breasts, for example after pregnancy or weight loss.
Hybrid breast augmentation: implant and fat transfer combined
Instead of having to choose between implants and your own fat, the two methods can in some cases be combined. In the so-called hybrid breast augmentation, Dr. Nichlos combines the strengths of both procedures and balances out their respective weaknesses.
In the hybrid approach, the implant provides the volume and a stable basic shape. Dr. Nichlos uses the fat to refine the result. He carefully injects the fat around the implant, which mainly conceals the transitions to the chest wall. This makes a visible difference, especially in very slim patients. It mainly covers the implant edges that are otherwise often visible when there is very little breast tissue, and prevents rippling (wave-like folds in the implant). The feel is also more natural than with an implant alone.
What often gets lost in the consultation: with a hybrid breast augmentation, the implant can be chosen one size smaller. Thanks to the fat, you still reach the desired size, as it contributes part of the volume. Less weight from the implant also means less strain on the breast tissue and a lower risk of the breast sagging in the long term.
Whether an implant alone, fat transfer alone, or the hybrid method is the best solution for your wishes is best clarified by Dr. Nichlos in a personal consultation with you. You can read more about the material, shape, and placement of implants on the page Breast implants.
What happens before a breast augmentation with fat transfer?
We lay the perfect foundation for a successful lipofilling operation and a breast that matches your wishes in a personal consultation at our practice. As an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr. Nichlos is first very interested in learning more about your motivation. What exactly bothers you about your breast that you are thinking about breast augmentation? Is it the breast size or the breast shape? What result do you hope to achieve with the fat injection? More volume, or balancing out asymmetries?
Be open and honest in the conversation. Dr. Nichlos listens attentively and, after a physical examination of your breast and a check for suitable fat deposits, gives you a realistic assessment of whether your ideas can be achieved with the fat transfer method. Feel free to raise your concerns and ask questions about the operation.
If you decide on breast reconstruction by fat transfer and no pre-existing conditions or allergies speak against the procedure, Dr. Nichlos takes before photos after the consultation for documentation and later comparison, and explains the exact course of the operation and the possible risks involved. He then prepares an individual treatment plan and arranges a fixed date for the fat transfer breast augmentation with you.
Good to know: so that you also know what to expect financially, you will of course receive a transparent cost estimate from us after your consultation.
Breast augmentation with fat transfer in Frankfurt: how does the operation work?
For the operation, you come to the affiliated clinic in Frankfurt am Main. Here our team makes your stay as pleasant as possible from the start. After a short preparation, Dr. Nichlos marks in the operating room the areas you discussed beforehand, where he plans to harvest fat and where it is to be injected. The anesthesiologist present then induces anesthesia and monitors your circulation and breathing throughout.
As soon as the anesthesia takes effect and you are fast asleep, Dr. med. Nichlos begins harvesting the fat with fine cannulas. It is then filtered and prepared directly in a sterile system. The pure fat cells are then injected into the breast tissue in a fan pattern, milliliter by milliliter, until the desired shape is achieved. Finally, Dr. Nichlos closes the puncture sites with plasters or fine sutures. Drains are not necessary.
After the operation, we put a support bra on your breast and compression garments on the donor sites. Once you feel fit, you can go home. A hospital stay is usually not necessary. Plan about 1 to 1.5 hours for the entire procedure. Bring someone along for the ride home or arrange to be picked up at the clinic.
Healing and aftercare following breast augmentation with fat transfer: what to keep in mind
In the first days after the procedure, you should give yourself and your body plenty of rest. Be sure to avoid any pressure on the operated breast, and ideally sleep elevated on your back. Keep wearing the compression garment consistently as we instruct. Immediately after the operation, it is completely normal for your breast and the donor sites to still feel sore and hurt slightly. A mild pain reliever such as paracetamol relieves this well.
In the first 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure, please do not lift heavy objects, exercise, or otherwise do strenuous physical activity. Short walks do no harm, however. On the contrary, to avoid complications such as thrombosis, you should move moderately.
So that the transplanted fat cells heal well and can be supplied with blood and nutrients, you should also avoid the following:
- cooling (restricts blood flow)
- smoking (also narrows the blood vessels)
- diets (reduce the important nutrient supply)
- pressure (can compress vessels and worsen the blood supply)
If acute problems occur, you can of course call us at any time. Otherwise, we will see you at the agreed follow-up appointments at our practice in Frankfurt. We will tell you the exact dates for the check-ups after your operation.
What risks does a breast augmentation with fat transfer involve?
Every operation carries certain risks of complications. Breast augmentation with fat transfer is no different. With the surgical techniques available today and the experience of a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery like Dr. Nichlos, these can be kept as low as possible. In rare cases, side effects can still occur, for example:
- general risks of general anesthesia such as sore throat and nausea, but also more serious complications such as dental damage or circulatory problems
- infections, secondary bleeding, wound healing disorders, bruising, and swelling at the injection sites in the breast and/or the donor sites
- asymmetries of the breasts due to uneven take or uneven resorption of the transplanted fatty tissue, which can be corrected well later
- temporary sensory disturbances in the breasts and at the donor sites
- oil cysts and fat necrosis, which can be felt as round, firm lumps
By following our aftercare instructions, you can contribute to an uncomplicated course yourself and optimally support the take of the fat cells.
How much does breast augmentation with fat transfer cost in Frankfurt?
What is included in the price?
The total cost of breast augmentation with fat transfer consists of several components. These usually include:
- detailed consultation (€100, fully credited if you go ahead with treatment)
- individual treatment planning
- surgeon’s fee for the operation
- fat harvesting and preparation of the fat cells
- injection and contouring of the breast
- aftercare and follow-up appointments
In addition, the operation involves anesthesia costs and clinic fees, as the procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a specialized clinic. Depending on your individual recovery or personal preference, an overnight stay in the clinic can also be planned.
Many patients want to know before treatment what costs are involved in breast augmentation with fat transfer. Because every treatment is planned individually, the exact price can vary depending on your starting situation and the volume you want.
At our practice in Frankfurt, the cost of breast augmentation with fat transfer usually starts at:
- Breast augmentation with fat transfer (lipofilling): from €5,500
The exact cost depends, among other things, on which areas of the body the fat is taken from and how much fatty tissue has to be prepared and transplanted to achieve the desired result. After a personal examination, Dr. med. Nichlos prepares an individual treatment and cost plan that lists all services transparently.
Can you finance a breast augmentation with fat transfer?
So that you can plan your desired treatment flexibly, you can also finance the cost of a breast augmentation with fat transfer conveniently in monthly installments.
Financing is arranged through an experienced financing partner and can be tailored to your financial situation. This way you do not have to pay the full amount at once, but can settle the cost of treatment through a monthly installment.
We are happy to explain the requirements and the financing process during a personal consultation.
Finance your desired treatment flexibly
You have the option of paying your treatment costs conveniently in monthly installments, tailored to your financial situation. The application is straightforward, and processing is handled by our financing partner.
Your benefits at a glance:
- Flexible monthly installments for medical and cosmetic services
- Terms of up to 72 months to choose from
- Financing also possible for smaller amounts
- Desired amount and installment size freely selectable
- Attractive terms with an effective annual interest rate of 9.90% and a fixed nominal interest rate of 9.48%
- Apply conveniently online or submit the form as a PDF
- Financing only with participating partners, subject to creditworthiness
Non-binding sample calculation from a financing amount of €300 with an effective annual interest rate of 9.90% and a fixed nominal interest rate of 9.48%. Financing only with participating partners, subject to creditworthiness.
To the installment calculator
Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos
Dr. med. Emmanouil Nichlos is a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Frankfurt and has specialized for more than 17 years in breast augmentation with fat transfer and gentle breast shaping techniques.
All content on this page has been personally reviewed by him and reflects the current medical knowledge in plastic and aesthetic surgery.
Frequently asked questions about breast augmentation with fat transfer in Frankfurt
Are the results of breast augmentation with fat transfer permanent?
Yes. Once the fat cells transplanted by Dr. Nichlos have healed in your breast, the result is usually permanent. You should know, however, that not all harvested fat cells survive the transplant. In our experience, 20 to 30% are broken down by the body in the first weeks. What remains after about three months has grown firmly into your breast tissue and usually stays. The exception is significant weight loss. In that case, the fat cells placed in the breast during surgery are broken down naturally, just like other fat cells. To help the fat heal well, you should avoid cooling, smoking, diets, and pressure on the breast in the first weeks.
Can I still breastfeed after a breast augmentation with lipofilling?
Yes, the ability to breastfeed is usually fully preserved after breast augmentation with fat transfer. The reason is the very gentle surgical technique. Dr. Nichlos injects the previously harvested and carefully purified body fat only into the breast tissue. There is therefore no risk of cutting through the milk ducts, as can occur with silicone implants. This makes the procedure ideal for women who have not yet completed their family planning.
Does fat removed by liposuction usually stay away, or does it come back?
That is the good thing about liposuction: once fat cells have been removed by liposuction, your body cannot form new ones later. They therefore do not return at the donor sites. If you gain weight, however, surrounding fat cells can grow larger. So try to maintain your ideal weight whenever possible.
Is breast augmentation with fat transfer painful?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so you feel nothing during it. Afterward, wound pain, swelling, and a feeling of tightness can occur in the breast and at the donor site. These can usually be treated well with pain medication. You wear a compression garment on the donor site for 4 to 6 weeks.
Can fat transfer be combined with a breast lift?
Yes. If your breast needs not only more volume but also lifting, Dr. Nichlos tightens the loose skin and adds volume with your own fat. You can read more on the page about breast lift.
How much volume is possible with fat transfer?
In our experience, the breast can be enlarged by about a half to one cup size with your own fat. The procedure is therefore mainly suited to a moderate volume wish or to balancing slight asymmetries. Whether your wish can be achieved with fat transfer is clarified by Dr. Nichlos after the examination and the check for suitable fat deposits.
Your practice in Frankfurt’s Westend
At our practice on Grüneburgweg, Dr. Nichlos takes the time for your personal consultation. Bright rooms, short distances and a calm atmosphere help you feel well looked after from your first appointment.
Preliminary examination, consultation and aftercare take place here. Dr. Nichlos performs the surgery itself at the affiliated clinic in Frankfurt.
Plastic Surgery Dr. Emmanouil Nichlos
Grüneburgweg 95, 60323 Frankfurt am Main
Schedule a consultation now
Are you thinking about breast augmentation but are not sure whether a classic operation with implants or fat transfer is the best solution for you? Dr. Nichlos listens to your wishes and gives you a specialist assessment based on your history and anatomy. Schedule a non-binding consultation right away!
- 1Send your inquiry via the form
- 2We will get back to you promptly
- 3Personal consultation with Dr. Nichlos at the practice
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