01What is breast lipofilling?
Breast lipofilling (or lipomodelling) is a breast augmentation without implants: a natural alternative to breast implants for women who prefer to avoid any foreign body. The technique consists of harvesting your own fat (saddlebags, flanks, thighs) by liposuction, purifying it and then reinjecting it into the breasts.
Also called liposculpture, autologous fat transfer or the Coleman technique, this constantly refined procedure delivers very natural results, both to the touch and to the eye.
02Pros and cons compared with implants
The two methods can be combined (composite augmentation), but most patients choose between breast implants and lipofilling. In summary:
Benefits of lipofilling
- No scar and no foreign body: no implant, so no risk of flipping, capsular contracture or rejection;
- Very natural result to look at and to the touch (soft to palpation);
- Long-lasting and permanent, with no future changes to plan for (whereas an implant lasts about 10 years);
- can be combined with liposuction of the harvest areas — a slimmer body contour at the same time.
Limits of lipofilling
- reserved for patients with a sufficient fat reserve;
- moderate volume gain (a large increase is not possible);
- the result must be protected from significant weight fluctuations;
- often requires at least 2 sessions and sometimes a higher cost (a longer procedure).
03Before / after results
04How the procedure works
Before the procedure
- pre-operative consultation to set the goals and the amount of fat to transfer;
- precautionary mammogram and blood test;
- explanation of the pre-operative guidelines;
- appointment with the anaesthetist at least 48 h before the procedure.
During the procedure
The procedure has three stages: harvesting the fat (saddlebags, abdomen, thighs or knees) by gentle liposuction, using fine cannulas through tiny incisions in the natural folds; preparation (purification by decanting, sieving and then centrifugation); and slow reinjection into the breasts, in microbeads, for an even mesh across every layer.
The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures, and a dressing and a compression bra are put in place.
After the procedure
The patient goes home the same evening and returns to work within a few days (sport after a few weeks). Recovery is mild and mainly related to the liposuction (temporary swelling of the harvest areas, which subsides within a few days).
The final result can be assessed 3 to 6 months after the procedure, with shapelier breasts and a slimmer body contour. Note: about 30% of the injected fat is reabsorbed in the first few months — the surgeon allows for this by slightly over-correcting — after which the result is stable and permanent.
05Prices & fees in Paris
| Procedure | With insurance coverage | Aesthetic fees |
|---|---|---|
| Breast lipofilling | 4 000 – 7 000 € | 6 000 – 9 500 € |
Indicative “from” prices, surgeon fees included. The final quote is given at the consultation, after examination, depending on the area treated and the technique chosen. Part of the procedure may be covered by French national health insurance when the medical criteria are met.
06Your questions
What is the price of breast lipofilling in Paris?+
Expect from €6,000 for cosmetic breast lipofilling. In reconstructive indications (sequelae, malformation), partial insurance coverage is possible (from €4,000). See the details in the price list and insurance coverage.
Is breast lipofilling reimbursed by the French national health insurance?+
Yes, in certain cases and under conditions: Poland syndrome, breast aplasia, tuberous breasts or reconstruction. The surgeon then submits a prior-approval request to the health insurance fund.
Am I eligible for breast lipofilling?+
You are if your body fat is enough to reach the desired volume. Very slim women, or those wanting a large gain (more than 2 cup sizes), are generally not eligible and turn to implants instead.
How much fat is harvested?+
Usually 1.5 to 2 litres of fat are harvested for breast lipofilling.
Which areas is the fat harvested from?+
Most often from the belly, the hips and the thighs — which slims those areas at the same time.
Do the breasts lose volume over time?+
About 30% of the injected fat is reabsorbed within the first 3 months; the result is then permanent and long-lasting. The surgeon anticipates this reabsorption during the procedure.
Are the scars from breast lipofilling visible?+
No: the scars are tiny (where the cannulas pass) and usually become invisible after a few months.
Can lipofilling be combined with an implant?+
Yes: injecting fat around an implant (composite augmentation) achieves both volume and a perfectly natural look to the contours.
How many sessions are needed?+
Generally at least 2 harvesting / reinjection sessions are planned to reach the desired volume.
