Composite breast augmentation

Composite breast augmentation combines two surgical methods: prosthesis insertion and fat grafting or lipofilling of the breasts. The surgeon uses silicone implants to enhance breast volume, combined with fat transfer. This allows the breast to be reshaped, asymmetries to be corrected and prostheses to be camouflaged, guaranteeing a very natural shape and appearance. Breast lipofilling, also known as autologous fat transfer augmentation, involves first removing any localized excess fat by liposuction. The fat is then reinjected around the prostheses to conceal them and create less visible, less palpable implants.

Composite breast augmentation is primarily intended for slim women who want a very natural-looking breast augmentation. Their low-fat reserves do not allow for lipofilling alone, as the amount of tissue available is often insufficient. Prosthesis insertion alone can produce unsatisfactory results, with noticeable implants.

The composite technique is suitable for correcting minor asymmetries, for redefining the décolleté when the breasts are naturally wide apart, or for very thin patients with a higher risk of implants being detected. This type of technique has become indispensable for certain breast deformities, such as tuberous breasts, or for certain reconstructive procedures.

In most cases, lipofilling enables the surgeon to avoid retro pectoral or dual-plan placement of the implant. The result is faster recovery and no deformation of the prosthesis on muscle contraction.

A final advantage of the composite technique is the use of a smaller implant volume, since part of the volume will be compensated for by fat transfer. As fat is lighter than silicone gel, composite breast augmentation will be less affected by gravity over time.

In most cases, the addition of fat by lipofilling is not used to obtain the desired projection and volume, but to give a more natural look and feel to the breasts by camouflaging the implants. This is why this technique is particularly indicated for thin patients with very little fat and breast tissue. In this situation, even the addition of a small amount of fat will improve the final result.

The purpose of the initial consultation is to study your needs and expectations. A precise analysis of your request will enable us to establish with you a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs. This appointment also includes a review of your medical history and general state of health to ensure the safety of your treatment. At the end of the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed estimate of the total cost of your composite breast augmentation.

Composite breast augmentation is most often performed on an outpatient basis. You will arrive on the morning of the operation and leave the same day. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia with sedation may be considered in certain cases. The modalities of implant placement may vary according to your morphology and the expected result. They will be explained to you by your surgeon. All incisions are made in areas of junction or fold to conceal scars. Fat is harvested for fat grafting of the breasts by liposuction of the abdomen, thighs, flanks or other desired areas. The fatty tissue obtained is reinjected around the prostheses to harmonize the shape of the breast and give it a very natural result, with virtually imperceptible implants.

Composite breast augmentation offers very natural results. The shape and volume of the breasts are modified to harmonize the silhouette. These aesthetic benefits are accompanied by positive psychological effects, improving patients self-confidence, quality of life and social relationships. Results are stable after 3 months.

Lipofilling involves the transfer of living autologous cells from one part of the body to the breast. Some cells will not survive this trauma, and studies show a fat loss of around 20 to 40%. Resorption takes place within the first 2-3 months, after which the fat is stable, with a long-term survival rate of 60-80%. Several factors negatively influence fat cell retention, including smoking, radiotherapy, the presence of scar tissue and fat compression.
Weight fluctuations can also influence the volume of reinjected adipocytes, as is the case with all fatty tissues in the body, whose size changes with weight variations.

The post-operative period following composite breast augmentation can be painful for the first few days. Appropriate analgesic treatment is systematically prescribed to limit your discomfort. Edema and bruising are common. These are not serious and resolve spontaneously within one to two weeks. The first shaping dressing is removed after a few days and replaced by a lighter one. A support bra should be worn day and night for the first six weeks.
Rest for five to ten days. Sports activities should be suspended for two months.

The cost of composite breast augmentation depends on the type of prosthesis and the complexity of the procedure. The cost of a conventional breast augmentation starts at CHF 9,400, to which must be added the cost of fat transfer, which varies according to the area, difficulty and quantity removed. A personalized estimate will be provided during your initial consultation