Microfat graft

Microfat grafting is a lipofilling technique that involves removing fat from an area of the body where it is in excess and then reinjecting it into areas that have lost volume, such as the face or intimate areas. Microfat grafting differs from traditional lipofilling in that, in the case of microfat grafting, the fat is first processed to make it extremely fine before being injected using the Tonnard and Verpaele technique. Microfat grafting is an alternative to fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane. As your own tissue is used for the procedure, there is no risk of an allergic reaction to the injections. Fat taken from other parts of the body can be injected into the under-eye circles, cheekbones, lips, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Microfat grafting is also frequently used to increase the volume of the labia majora in the genital area.

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What is the difference between “traditional” lipofilling and lipofilling such as microfat grafting?

In “traditional” lipofilling, which is generally used to perform a BBL (Brazilian butt lift) or to increase breast volume, the reinjected fat does not need to be processed in the same way as with microfat grafting. Basically, in traditional lipofilling, the reinjected fat is hardly modified before injection. This is important in order to maintain a thick texture that allows for significant volume filling. In the case of microfat grafting, the fat is processed to make it much more fluid so that it can be injected into more delicate areas such as the face or the labia majora. In the case of microfat grafting, the fat is prepared using the Tonnard and Verpaele technique.

Before the procedure

When you arrive at the Bellefontaine Clinic, we will check that microfat grafting is suitable for you. We will assess your weight and skin quality.
The areas from which fat will be harvested and reinjected will be carefully marked and explained to you in front of a mirror. We will also discuss the area where the small skin incisions and skin trans s will be made, as well as the precise technique used for microfat transfer.
A blood test is essential before the procedure. Smoking should be stopped three weeks before and three weeks after the operation in order to optimise fat graft take and therefore reduce the risk of resorption.

The procedure

Microfat grafting begins with liposuction to remove the fat that will be used to restore volume. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic or sedation. In general, only a "small" amount of liposuction is performed to remove the fat; complete liposuction of the donor area is not necessarily performed. Of course, if the patient wishes, complete liposuction of several areas can be performed.
Once the patient is properly anaesthetised, small incisions are made in the area where the fat is to be removed. Common donor sites are the abdomen, thighs, flanks, knees and back. A thin metal tube called a cannula is inserted into the incisions to gently suck out the fat. Once a sufficient amount of fat has been removed, it is then prepared using the Tonnard and Verpaele technique to obtain extra-fine fat (microfat), which is then injected.
Once the fat has been properly prepared, a small incision is made, usually with a needle (so that there are no scars at the injection sites), and a microcannula is inserted to inject the fat. Approximately 40 to 80% survives the procedure (the rate depends on the patient), with the rest being reabsorbed by the body over time.

After the procedure

The recovery time is largely the same as for liposuction. Please read the details on our liposuction page. If only a small amount of fat has been removed, the recovery will be quicker and more comfortable. The more extensive the body contouring, the longer the recovery.
Common side effects at the microfat graft injection site include swelling, bruising, pain and numbness. Most side effects will be localised at the donor sites where the fat was removed, but slight swelling may appear on the face around the injection sites. Side effects will subside within the first two weeks, but swelling may take several weeks to disappear completely. Although results are immediately visible, patients should expect to wait approximately three months before the final results are visible.

Professional photograph of Dr Yann Favre, founder of the Bellefontaine Clinic | Dr Favre Lausanne

Dr. Yann Favre + 3,000 liposuctions and lipofillings performed

Consultation with a qualified FMH & EBOPRAS plastic surgeon

Member of the Swiss Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Over 15 years of experience in plastic and aesthetic surgery

15 to 20 liposuctions per month

Expertise in HD liposuction, buttock lipofilling, and breast lipofilling

Individualized planning of results

Post-operative medication and Panthy Marena © included

A professional and caring team for your follow-up care

Dr. Yann Favre
Founder of the Bellefontaine Clinic
FMH & EBOPRAS Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Aesthetics

Contact

Do you have any questions or would you like to make an appointment at Clinique Bellefontaine? You can write to us via our contact form or call us on +41 21 601 33 33. We look forward to hearing from you!

FAQ

How long do the results last?

Are the scars from liposuction visible?

How long does the entire microfatgraft procedure take?

Can microfatting be combined with other procedures?

What is the difference between injectable fillers such as hyaluronic acid (filler) and microfat grafting?

What are the right indications for microfat grafting?

What are the disadvantages of microfat grafting?

When will i see the final results?