Highlights of Facial Lipofilling
- Performed under local or general anesthesia depending on your comfort and needs
- Also known as facial fat transfer or lipomodeling
- Offers a long-lasting, natural alternative to synthetic fillers like hyaluronic acid or Radiesse
- Uses your own purified fat, minimizing risk of allergic reaction or rejection
- Pricing ranges from €3,500 to €5,500, based on case complexity and anesthesia type
What Is Facial Lipofilling?
Facial lipofilling is a surgical technique that rejuvenates and restores volume to the face using purified fat harvested from your own body.
The process includes:
- Harvesting fat (typically from the abdomen, flanks, or hips)
- Purifying the fat using advanced filtration systems like Puregraft or Lipogems to remove impurities, water, and oils
- Injecting fat with microcannulas to smooth deep wrinkles and restore volume to areas such as the cheekbones, nasolabial folds, or temples
We slightly overcorrect during injection, as around 60% of the fat typically survives. The final, stable result becomes visible within a month and can last several years.
How Does the Procedure Work?
- Most commonly performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation
- Can also be performed under general anesthesia
- Pre-anesthesia consultation is required at least 48 hours before surgery
- Mild swelling and possible bruising may occur, especially in the donor area
- Social downtime is minimal—most patients resume normal activities within 48 hours
We do not use centrifugation, which may damage fat cells. Instead, we use single-use closed filtration systems that:
- Prevent bacterial contamination
- Yield soft, smooth fat for even distribution
- Reduce risk of visible fat lumps
- Allow injection with fine-gauge cannulas (21–23 G), even under local anesthesia
Benefits Compared to Hyaluronic Acid
| Lipofilling | Hyaluronic Acid |
| Long-term results | Temporary (6–18 months) |
| No chemical additives | May contain BDDE stabilizers |
| Natural feel and appearance | Can be firm in some areas |
| Ideal for deeper wrinkles and volume loss | Better for fine lines and superficial areas |
We recommend lipofilling for:
- Deep folds (nasolabial, marionette lines)
- Cheek and midface volume restoration
- Tear troughs and under-eye hollows (in select cases)
For fine lines or lips, we prefer light hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane® or Juvederm®.
Questions & Answers
Is the result permanent?
Yes, the fat that survives integration becomes a permanent part of your face. While some of the fat resorbs within the first 2–3 weeks, the remaining volume is stable for many years.
Are there risks or complications?
Risks are minimal when performed by experienced surgeons. However:
- Overcorrection is expected to compensate for fat resorption.
- Minor swelling may last 2–4 days
- Small, non-visible fat nodules may form but are rare.
- Smoking greatly reduces fat survival and is discouraged.
Is lipofilling covered by French health insurance?
Yes, but only in reconstructive cases, such as:
- Post-traumatic or post-accident repair
- Lipodystrophy caused by HIV antiretroviral treatment
Insurance may cover basic costs, but surgical fees are separate and can be submitted to your supplementary insurance (mutuelle).
How much does it cost?
- Cheekbone or localized lipofilling: from €3,500
- Full-face lipofilling: up to €5,500
Pricing varies based on anesthesia, number of zones treated, and fat harvesting complexity.