Microfat / SNIF

For transplantation of microfat, the openings of the harvesting cannulas are much smaller (diameter < 1 mm) to obtain smaller fat particles that are mainly used for treatment of the cheeks, nose, perioral area and lips, as well as the back of the hands and the décolleté.

With the microfat technique it is also possible to correct small volume and contour corrections. The harvested fat tissue is injected with fines cannulas in the area to be treated. Since blood perfusion of the face is better than in other body parts, the take rate of the transplanted fat with a permanent effect is approximately 70%. With the so-called SNIF-technique (sharp needle intradermal fat grafting) it is possible to treat small wrinkles (perioral wrinkles, décolleté) and to remove these wrinkles permanently and to improve the skin quality of these areas.

Medical Term: Microfat Transfer, Lipofilling, autologous fat grafting, SNIF

Type of Anesthesia: Local Anesthesia

Surgery time: 60-90 minutes

Length of hospital stay: outpatient

Aftercare: Suture removal after 1-2 weeks, special plasters

Back to public: After 3-5 days

Back to work: After 3-5 days

Time of recovery: 2-3 weeks

Fees: starting at 3.500 CHF

It is a minimally invasive procedure performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. It is possible to combine this procedure with basically any other operation. Micro fat grafting is frequently performed with blepharoplasties, face lifts and rhinoplasties. Since the cannulas are of a very small diameter, the incisions (punctures) are even less visible than with macrofat grafting.

Autologous fat grafting of microfat requires only a minimal dressing for a few hours and no compression garment since only small amounts of fat are harvested.  Serious complications and adverse events are rare. It is possible that you have small hematomas and slight swelling after the procedure.

The down-time is usually short with this minimally invasive procedure. Professional activities can be resumed after a few days and work-out/fitness after approximately 2-3 weeks. Over the first 3-6 months approximately 30% of the transplanted fat is resorbed by your body, the volume remaining after this period is permanent and stable.

As with any cosmetic procedure, costs can vary widely and depend on the extend of the planned procedure in terms of amount of transplanted fat and regions to be treated. The fees are preoperatively discussed and agreed with you. It is a flat rate including the entire procedure and follow-up examinations. There are no unexpected costs for you possible.

In general, most health insurances do not cover cosmetic surgery and fat grafting, which is mainly performed for aesthetic reasons.

Price for microfat transfer: from 3.500 CHF