Lipofilling – Gesichts­auffrischung mit Eigenfett in Frankfurt

What is lipofilling?

Lipofilling – also Autologous Fat Grafting or Fat Transfer —is a method of facial rejuvenation using the body’s own fat tissue. In this procedure, we gently extract fat from areas with excess fat (such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs), carefully process it, and inject it into the desired areas of the face.

The result: a naturally refreshed, fuller-looking face with soft contours and improved skin texture.

Anders als bei Fillern stammt das Material aus dem eigenen Körper, Unverträglichkeiten sind deshalb nicht zu erwarten. Ein Teil des übertragenen Fetts wird jedoch wieder abgebaut, sodass sich das endgültige Volumen erst nach einigen Monaten zeigt und gelegentlich eine zweite Sitzung sinnvoll ist. Voraussetzung sind ausreichende Fettreserven an der Entnahmestelle. Vom Facelift unterscheidet sich das Verfahren im Ansatz: Dort wird erschlafftes Gewebe angehoben, hier verlorenes Volumen ersetzt — bei ausgeprägtem Hautüberschuss reicht Eigenfett allein nicht. Beraten wird in Frankfurt, operiert in Oberursel.

When the mirror no longer shows who you are

Perhaps you're familiar with this feeling: You look in the mirror and see sunken cheeks, tired eyes, or deep wrinkles that make you look older than you feel. That youthful fullness is gone, and with it, a part of your radiance.

„Ich wollte nicht mit Füllstoffen vollgepumpt aussehen. Ich wollte einfach mein Gesicht zurück – mit seiner natürlichen Fülle und Frische.“ – So beschreibt eine unserer Patientinnen ihr Gefühl vor der Behandlung.

Autologous fat transfer isn't about conforming to a beauty ideal. It's about restoring lost volume using your body's own tissue—without artificial fillers that need to be replaced every few months, and without foreign substances that your body rejects.

We’ll be with you every step of the way—with our experience, tact, and the goal of helping you maintain your natural radiance for years to come.

Author picture

Medically reviewed ✓

Written by Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

✓ Member of the DGPRÄC (German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons)

EBOPRAS – European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - ebopras.eu

✓ Over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery

✓ Specialization: Facial surgery and autologous fat transfer

📅 Last updated: 11. August 2026

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 on Google · over 300 more reviews on Jameda

✓ Member of the DGPRÄC (German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons)

✓ Our own certified operating rooms in Frankfurt and Oberursel

Benefits of Autologous Fat Grafting to the Face

100% natural – Only the body's own tissue, no foreign substances

Long-lasting to permanent – Fat cells that have formed remain in place

No allergies – Your body accepts its own tissue without any problems

Double Effect – Fat reduction in unwanted areas, facial contouring

Natural Look – Soft, natural contours instead of artificial fullness

Skin improvement included – Stem cells in fat improve skin quality

Versatile – For cheeks, temples, lips, the tear trough, and more

Can be combined – Ideal in combination with a facelift, eyelid lift, or other treatments

Who is a good candidate for lipofilling?

If you're experiencing a loss of facial volume
Over the years, the face loses its youthful fullness. The cheeks sag, the temples become hollow, and the nasolabial folds deepen. The tear troughs also become more visible, and the face takes on an overall tired and worn-out appearance. This loss of volume cannot be compensated for by creams or exercise—targeted volume therapy is necessary here.

If you want natural, long-lasting results
Hyaluronic acid fillers need to be touched up every 6 to 18 months. Autologous fat, on the other hand, is permanent once it has taken hold. Do you prefer using your own body’s tissue and want to avoid synthetic fillers? Then lipofilling is the right choice for you. The treatment is particularly suitable for patients seeking a natural approach to facial rejuvenation.

When is a medical evaluation advisable?
If you are very slim and have little body fat, we should determine during the consultation whether you have sufficient body fat available. If you have blood clotting disorders, diabetes, or other pre-existing conditions, a thorough preliminary examination is important. Smokers should avoid nicotine for at least 6 weeks before and after treatment, as it impairs blood circulation and the growth of fat cells.

Treatment Areas – What Can Be Treated With Autologous Fat?

Area Application Effect
Wangen Adding Volume to Sunken Cheeks Youthful fullness, defined cheekbones
temples Filling in sunken temples Harmonious Facial Contours
Tear Trough Dermal Filler Treatment for Dark Circles Under the Eyes A fresh, alert perspective
Nasolabial folds Smoothing out the wrinkles from the nose to the corners of the mouth Softer facial features
Puppet lines Filling in the wrinkles at the corners of the mouth A more friendly expression
Lips Natural Lip Augmentation Full, soft lips
Chin & Jawline Definition and Delineation Clearer facial contours
Scars & Dents Filling in Sunken Areas of Skin Smoother Skin

How does the treatment work?

Personal Consultation – Your Journey Starts Here

We take the time to listen to you. During a detailed consultation, we analyze your facial structure, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan.

What we'll discuss:

  • Your personal goals and expectations
  • Which areas should be covered
  • Where autologous fat can be harvested
  • Medical History and Pre-existing Conditions
  • Anesthesia options (local or twilight sleep)
  • Realistic Results Based on Photos
  • Costs and Financing Options

The Treatment – With Precision and Tact

Step 1: Fat Removal (Liposuction)
Under local anesthesia or twilight sedation, we gently remove fat tissue from a suitable area of the body—usually the abdomen, hips, or inner thighs. The fat is removed through small, barely visible punctures using a thin cannula. Only as much fat as is needed for the treatment is removed.

Step 2: Processing the autologous fat
The harvested adipose tissue is carefully cleaned and processed. During this process, blood, fluid, and damaged cells are removed, leaving only intact, viable fat cells. These cells are particularly rich in stem cells and growth factors, which further contribute to skin rejuvenation.

Step 3: Facial Injection
Using fine cannulas, the processed autologous fat is precisely injected into the desired areas of the face. We deposit many small fat deposits in various layers of tissue so that the fat cells receive an optimal blood supply and can grow. This technique requires experience and a delicate touch to achieve an even, natural-looking result.

Where does the treatment take place?
In our own certified operating rooms in Oberursel (Oberhöchstadter Str. 8). From preparation through treatment to the recovery room—everything under one roof.

Anesthesia – As Gentle as Possible

  • Local anesthesia: Local anesthesia while the patient is awake (often sufficient)
  • Twilight sleep (analgesic sedation): They sleep peacefully, feel nothing, and wake up feeling relaxed
  • Short-term anesthesia: For more extensive treatments or at your request


Our specialist in anesthesiology,
Dr. med. Livia Köhler, will personally assist you throughout your entire treatment.

Learn more about anesthesia

Aftercare & Recovery – What to Expect

The First 24 Hours: Cooling and Rest
You can go home immediately after the treatment. Gently cool the treated areas of your face with cold compresses for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Wear a compression bandage or compression garments over the harvest sites. Keep your head elevated and get plenty of rest. Mild swelling in your face and at the harvest sites is completely normal.

Days 2–7: Reducing swelling and showering
Starting on the second day, you may shower gently. The swelling in your face will subside, but may still be visible for 1 to 2 weeks. Minor bruising at the extraction sites will fade within 5 to 10 days. You can gently apply makeup again after 2 to 3 days. Avoid vigorous facial massages and extreme facial expressions.

Weeks 2–4: Socially Adapted and Mobile
Nach 1 bis 2 Wochen sind die meisten Patientinnen wieder gesellschaftsfähig. Die Schwellungen sind weitgehend abgeklungen, und das Gesicht sieht bereits deutlich aufgefrischt aus. Beachten Sie: Ein Teil der Fettzellen (ca. 30 %) wird in den ersten Wochen vom Körper abgebaut – das ist normal und bei der Behandlung bereits berücksichtigt.

Weeks 4–12: Fat Accumulates
In den ersten 3 Monaten wachsen die verbleibenden Fettzellen in das Gewebe ein. Sie werden mit Blutgefäßen versorgt und integrieren sich dauerhaft. Nach etwa 3 Monaten ist der Prozess abgeschlossen, und Sie sehen das endgültige Ergebnis. Etwa 70 % des injizierten Eigenfetts bleibt dauerhaft erhalten.

Sports, Sun, and Sauna: Take a 3–6-week break
Give your body at least 3 weeks off from intense exercise. You can start taking light walks sooner. You should avoid saunas, swimming pools, and direct sunlight for 4 to 6 weeks, as heat increases blood flow and can interfere with the growth of fat cells.

The final result after 3–6 months
The full final results of your autologous fat transfer treatment will be visible after 3 to 6 months—by then, all the fat cells will have taken hold, the healing process will be complete, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy your naturally rejuvenated face.

Potential Risks – We'll Be Open and Honest with You

As with any treatment, there are potential risks associated with lipofilling. We will discuss these with you in detail:

Common (temporary):

  • Swelling in the face and at the extraction sites (1–2 weeks)
  • Bruises (5–10 days)
  • Mild numbness (temporary)
  • Tightness


Rare:

  • Uneven fat distribution or asymmetries (correctable)
  • Teilweiser Abbau der Fettzellen (rund 30 % sind normal, mehr ist ungewöhnlich)
  • Small hardened areas or nodules (usually temporary)
  • Postoperative bleeding or infections


Very rare:

  • Cyst formation
  • Wound-healing disorders (increased risk among smokers)
  • Scar tissue formation at the extraction sites


Our experienced team minimizes these risks through precise techniques, careful patient selection, and close follow-up care. It is especially important that you consistently avoid nicotine before and after treatment.

Cost of Autologous Fat Transfer to the Face

The cost depends on the extent of the treatment, the amount of fat required, and the type of anesthesia chosen.

Performance Costs starting at
Lipofilling of a single area (e.g., tear trough) 1.800 €
Lipofilling of multiple areas 2.500 €
Lipofilling for Total Facial Rejuvenation 3.500 €
In addition: Anesthesia (twilight sleep) approx. 400–600 €
In addition: Anesthesia approx. 700–900 €

What's included in the price?

  • Comprehensive Initial Evaluation and Consultation
  • Liposuction
  • Processing of Autologous Fat
  • Treatment by experienced female specialists
  • Anesthesia services (included with local anesthesia)
  • Medications and Supplies
  • Compression garments for puncture sites
  • Follow-up examinations


Cash acquisition?
Facial lipofilling is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. Exception: In cases of scar correction following accidents or surgeries, coverage may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Alternatives & Combinations

Alternatives Without Natural Fat
Depending on the diagnosis, other treatments may also be helpful:

  • Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Immediate results, but must be repeated every 6–18 months
  • Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid): Stimulates the body's own collagen production; results develop over several months
  • PRP Therapy (Vampire Lift): Autologous blood with growth factors for skin rejuvenation
  • Thread Lift: A Gentle Facelift with Absorbable Threads


Useful Combinations
The results can often be improved with complementary treatments:

  • Facelift: Skin tightening combined with volume restoration using the patient's own fat
  • Eyelid Lift: Autologous fat can be injected into both the tear trough and the under-eye bags at the same time
  • Laser Therapy: Improvement in skin texture after healing
  • Botox: Smoothing of dynamic wrinkles (forehead, frown lines, crow's feet)
  • Liposuction: Harvesting larger amounts of fat for more extensive procedures


We provide honest, personalized advice—only what truly suits you and meets your needs.

Who is treating you?

Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more
Dr. med. Bianca Baican

Dr. med. Bianca Baican

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more
Dr. med. Livia Köhler

Dr. med. Livia Köhler

Specialist for anesthesia

Learn more
Dr. med. Christina Luther

Dr. med. Christina Luther

Specialist in Surgery and Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions About Lipofilling

How long does recovery take?

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. After 1 to 2 weeks, most patients are able to resume their normal social activities. Exercise is possible after 3 to 4 weeks. You will see the final results after 3 to 6 months, once all the fat cells have fully developed.

In most cases, local anesthesia or light sedation is sufficient. General anesthesia is used only for very extensive procedures or at your request.

Once fat cells have formed, they remain permanently—often for many years or even decades. However, they are subject to normal weight fluctuations: they can grow larger when you gain weight and shrink when you lose weight. The natural aging process continues, but at a significantly slower pace.

Etwa 70 % der injizierten Fettzellen wachsen dauerhaft an. Die restlichen rund 30 % werden in den ersten Wochen vom Körper abgebaut. Wir berücksichtigen dies bei der Behandlung und injizieren etwas mehr, um das gewünschte Endergebnis zu erreichen. In manchen Fällen ist eine zweite Sitzung sinnvoll.

During the procedure, you won’t feel anything because of the anesthesia. Afterward, you may feel a slight sensation of pressure at the extraction sites, similar to muscle soreness. On the face, most patients feel only a slight tightness. Pain relievers are rarely needed.

For an autologous fat transfer procedure, we need small fat deposits on the body. For very slim patients with a body fat percentage below 15%, it can be difficult to harvest enough fat. In this case, we discuss alternatives such as Hyaluronic Acid Fillers or Sculptra.

Yes, that’s actually common practice and makes sense. We harvest fat once and can inject it into several areas—the cheeks, temples, tear troughs, and lips. This allows us to achieve a harmonious overall look in just one session.

Nicotine constricts blood vessels and severely impairs blood flow. However, the transplanted fat cells need good blood flow to take root and survive. Smoking can cause significantly more fat cells to die, leading to disappointing results. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to quit smoking 6 weeks before and after the treatment.

Lipofilling – Gesichts­auffrischung mit Eigenfett in Frankfurt

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Details About Lipofilling

Duration of treatment: 1–2 hours

Type of anesthesia: Local, twilight sleep, or short-acting anesthesia

Hospitalization: Outpatient (no overnight stay)

Incapacity for work: 1–2 weeks (depending on the profession)

Sport: after 3–4 weeks

Socially Acceptable: after 1–2 weeks

Final result visible: after 3–6 months

Shelf life: Permanent (adipocytes that have grown into the tissue)

Growth rate: ca. 70 % der injizierten Fettzellen

Costs: starting at 1,800 €

Acquisition of a pharmacy: Only when medically indicated (e.g., scar correction)

Follow-up care included: Yes, all follow-up appointments

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