Clinical Overview of alloClae® in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Volumization
alloClae® represents a significant advancement in autologous-sparing soft tissue augmentation, offering more options for aesthetic body volumization and body contouring.
The real question is, how much does it cost?
This blog delineates the cost of alloclae as it applies to a variety of cosmetic volumization options. Clearly, the cost will differ if a patient simply wants a symmetry procedure, for example, after a BBL; or if they desire a volume procedure, for example, fat grafting to the breast of 500 or 600 cc.
The Cost of alloClae Depends on What It Is Used For
Therapeutic Indications and Clinical Applications
First let’s talk about what alloClae® is; this is a fat matrix product that is engineered for precise anatomical sculpting as a body filler; i.e. for the correction of structural volume deficits. Its primary indications include:
- Assymetry revisions: this is historically the most common use, and also the least costly. This involves the correction of post-surgical asymmetry or contour irregularities resulting from prior liposuction or Brazilian butt lift (BBL). For this indication it is typically much more cost effective than traditional lipo and fat transfer.
- Primary Volumization: This is becoming more popular and exciting as we are now able to provide enchanced projection in anatomic areas such as the breasts, buttocks, hip dips, and labia majora. For this utilization of the alloclae, it is definitely more expensive than typical lipo and fat transfer.
- Secondary Reconstructive Revision: Less commonly used is for post-breast cancer reconstruction but it still provides a robust option for some women. Others opt for standard lipo and fat transfer, which is typically covered by insurance.
For more on alloClae’s composition and the science/technology behind the product, visit our other blog post, “alloClae in Miami and West Palm Beach: Fat Matrix Injections for Hip Dips & Liquid BBL.“
alloClae Cost vs. Fat Transfer, Juvederm, Sculptra & Radiesse: Which Is More Affordable?
Comparative Analysis: Autologous Fat Transfer vs. Alloclae Fat Matrix Filling for High-Volume Augmentation
For large-scale soft fat grafting exceeding 100 cc per anatomical side—such BBLs—lipo and autologous fat transfer is definitely the gold standard and the most cost effective. The required lipo serves a bonus purpose, providing a ‘snatched’ waist while harvesting the necessary fat grafts. Of course, women with low BMI may not have enough fat and that is often a limiting factor.
The cost for this procedure performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility is typically around $10,000 to $15,000. The plastic surgeon can harvest up to 4000 cc per session and typically injections 300cc—1000cc per side. Clearly, this is very cost effective. However, it is classically accepted for 50% fat loss for BBLs with autologous fat grafting.
In contradistinction, the average cost of 100 cc of alloclae is $13,000 to $18,000, although sometimes the company does offer discounts and/or rebates. Thus, for a woman who wants a high-volume alloclae BBL, the cost could be very high.
Alloclae Fat Matrix Filling for Low-Volume Asymmetry Corrections / Low-Volume Augmentation vs. Autologous Fat Transfer
If a woman only needs 25 cc or 50 cc or 75 cc of fat for low-volume augmentation—typically for revisions or asymmetry procedures—then alloclae may be much more cost effective. This is classically a unilateral hip dip after a BBL, contour irregularity on the abdomen after lipo, or simply native hip dips where a woman just wants a slightly more rounded, hourglass shape. Alloclae injections are also extremely effective for targeting low-volume enhancements such as labia majora augmentation. The other common use of low-volume alloclae is post-breast augmentation to smooth out wrinkles that are classically seen in the upper pole. This not only alleviates the contour irregularities and hides the implant shadow, but provides additionally superior pole fullness and medial cleavage, if desired.
In these situations, described above, the cost may be between $6,000 and $10,000 for the alloclae, which makes it much more cost-effective than liposuction.
Alloclae Fat Matrix Filling for Low-Volume Asymmetry Corrections / Low-Volume Augmentation vs. Sculptra / Juvederm / Radiesse
First of all, none of these products are long-term volumizers. Sculptra and Radiesse are biostimulators. They are not volumizers. They typically will cost $8000-$12,000, but the reality is that they simply do not work as volumizers. Juvederm is a great volumizer, but one CC is $800-$1000. Thus, 100 cc of Juvederm is at least $80,000. When you compare the cost of these products to alloclae at 100 cc, the cost is $150-$300 per cc. Alloclae wins, hands down, when it comes to cost, on a per CC basis, compared to any other FDA approved fillers.
For more info on pricing comparison between body fillers and how alloClae is more cost-effective than Leneva or Lipoderma, visit our other blog post, “Fat Transfer vs. Body Fillers Like alloClae, Leneva, or Renuva: Which Is Better?“
What Is the Cost Advantage For alloclae Injections When Considering Anesthesia
Another factor to consider is the ambulatory convenience of having the alloclae fat matrix performed in-office under local anesthetic (or oral sedation). The cost of simply walking into a surgery center is prohibitive, especially with all the excessive costs of general anesthesia. For point of reference—at an accredited surgical center, 2-3 hours of general anesthesia can be upwards of $5,000-$8,000. Thus, alloclae may actually be more cost-effective in many more situations, when considering the other ancillary costs.
What Is the Cost Advantage For alloclae Injections When Considering Post-Operative Recovery
Not only does classic lipo cost more per hour in terms of general anesthesia, one has to consider all the post-op costs. First of all, general anesthesia requires at least 24-72 hours off work, so there is the lost revenue in that regard from the patient’s paycheck. Alloclae doesn’t require any time off work; you can return to work the next day. Second of all, postoperative lipo garments can cost $200 each and the patient typically needs several compression garments during the postop period. Alloclae doesn’t require any compression garments. Then there is cost of the lipo massages, which typically range from $75-100 per session; the surgeon often requires 10 or more, which thus incurs more cost by approximately $1,000. Alloclae doesn’t require any lipo massages. Finally, there is the cost of medications. Unlike alloclae, lipo is typically a painful procedure and requires multiple days of muscle relaxants, pain killers, and other medications postop. Patients have to consider the costs of their insurance copay and/or cash payments out of pocket if they don’t want their insurance company to know that they are having cosmetic surgery.
Additional Cost Advantages of alloclae
Mechanism of Action and Clinical Considerations
Traditional lipo-harvesting may cause micro-trauma that can reduce the viability of the harvested fat. This may explain the unpredictable survival rates (30% to 70%) historically associated with classic fat transfer. It is not uncommon for women to undergo 2nd or 3rd staged BBLs—so when you add up the cost of three BBLs—you may easily exceed $30,000. For example, if you assume about 30-70% resorption for liposuctioned fat (vs. close to 80% retention with alloClae), you might need around 250cc of liposuctioned fat to achieve a certain result versus roughly 75–100cc of alloClae to reach a similar outcome. Again, alloclae is appealing as a cost-effective alternative.
The other factor to consider is that there are many, many complications of standard lipo—and many of them are fixed with alloclae! That isn’t to say that alloclae doesn’t have potential downsides, and one should always read the full informed consent, but overall alloclae is probably more cost effective in the long run for a good portion of patients.
Clinical Experience & Provider Education
Marquis Plastic Surgery was among the first practices in Florida to adopt and integrate the alloClae® matrix into their clinical portfolio. Our surgical practice has been at the forefront of injecting alloclae for almost 2 years. Dr. Arthur Desrosiers has more experience injecting alloclae into the breasts, buttocks, hip dips, and labia majora, then most other plastic surgeons in Florida. Although some other plastic surgeons consider ‘high-volume’ alloclae injections to be 75 or 100 cc, @DrArthurMiami is one of the few aesthetic injectors that has performed truly high volume injections—i.e. up to 600 cc of alloclae in one patient in one day.
As a result, we have consistently been evaluating and refining protocols for this fat matrix injection. Having directed peer-to-peer clinical training on precise techniques, our team has established optimized parameters to ensure predictable tissue integration, minimize side effects, and maximize structural longevity. Dr. Arthur is well-known for bridging the gap between non-invasive medspa modalities and open cosmetic surgery—i.e. he doesn’t only recommend alloclae for all patients. For example, he also performs Miami Thong Lifts as indicated. For more info on a surgical buttocks lift, check out our Gluteoplasty page.
What Volume of alloClae Can Be Injected Per Session?
The appropriate volume depends on the area being treated, the patient’s anatomy, and the desired result.
In our experience, most patients tolerate approximately 100–200 cc per treatment session comfortably under local anesthesia. When larger volumes are desired, some patients prefer IV sedation to remain comfortable during the procedure.
Can alloClae Be Used In The Face?
No, alloClae is not for facial injection.
The current formulation contains a lubricating oil that is designed for body applications. For this reason, the manufacturer does not recommend using alloClae in the face. Research is ongoing to develop a formulation specifically designed for facial use, but until such a product becomes available, alloClae should not be injected in the face.
For patients interested in off-the-shelf options for facial fat grafting, products such as Lipoderma may be considered. You can read more about Lipoderma by visiting our alloclae post.
Consultation for alloClae Treatment
alloClae is a relatively new technology, and experience with the product and injection technique matters.
During your consultation, Dr Arthur will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether alloClae is the best approach for your situation.
If you are interested in alloClae body contouring or breast volume enhancement, we invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options. Please contact our clinic to schedule a consultation or call 305-403-2922, or email us at concierge@ArthurMD.com.
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