alloClae Body Contouring in Chicago
Natural volume. No surgery. No general anesthesia. Real tissue, not filler.
Performed by Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS, FAACS, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon, at Chicago Breast and Body Aesthetics.
"I already have a shape. I want it to show more."
Medically reviewed for accuracy.
At a Glance
alloClae Quick Facts
Treatment Type
Non-surgical injectable
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia
Treatment Time
1 to 2 hours
Recovery
Minimal, 1 to 2 weeks swelling
Results Timeline
3 to 6 months as tissue integrates
Treatment Areas
Hip dips, buttocks, breasts, contour correction
Understanding the Treatment
What Is alloClae?
alloClae is a non-surgical injectable body contouring treatment that uses processed allograft adipose tissue to restore or add natural volume to targeted areas of the body. Unlike liposuction, which removes fat, alloClae adds it, without surgery or general anesthesia. It is an FDA-regulated human tissue product, not a dermal filler or a drug. As a leading provider of alloClae body contouring in Chicago, our board-certified surgeons have the training and body contouring expertise to deliver precise, natural-looking results.
How Allograft Tissue Works
The word "allograft" means tissue transferred from a donor to a recipient. This is not new science. Allograft tissue has been used safely in medicine for decades: orthopedic surgeons use it to reconstruct torn ACLs, dentists use donor bone grafts to support dental implants, and burn specialists use donor skin grafts to help patients heal.
alloClae applies the same tissue banking technology to body contouring. Donor adipose (fat) tissue is carefully screened, processed, and sterilized through protocols regulated by the FDA and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). The processing removes cellular material while preserving the tissue's natural structure, so your body can recognize and integrate it as its own.
Because alloClae is real human tissue, it behaves differently than synthetic fillers. Rather than sitting as a foreign material, the processed tissue is designed to integrate with your own, supporting natural volume that can develop and settle over the months following treatment.
Candidacy
Who Should Consider alloClae?
You May Be a Good Candidate If You:
- Want to add volume to your hips, buttocks, or breasts but lack sufficient donor fat for a traditional fat transfer
- Want buttock or hip enhancement without the surgery and recovery of a Brazilian butt lift
- Prefer a non-surgical option with minimal downtime
- Want modest, natural-looking results that develop gradually
- Are looking for contour correction after a prior procedure left irregularities or asymmetry
- Are at or near a stable weight and in overall good health
You May Want to Consider Alternatives If You:
- Have sufficient donor fat and are open to surgery. A Brazilian butt lift or autologous fat transfer may offer more dramatic, longer-lasting results for patients with adequate fat to harvest.
- Want very large-volume augmentation. alloClae is designed for targeted contouring, not dramatic size changes. Implants or surgical fat transfer may be more appropriate for patients seeking a significant increase.
- Expect significant results from a single session. Some patients need more than one treatment to reach their goals, and results develop gradually over months.
- Have certain autoimmune conditions or healing concerns. Your surgeon will review your full medical history during your consultation.
Setting Expectations
What alloClae Can and Can't Do
What alloClae Can Help With:
- Adding natural volume to hip dips for a smoother silhouette
- Enhancing buttock shape and projection without surgery
- Providing a modest, natural-looking increase in breast volume without implants
- Correcting contour irregularities or symmetry concerns from prior procedures
- Improving body proportions in patients who lack sufficient donor fat for surgical fat transfer
- Offering a non-surgical option with minimal downtime compared to a BBL or implant surgery
What alloClae Typically Cannot Do on Its Own:
- Replace a Brazilian butt lift for patients wanting large-volume buttock augmentation
- Produce results equivalent to breast implants for patients wanting a significant size increase
- Guarantee permanent results. Longevity varies by patient, treatment area, and volume
- Address skin laxity, loose skin, or cellulite (these may require separate treatments)
- Deliver final results immediately. Tissue integration develops over 3 to 6 months
Why Choose This Treatment
Benefits of Choosing alloClae
If you have been told you do not have enough fat for a transfer, or you want meaningful results without the recovery of surgery, alloClae was designed for exactly your situation.
-
No Surgery Required
alloClae is an injectable treatment. No incisions, no general anesthesia, no operating room. -
Minimal Downtime
Most patients return to daily activities within a few days. No compression garments, no surgical drains, no weeks of restricted movement. -
No Donor Fat Needed
Unlike a BBL or fat transfer, alloClae does not require liposuction to harvest your own fat. This makes it an option for patients who are naturally lean or who do not have sufficient fat stores. -
Real Tissue, Not Synthetic Filler
alloClae is processed human adipose tissue, not a hyaluronic acid filler or a synthetic implant. It is designed to integrate with your body's own tissue. -
Natural-Looking Results
Because the tissue integrates gradually, results develop over weeks and months, producing volume that looks and feels natural. -
Targeted Precision
Your surgeon can place alloClae in specific areas to improve contour, correct asymmetry, or add shape exactly where it is needed. -
Office-Based Procedure
Treatments are performed in-office under local anesthesia. No hospital stay, no overnight recovery. -
Versatile Treatment Areas
alloClae can be used for hip dips, buttock enhancement, breast augmentation, and contour correction, all in a single office visit.
How Long Do Results Last?
Because alloClae is a relatively new treatment in the body contouring space, long-term longevity data is still developing. In our clinical experience, successfully integrated tissue can provide lasting volume, but individual results vary based on the treatment area, volume placed, your body's integration response, and lifestyle factors. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations for your specific goals during your consultation.
The Procedure
How alloClae Works
01
Consultation and Planning
Your surgeon evaluates your anatomy, discusses your goals, and determines the treatment areas and estimated volume needed. Photographs and measurements guide the treatment plan.
02
Preparation
On the day of your treatment, the area is cleaned and local anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort. The alloClae tissue product is prepared according to manufacturer protocols.
03
Injection
Using specialized cannulas, your surgeon precisely places the processed tissue into the targeted area. Placement technique matters: your surgeon controls depth, distribution, and layering to create smooth, natural volume.
04
Post-Treatment
The area may be lightly dressed. You will receive aftercare instructions and can typically leave the office within 30 minutes of completing the procedure.
How We Figure Out What You Need
Not every patient needs the same approach, and alloClae is not always the right first step. During your consultation, Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin will assess three things:
Your anatomy. Where do you want more volume or better shape? How much tissue is needed to reach your goal? Some areas (hip dips, for example) may need less volume than buttock augmentation.
Your donor fat availability. If you have sufficient donor fat and are open to surgery, a traditional fat transfer or BBL may produce more dramatic, longer-lasting results. alloClae is most valuable when autologous fat is not available or when you prefer to avoid surgery.
Your expectations and timeline. alloClae results develop gradually over 3 to 6 months. If you are looking for immediate, dramatic change, a surgical option may be a better fit. If you want a non-surgical approach with natural-looking results that build over time, alloClae may be exactly right.
This is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The consultation exists to make sure we are recommending the right procedure, not the one you came in asking about. Your consultation includes a detailed anatomy evaluation, volume planning, and a personalized treatment recommendation you will not find anywhere online.
Not sure if you are a candidate? Start with a virtual consultation to discuss your goals before committing to an in-person visit.
Where It Works
Treatment Areas
Hip Dip Correction
Many patients describe hip dips as the one area that never responds to exercise, and they are right. The concavity between the hip bone and upper thigh (sometimes called "violin hips") is caused by bone structure, not body fat. alloClae hip dip correction adds volume to this area to create a smoother transition from waist to thigh and a more continuous silhouette.
Buttock Enhancement
A BBL is not the only option. For patients who want to add volume and projection to the buttocks without surgery, alloClae can enhance shape and fullness without liposuction, general anesthesia, or the extended recovery that comes with surgical fat transfer. Results are more subtle than a BBL, which makes it a better fit for patients wanting a modest, natural enhancement.
Breast Augmentation
alloClae breast augmentation can provide a modest, natural-looking increase in breast volume without implants or surgery. This may appeal to patients who want a subtle size increase, want to avoid implant-related concerns, or are looking for a non-surgical option. The volume increase is typically modest (equivalent to approximately half a cup size or less per session), so patients wanting a significant size change may be better served by implants or surgical fat transfer to breasts.
Contour Correction
Previous procedures do not always leave a smooth result. alloClae can refine and smooth contours for patients with irregularities from prior liposuction, fat transfer, or other body contouring, as well as those with natural symmetry concerns or localized volume loss.
Compare Your Options
How alloClae Compares to Other Options
Patients often ask how alloClae compares to a Brazilian butt lift, fat transfer, or implants. When comparing alloClae vs. BBL, the key difference is that alloClae requires no surgery, no general anesthesia, and no donor fat. For patients considering other injectable options, we also offer Sculptra buttock injections as another non-surgical approach. This comparison can help you understand the differences, but the right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, and preferences.
| alloClae | Traditional Fat Transfer (BBL) | Implants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery Required | No | Yes | Yes |
| Anesthesia | Local | General | General |
| Incisions | None (injectable) | Yes (liposuction + injection sites) | Yes (implant pocket) |
| Recovery Time | Minimal (a few days) | 2 to 4 weeks | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Donor Fat Needed | No | Yes (requires sufficient fat stores) | No |
| Tissue Type | Processed allograft adipose tissue | Your own fat | Silicone or other synthetic material |
| Natural Tissue | Yes | Yes | No |
| Longevity | Developing data; may vary | Long-lasting with some resorption | Long-lasting; may require revision |
| Ideal For | Patients without sufficient donor fat, those wanting non-surgical option, targeted contouring | Patients with adequate donor fat wanting significant volume | Patients wanting significant, predictable volume increase |
| Volume Potential | Moderate (targeted) | Significant | Significant |
Individual results may vary. The right option depends on your anatomy and goals. Your surgeon will help you decide during your consultation.
Addressing Your Questions
Common Concerns About alloClae
These are the six questions that come up in nearly every alloClae consultation. We answer them the same way in person as we do here.
01
"Is It Safe to Use Donor Tissue for Body Contouring?"
Allograft tissue has been used in medicine for decades. Orthopedic surgeons use donor tissue to reconstruct ACLs. Dentists use donor bone grafts for dental implants. Burn specialists use donor skin grafts to help patients heal. alloClae applies the same well-established tissue banking science to body contouring. The tissue is rigorously screened, processed, and sterilized under FDA regulation and AATB standards. Your body recognizes it as natural tissue because it is.
02
"Why Is alloClae So Expensive?"
The cost of alloClae reflects the regulated process behind it: donor screening, tissue processing, sterilization, quality testing, and cold-chain storage. It is not comparable in cost to dermal fillers or off-the-shelf injectables because it is not the same product category. The tissue is processed through the same regulated pipeline used for surgical bone grafts and ACL reconstruction grafts. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the volume needed for your specific goals and provide a clear cost estimate.
03
"Will It Look Natural or Will People Be Able to Tell?"
alloClae is designed to integrate with your own tissue, which means results develop gradually over weeks and months rather than appearing overnight. The volume builds naturally as the tissue integrates, which typically produces results that look and feel like your own body. Natural but noticeable is exactly the goal.
04
"How Is This Different from Filler?"
Dermal fillers are synthetic gels (typically hyaluronic acid) designed primarily for facial use. alloClae is processed human adipose tissue designed for body contouring. The tissue structure, regulatory classification, integration mechanism, and intended use are all different. alloClae is regulated as a human tissue product, not as a drug. Unlike fillers that may require repeat treatments every 6 to 12 months, alloClae is designed as a lasting treatment.
05
"Are There Many Surgeons Who Offer This?"
alloClae is a newer treatment and not widely available. The number of surgeons trained and experienced in alloClae placement is still relatively small. At Chicago Breast and Body, both Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin perform alloClae treatments, giving you access to two board-certified surgeons with body contouring expertise. This dual-surgeon team means you benefit from shared clinical experience and collaborative treatment planning.
06
"What If My Body Doesn't Accept the Tissue?"
Tissue non-integration is uncommon but possible. Because the processing removes cellular material that could trigger rejection, the treated tissue is designed to be well-tolerated. In rare cases, the body may not fully integrate all of the placed volume, which can result in less lasting volume than expected. Your surgeon will discuss this possibility and what it could mean for your results during your consultation.
Recovery
Recovery and What to Expect
Day 0 to 1
Mild soreness, swelling, and possible bruising at the treatment site. Most patients manage comfort with over-the-counter medication. You can return home the same day.
Days 2 to 3
Swelling typically peaks. The treated area may feel firm or slightly swollen. Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities.
Week 1
Bruising begins to fade. Swelling starts to improve. Avoid strenuous exercise and direct pressure on the treated area.
Weeks 2 to 4
Most visible swelling resolves. You may begin to see early contouring results, though the tissue is still integrating. Your surgeon will clear you for gradual return to exercise.
Months 1 to 3
Tissue integration progresses. Volume and shape continue to develop and refine. Results become more visible as swelling fully resolves.
Months 3 to 6
Final results typically emerge during this window. The integrated tissue settles into its natural position and the treated area should look and feel like your own body.
Every patient's recovery is slightly different. Swelling is not linear; some days will look better than others. Trust the timeline your surgeon gives you and attend your follow-up appointments.
Safety Information
Risks and Safety
Every medical procedure carries some level of risk. alloClae is minimally invasive, but you should understand the potential side effects before making a decision.
Common and Expected
- Swelling at the treatment site (typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks)
- Bruising (typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks)
- Mild soreness or tenderness for several days
- Temporary firmness in the treated area
- Minor asymmetry during the healing process (may self-correct as swelling resolves)
Less Common
- Infection at the injection site (rare; managed with antibiotics if it occurs)
- Tissue non-integration, where the body does not fully incorporate all placed volume (rare)
- Persistent asymmetry that may require a follow-up treatment
- Prolonged swelling beyond the typical timeline
- Nodule or lump formation (rare; may resolve on its own or require intervention)
Related Procedures
Procedures That Complement alloClae
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
For patients with sufficient donor fat who want significant buttock augmentation, a BBL uses your own fat harvested through liposuction. Some patients may benefit from alloClae as a touch-up or refinement after a BBL.
Learn about BBL →
Breast Augmentation
If you want a significant increase in breast volume, implant-based breast augmentation may be a better fit. alloClae can provide a modest, non-surgical volume increase, while implants offer more predictable, larger-volume results.
Learn about breast augmentation →
Fat Transfer to Breasts
For patients who want a natural breast volume increase and have sufficient donor fat, autologous fat transfer may offer longer-lasting results than alloClae alone.
Learn about fat transfer →
Liposuction
Some patients seeking body contouring want to reduce volume in one area and add it in another. Liposuction can address stubborn fat deposits, and alloClae can add volume where it is needed, even if the harvested fat from lipo is not being used for transfer.
Learn about liposuction →
Not every combination is appropriate, and not every patient needs more than one procedure. During your consultation, your surgeon will recommend whether combining treatments makes sense for your goals, or whether spacing them out would produce better results. The right order matters.
Investment
How Much Does alloClae Cost?
Your alloClae cost depends on several factors. Because alloClae is a specialized tissue product with regulated processing, the investment is higher than dermal fillers but typically lower than surgical body contouring procedures like a BBL. Unlike fillers that require repeat treatments every 6 to 12 months to maintain results, alloClae is designed as a lasting treatment, which can change the long-term value calculation.
Treatment Area
Hip dips, buttocks, breasts, and contour correction each require different volumes and techniques.
Volume Needed
The amount of alloClae tissue required depends on the size of the treatment area and your goals. Larger areas or more significant volume goals require more product.
Number of Sessions
Some patients achieve their goals in a single treatment. Others may benefit from a second session to add additional volume or refine results after the initial tissue has integrated.
Surgeon Expertise
alloClae placement requires specialized training and experience in body contouring. The cost reflects the expertise of board-certified surgeons performing a precise, technique-dependent procedure.
Financing Options
We offer financing options through CareCredit and Cherry for qualified applicants. Monthly payment plans can make alloClae more accessible. Ask about financing during your consultation.
Request a personalized cost estimate during your consultation. We provide a detailed breakdown so you know exactly what is included before making any decisions.
alloClae is an elective cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance.
Your Surgeons
Why Choose Chicago Breast and Body for alloClae?
alloClae is a technique-dependent treatment. The product matters, but who places it matters more. At Chicago Breast and Body, alloClae treatments are performed by two board-certified surgeons with deep expertise in body contouring.
Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong
MD, FACS, FAACS
Triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Recognized leader in body contouring, breast surgery, and Brazilian butt lifts. Named a Consumer's Research Council top surgeon, one of Chicago's Top 10 Surgeons, and a member of the Dr. Miami Squad.
Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin
MD, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Board-certified plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with a focus on body contouring, breast surgery, and natural results. Member of the Dr. Miami Squad. Specializes in technique-driven procedures that prioritize proportional, natural-looking outcomes.
Having two experienced body contouring surgeons on staff means collaborative treatment planning, shared clinical experience, and a team that has performed thousands of contouring procedures across surgical and non-surgical approaches.
Chicago Breast and Body is located at 310 W. Superior St., Ste. 202, in Chicago's River North neighborhood. We see patients from all over the country, and approximately 40% of our patients travel to Chicago for their procedures. Virtual consultations and virtual follow-ups make it possible for non-local patients to receive the same level of care.
Expert Perspective
What Our Surgeons Want You to Know
"The most important part of an alloClae consultation is determining whether it is the right tool for your goal. Some patients come in asking for alloClae specifically, but their anatomy and goals would be better served by a fat transfer or a BBL. We would rather recommend the right procedure than perform the one a patient saw on social media. When alloClae is the right fit, it can produce natural volume that integrates with your own tissue, and that is a meaningful option for patients who do not have the donor fat for a traditional transfer."
Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS, FAACS
"alloClae fills a real gap for patients who want body contouring but are not candidates for surgical fat transfer. The key is understanding what it can realistically do. It is designed for targeted volume and contouring, not for dramatic change. Patients who come in with that understanding tend to be very satisfied with their results. Patients who expect BBL-level results from a non-surgical treatment need a different conversation."
Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin, MD
These insights reflect the clinical perspectives of Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin. Individual treatment recommendations are made during a one-on-one consultation based on your anatomy and goals.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About alloClae
alloClae is an FDA-regulated human tissue product, not a drug or medical device. It is processed and distributed under FDA regulations governing human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps). This is the same regulatory framework that governs bone grafts, skin grafts, and other allograft tissues used in surgery. It is sourced from AATB-accredited tissue banks with documented screening and processing standards.
The treatment is performed under local anesthesia, so most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. You may feel pressure or mild sensation during injection, but pain is typically well-managed. After the procedure, mild soreness is common for a few days and can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.
Most alloClae treatments take 1 to 2 hours depending on the treatment area and volume being placed. The procedure is performed in-office, and most patients leave within 30 minutes of completing their treatment.
Some patients achieve their goals in a single session. Others may benefit from a second treatment after the initial tissue has integrated (typically 3 to 6 months later) to add more volume or refine results. Your surgeon will discuss a realistic treatment plan during your consultation.
Results can last several years once the tissue fully integrates. Long-term longevity varies by individual, treatment area, and the body's natural tissue remodeling process. Long-term longevity data for alloClae in body contouring is still developing. Factors that can affect longevity include the volume placed, your body's integration response, and weight fluctuations. Your surgeon can discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
For patients wanting modest, targeted buttock enhancement and who lack sufficient donor fat, alloClae can be a meaningful alternative to a BBL. However, it typically cannot match the volume and projection that a surgical BBL produces. If you have sufficient donor fat and want significant augmentation, a BBL may be the better option. Your surgeon will help you determine which approach fits your goals.
No. Dermal fillers are synthetic gels (typically hyaluronic acid) designed primarily for facial use. alloClae is processed human adipose tissue designed for body contouring. The tissue structure, regulatory classification, integration mechanism, and intended use are all different. alloClae is regulated as a human tissue product, not as a drug.
Recovery is minimal compared to surgical body contouring. Most patients return to daily activities within 2 to 3 days. Swelling and bruising are common in the first 1 to 2 weeks and resolve gradually. Strenuous exercise is typically restricted for about 2 weeks. There are no compression garments, no surgical drains, and no extended sitting or sleeping restrictions.
All alloClae tissue is sourced from AATB-accredited tissue banks. Donors undergo comprehensive medical and social history screening, serological testing for infectious diseases, and physical assessment. The tissue is then processed and sterilized using validated protocols. This is the same screening standard applied to bone grafts, tendon grafts, and other allograft tissues used in hospitals every day.
During your consultation, your surgeon will share before-and-after images matched to your specific treatment area, body type, and goals. You can also browse our patient gallery for examples of body contouring results. Because alloClae is newer, the gallery is growing, but your surgeon can walk you through cases most relevant to your situation. Individual results may vary.
Take the Next Step
Schedule Your alloClae Consultation
Meet with Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin to discuss your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and find out if alloClae is right for you. No pressure. A clear, honest conversation about your options.
Prefer to start with a phone call? Call or text: (872) 295-6878
Ready?
Find Out If alloClae Is Right for You
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin to discuss your goals, evaluate your anatomy, and determine whether alloClae body contouring is the right approach. No pressure, no commitment. A clear, honest conversation about your options.
Prefer to start with a phone call? Call or text: (872) 295-6878
Chicago Breast and Body Aesthetics
310 W. Superior St., Ste. 202
Chicago, Illinois 60654
310 W. Superior St., Ste. 202
Chicago, Illinois 60654
Medically reviewed for accuracy.
Individual results may vary. alloClae body contouring is an elective cosmetic procedure. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified, board-certified surgeon. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.