Preservé™ is a breast augmentation technique that uses specialized instruments to create space for a Motiva® breast implant. The technique is designed to minimize disruption to surrounding breast tissue, allow for a smaller incision, and an easier recovery.
Depending on your anatomy, Preservé™ may allow Dr. Yates to position the implant higher on the chest than he would with a traditional approach. That placement can help create the shape and upper breast fullness you want with a smaller implant.
At your consultation in Layton, Utah, near Salt Lake City, Dr. York Yates can explain how Preservé™ compares with other breast augmentation techniques and which implant size and placement fit your goals.
How is the Preserve method different than traditional breast augmentation?
Both Preservé™ and traditional breast augmentation share the same goal. The surgeon creates a pocket that fits the chosen breast implant and holds it in the planned position while minimizing unnecessary disruption to surrounding tissue. The main difference is how the surgeon creates the pocket.
Traditional breast augmentation. The surgeon creates and shapes the implant pocket under direct vision, often using a lighted retractor to see clearly through a small incision.
Preservé™ breast augmentation. The surgeon uses specialized Motiva® instruments and a balloon to gently expand the tissue and create the implant pocket. This approach is designed to limit disruption to surrounding breast tissue.
Once the pocket is ready, the surgeon places the breast implant through the incision with either technique.
How is the Preservé™ procedure accomplished?
Preservé breast augmentation uses three steps to create the implant pocket and place the breast implant through a small incision.
1. Create a narrow tunnel. The Motiva Channel Separator creates a narrow path for the inflatable device.
2. Create the implant pocket. The Motiva Inflatable Ballon is inflated to create an implant pocket in precisely the desired position.
3. Place the breast implant. An insertion sleeve is used to place the implant through this narrow channel. The implant type is most commonly a Motiva Ergonomix, selected for its low risk of rippling, contracture, and softness and flexibility for insertion.
What are the benefits of the Preservé™ over traditional augmentation?
Since incorporating Preservé™ breast augmentation into my practice, I’ve seen what I hoped the technique would offer: a higher, more stable implant position in well-selected patients and an easier recovery. My patients have been very happy with their results and their recovery experience.
- Higher, more stable implant position. In patients whose anatomy is suited to Preservé™, I’ve been able to position the implant higher and preserve more of the supporting tissue beneath the breast. I’ve been pleased with how well the implants have held their position in follow-up.
- Easier recovery. Preservé™ uses a balloon to gently expand the tissue and create the implant pocket. Although modern breast augmentation doesn’t often have a difficult recovery, in my experience, patients recover even more easily with this approach.
- Small incision. The specialized instruments and flexible Motiva® implant are designed to pass through a small opening, which can help keep the scar short.
At your consultation, we’ll discuss whether Preservé™ is a good fit for your anatomy, the shape you want, and your recovery goals.
What are limitations of the Preservé™ method?
Preservé™ can only be used with ‘over the muscle (OTM) implants. If your anatomy calls for more implant coverage or support, traditional breast augmentation allows the option to place the implant beneath the fascia (the thin layer over the chest muscle) or beneath the muscle (dual plane or ‘under the muscle’ (UTM). Preservé™ also uses single-use instruments that add to the cost of surgery.
The Preservé technique is designed for smaller implants and patients who desire large implants are not candidates for this procedure. However, because the implants are often positioned higher and above the muscle, smaller implants give bigger results than they would in the submuscular position.
A consultation can help determine which approach offers the implant placement and tissue coverage best suited to your anatomy and goals.
Is Dr. Yates offering the Preservé™ method?
Preservé™ has become a preferred breast augmentation technique in Dr. York Yates’s practice for patients whose anatomy and goals suit the approach. He’s been pleased with the higher implant position he can achieve and how well the implants have held their position at follow-up. Many of his patients have had an easier recovery, and he’s seen high patient satisfaction with both the results and the recovery experience.
Dr. Yates recommends Preservé™ with confidence when it offers the shape and implant placement a patient wants. Traditional breast augmentation remains an option when the surgical plan calls for larger implants or additional tissue coverage.
How do I decide if Preserve is right for me?
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with different breast augmentation techniques and can explain which options fit your anatomy and goals. Your natural breast shape, chest proportions, and existing breast tissue all help guide decisions about implant size and placement.
Dr. York Yates has been in practice for nearly 25 years and focuses on cosmetic breast and body surgery. At your consultation in Layton, Utah, near Salt Lake City, he’ll explain what you can realistically expect and walk you through options such as Preservé™ and traditional breast augmentation.
Schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Yates to discuss a plan tailored to you.