Preservé™ by Motiva is a next-gen breast augmentation technique that emphasizes the preservation of tissue, sensation, and natural movement. It utilizes a minimally invasive approach to reduce downtime and disruption to the breast's anatomy.

Advancing Breast Augmentation

At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, we believe that innovation should never be adopted merely for novelty; it must lead to significant improvements in patient safety, comfort, and outcomes.

Board-certified surgeons Dr. Douglas L. Forman and Dr. Kathy Huang offer Preservé™ as part of our commitment to advancing breast surgery through evidence-based practice. With decades of combined experience in aesthetic and reconstructive breast procedures, along with leadership roles in hospitals and national recognition for excellence, they carefully select techniques that align with this philosophy.

What Is Preservé™?

Preservé™ is a minimally invasive breast augmentation technique developed to reshape the breast while conserving its intrinsic tissues, ligaments, and sensation.

Unlike traditional augmentation methods that rely on more extensive dissection, Preservé™ uses controlled tissue elongation rather than tissue disruption.

The procedure incorporates the following specialized tools and techniques to create a breast pocket:

A blunt tunneling instrument separates tissues with minimal trauma
A temporary inflatable balloon carefully elongates tissues to form a stable, three-dimensional implant space
A no-touch insertion sleeve allows implant placement through a smaller incision

This approach reduces inflammation and allows the breast tissues to nest around the implant, creating a softer, more natural look and feel.

Scientific studies on implant surface technology and tissue response demonstrate that smoother, low-inflammatory surfaces are associated with reduced foreign-body response and favorable tissue integration over time.

Implant Technology Used with Preservé™

Preservé™ is commonly paired with Motiva® SmoothSilk® Ergonomix2® implants, which adapt to movement and posture while maintaining softness and shape. Additionally, Zen® RFID technology allows non-invasive implant identification and is compatible with standard breast imaging, including MRI.

Preservé™ Benefits

Greater predictability in implant positioning through controlled pocket formation
Support of long-term breast shape by maintaining native ligament support
Reduced internal scarring compared to traditional dissection-based techniques
Improved comfort during early healing for many patients
Aesthetic results that evolve naturally as tissues settle and adapt
Smaller internal surgical footprint, which may support future breast health and imaging
Designed to lower device-related complication rates in early clinical data
A thoughtful option for patients seeking a modern approach grounded in anatomy and biomechanics

Why Choose the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington?

Beyond our surgeons’ experience with advanced breast techniques, PSIW offers a level of infrastructure and oversight that supports safety and precision at every stage:

Fully accredited outpatient surgery center and hospital-based options
Board-certified anesthesiologists overseeing all anesthesia care
Leadership roles in hospital surgery departments and medical societies
Decades-long reputation for ethical, patient-first care
Recognition by Washingtonian, Castle Connolly, U.S. News & World Report, and Bethesda Magazine
A discreet, private environment designed for comfort and confidence

Every procedure is performed with the same guiding principle: do only what serves the patient’s long-term well-being and aesthetic goals.

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What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation and Cost
- Dr. Forman or Dr. Huang will carefully evaluate your medical history, breast tissue characteristics, skin quality, and long-term goals to determine whether Preservé™ and Motiva® implants are the safest and most effective choice for you
- Pricing is tailored to your implant selection, surgical setting, and personalized treatment plan
Procedure
- Careful creation of a tissue-preserving tunnel
- Controlled tissue elongation to form a stable implant pocket
- No-touch insertion of the implant through a small incision
Recovery and Results
- Most patients resume light daily activities within days
- Swelling and tightness gradually subside over several weeks
- Results continue to soften and settle over time
- Final outcomes reflect natural movement and breast harmony
Alternative or Related Procedures
- Traditional breast augmentation
- Breast augmentation with lift
- Fat transfer breast augmentation
- Breast revision surgery

FAQs

How is Preservé™ different from traditional "minimal scar" breast augmentation?

Preservé™ is not simply about incision size. It represents a shift in how the breast pocket is created by favoring controlled tissue elongation rather than cutting or extensive separation. This distinction is important because it influences healing behavior, internal scarring patterns, and long-term implant support, not just the external scar.

Will Preservé™ limit my implant size options?

Preservé™ is designed to support a natural, proportional result. While a wide range of implant sizes may be possible, extreme volume increases may not be appropriate for this technique. During your consultation, your surgeon will help determine implant dimensions that align with your anatomy, tissue characteristics, and aesthetic goals.

Can Preservé™ be combined with other breast procedures?

In select cases, Preservé™ may be combined with other procedures, such as a breast lift or revision surgery. However, because Preservé™ relies on preserved tissue integrity, not all combination approaches are suitable. This is evaluated carefully on an individual basis.

How long do Preservé™ results last?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, regardless of the technique used. That said, Preservé™ is designed to support long-term breast shape and implant positioning by respecting natural support structures. Many patients enjoy stable, lasting results, with ongoing follow-up recommended.

Will Preservé™ affect future breast imaging or mammograms?

Preservé™ is designed to be compatible with standard breast imaging. Silicone breast implants are routinely imaged using specialized mammography views, ultrasound, or MRI when appropriate. Your imaging provider should always be informed of your implants before any breast study.

Does Preservé™ change how revision surgery would be performed in the future?

By limiting internal disruption and scarring, Preservé™ may help preserve tissue planes that can be advantageous if revision surgery is ever needed. While no technique can eliminate the possibility of future procedures, tissue-preserving approaches may offer added flexibility long term.

What are the risks and side effects of Preservé™ breast augmentation?

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Potential risks include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, implant malposition, capsular contracture, changes in sensation, or the need for future surgery. While Preservé™ is designed to reduce tissue trauma and inflammation, it does not eliminate these risks. Your surgeon will review all potential complications in detail during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Will I need drains after Preservé™ surgery?

Drains are typically not required with Preservé™ breast augmentation. Because the technique is designed to minimize internal disruption, fluid accumulation is often reduced. Your surgeon will determine whether drains are necessary based on your individual surgical plan.