Preservé® Breast Augmentation in Alexandria and Northern Virginia
A Less Invasive Approach to Breast Enhancement
Preservé® is a less invasive breast augmentation technique developed by Establishment Labs for use with Motiva® breast implants. Rather than cutting through breast tissue to create the implant pocket, specialized instruments gently separate tissue structures to create space for the implant. The technique is designed to preserve breast tissue, nipple sensation and chest muscle function and is typically performed using local anesthesia with sedation, not general anesthesia.
How Does Preservé® Work
What Is Preservé®?
Preservé® is a breast enhancement technique designed around breast tissue preservation.
Before the procedure, Dr. Desman takes detailed measurements of your breasts to plan an approach based on your individual anatomy. Specialized Motiva® instruments are then used to create access and prepare the implant pocket while minimizing disruption to the breast’s natural internal structures. Because Preservé® is typically performed without general anesthesia, using local anesthesia with sedation, you’ll have less downtime without sacrificing your results.
The goal is to create precise space for an implant selected according to your anatomy and desired breast volume while preserving as much native breast tissue functionality as possible.
Preservé® may be considered for:
- Primary breast augmentation: your first breast augmentation procedure.
- Primary breast augmentation mastopexy: your first breast augmentation performed together with a breast lift when a lift is also indicated.
- Hybrid breast augmentation: the use of an implant plus fat grafting.
Dr. Desman has completed Preservé® training and certification through Establishment Labs and is among the first surgeons in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland to offer the Preservé® technique with Motiva® implants.
During your consultation at our Alexandria office, Dr. Desman will evaluate your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and surgical needs to determine whether Preservé® is right for you.
How Is Preservé® Different From Traditional Breast Augmentation?
Both Preservé® and traditional breast augmentation are designed to enhance breast volume with implants. The difference is primarily in the technique used to create the space for the implant.
Preservé® is designed to be less invasive than traditional breast augmentation and to preserve the natural internal structures of the breast.
| Preservé® | Traditional Breast Augmentation | |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue approach | Tissue-preserving | Traditional surgical dissection |
| Chest muscle | Designed to preserve muscle function | May involve muscle manipulation |
| Anesthesia | Often local + sedation | Often general anesthesia |
| Incision | Small inframammary incision | Varies by technique |
| Implant | Motiva® | Multiple implant options |
| Typical return to normal activity | Often 24–48 hours | Varies |
| Best suited for | Appropriate first-time augmentation patients | Broader range of patients |
A Tissue-Preserving Technique
Instead of creating the implant pocket by cutting through tissue, the Preservé® technique uses specialized instruments to create access and gradually move tissue structures aside.
This approach is designed to conserve native breast tissue and maintain breast tissue functionality, including nipple sensation and the chest muscles.
No General Anesthesia and a Quicker Recovery
Preservé® is designed to minimize tissue disruption, which typically allows the procedure to be performed without general anesthesia, using local anesthesia with sedation. Its tissue-preserving approach may also contribute to a more comfortable recovery and a quicker return to normal daily activities.
Smaller Implants
Because the pocket is created by gently stretching the tissues above the muscle but just below the native breast tissue, the implant is "nested" into the space with a snug fit, sitting higher and more centered. This allows a smaller implant to create the same visual impact as a larger implant used with more traditional techniques. The smaller implant stays nested within the ligaments, vessels, and nerves, allowing for a natural look with less stress and strain on tissues long-term due to the smaller size and weight.
A Small Incision
After the treatment area is numbed, Dr. Desman creates a small incision in the inframammary fold—the natural crease beneath the breast.
The Motiva® Channel Separator is then used to create a tunnel without cutting the tissue, providing access to the area where the implant will be placed.
Gradual Pocket Creation
Next, the Motiva® Inflatable Balloon is used to gradually push tissue structures aside and create a precise implant pocket corresponding to the size of the breast implant.
Implant Placement
Once the pocket has been created, the implant is inserted into the prepared space.
The Preservé® technique is designed to maintain the inner support structures of the breast while preserving natural breast tissue functionality.
The Preservé® Procedure: What to Expect
Every breast augmentation is individualized, but the Preservé® technique generally follows four key steps.
A Small Incision
After the treatment area is numbed, Dr. Desman creates a small incision in the inframammary fold—the natural crease beneath the breast.
A Tissue-Preserving Technique
The Motiva® Channel Separator is then used to create a tunnel without cutting the tissue, providing access to the area where the implant will be placed.
Gradual Pocket Creation
Next, the Motiva® Inflatable Balloon is used to gradually push tissue structures aside and create a precise implant pocket corresponding to the size of the breast implant.
Implant Placement
Once the pocket has been created, the implant is inserted into the prepared space.
Step 1: Detailed Breast Measurements
Dr. Desman begins by taking specific measurements of your breasts.
These measurements help your surgeon plan a less invasive technique, maximize preservation of your native breast tissue, and select an implant suited to your individual anatomy and desired breast volume.
Step 2: Creating the Access Tunnel
Once the area has been numbed, Dr. Desman makes a small incision within the inframammary fold beneath the breast.
The Motiva® Channel Separator is used to create a tunnel without cutting through the tissue, providing access to the area where the implant pocket will be created.
Step 3: Preparing the Implant Pocket
Dr. Desman then inserts the Motiva® Inflatable Balloon.
The balloon gradually moves tissue structures aside to create a precise pocket corresponding to the implant size.
Step 4: Placing the Breast Implant
Finally, the breast implant is inserted into the space that has been created.
The technique is designed to preserve natural breast tissue functionality, including nipple sensation and the chest muscles.
Who Is a Candidate for Preservé® Breast Augmentation?
Preservé® may be an option if you are considering your first breast augmentation and would like to explore a less invasive technique designed to preserve natural breast tissue.
It may also be considered for patients undergoing their first breast augmentation who also require a breast lift.
Appropriate candidates must still meet the requirements for breast augmentation with implants. Motiva SmoothSilk® Round and SmoothSilk Ergonomix® Silicone Gel Breast Implants are indicated for breast augmentation in women who are at least 22 years old.
A consultation with a qualified surgeon is necessary to determine whether Preservé® is appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
Why Choose Dr. Desman for Preservé®?
Dr. Desman has completed specialized Preservé® training and certification through Establishment Labs, the manufacturer of Motiva® breast implants.
As one of the first surgeons in Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland to offer Preservé® with Motiva® implants, he brings dedicated experience with this tissue-preserving approach to breast augmentation. He carefully evaluates each patient’s anatomy and goals to determine whether Preservé® is the right option for achieving natural-looking results.
Explore Preservé® Breast Augmentation
Choosing breast augmentation is a personal decision, and understanding your options is an important first step. If you’re interested in a less invasive* breast augmentation technique designed to preserve your natural breast tissue, schedule a consultation at our Alexandria office to learn more about Preservé®.
Read the announcement: Preservé by Motiva® Breast Augmentation Technique Now Available at the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery