Written by Dr Ali Arnaout Consultant Plastic Surgeon - Early adopter and trainer in minimally invasive breast augmentation for Motiva

Breast augmentation has advanced significantly in the last decade, with patients increasingly seeking natural-looking results, minimal recovery time, and techniques that preserve their own breast tissue. Among the most innovative modern approaches are MIA FemTech™ and Motiva Preservè™ (Motiva Preserve) – two minimally invasive, tissue-preserving breast augmentation techniques that I perform in both London and Ireland (Dublin clinics).

As one of the UK’s and Ireland’s early adopters of MIA FemTech and Preservè, and having completed specialist training in Sweden with some of Europe’s leading breast surgeons, I treat patients who want the most advanced, gentle and precise methods available today.

This guide breaks down the differences, benefits and ideal patient profiles for MIA vs Preservè — helping you choose the right option for your goals.

What Is MIA FemTech™?

MIA FemTech™ is a next-generation, minimally invasive breast augmentation technique developed by Motiva. It focuses on:

• Small incisions (typically 2–3 cm)

• Local anaesthetic rather than general anaesthesia

• Minimal disruption of breast tissue

• Fast recovery (often back to light activity within 24–48 hours)

• Suitable for naturally petite patients with minimal breast tissue

• 
  

The MIA technique uses precision instruments to create a pocket that preserves the structural support of the breast, meaning less trauma, less downtime, and a more natural look and feel.

👉 Learn more here: MIA FemTech – full guide

What Is Motiva Preservè™ (Preserve)?

Preservè™ is Motiva’s premium tissue-preserving breast augmentation protocol, designed for patients wanting:

• A natural, soft result

• A modern breast augmentation with minimal disturbance of existing anatomy

• A more predictable implant pocket

• Reduced risk of internal scar tissue (capsular contracture)

• Faster recovery due to gentle surgical handling

• Under local anaesthetic

  
  

Preservè uses a no-touch, no-trauma technique that keeps natural anatomical structures intact wherever possible. It is suitable for a wider range of patients compared with MIA — including women wanting moderate to fuller volume.

👉 Full guide:Preservè Breast Augmentation

MIA FemTech vs Preservè: Which Is Better?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask. The truth is that both MIA FemTech™ and Preservè™ represent the newest generation of tissue-preserving breast augmentation, offering natural results, minimal downtime, and significantly gentler techniques compared with traditional augmentation.

Below is a clear, side-by-side comparison to help you understand the differences.

1. Incision Size

• MIA FemTech:  approx. 2–3 cm in the arm pit

• Preservè: approx. 2–3 cm under the breast fold (50% smaller than a traditional scar)

  
  

2. Anaesthesia

• MIA FemTech: Can be preformed with only local anaesthetic, local with sedation, or a light GA

• Preservè: Can be preformed with only local anaesthetic, local with sedation, or a light GA

  
  

3. Surgical Technique

• MIA FemTech: Best for petite patients with smaller implant goals (1-2 cups)

• Preservè: Suitable for a much wider range of implant sizes and shapes (1-3.5 cups)
  

4. Surgical Time

• MIA FemTech: 15-30 minutes

• Preservè: 15-30 minutes

  
  

4. Recovery

Both procedures offer faster and gentler recovery than traditional surgery, with a rapid, “back-to-work-next-day” recovery

Why I Offer Both MIA FemTech & Preservè to my patients?

How Tissue Preservation Protects Your Natural Breast Support

Traditional breast augmentation often uses electrocautery to cut through breast tissue via the inframammary fold. As seen in the animation, this can disrupt the Cooper’s ligaments — the vertical suspensory structures that naturally support the breast.When these ligaments are damaged, patients may have a higher risk of complications such as implant malposition, loss of support, or bottoming out.

How Tissue Preservation Is Different

The modern tissue-preserving techniques used in MIA FemTech™ and Preservè™ avoid aggressive cutting or cautery.Instead, specialised instruments gently move tissues aside radially, keeping the suspensory ligaments and internal architecture intact.

This approach:

• Preserves the natural breast support

• Minimises trauma and bleeding

• Helps maintain long-term implant stability

• Reduces the chance of downward implant migration
  

  Here is an animated video to show the differences between traditional breast augmentation and tissue preserving breast augmentation

  
  

  
  

The “Nesting Effect”

Using a controlled inflatable balloon inside the pocket allows the tissues and ligaments to be gently expanded rather than cut.This creates a supportive internal “nest” that:

• Cradles the implant

• Maintains natural anchorage

• Reduces mechanical stress on the surrounding tissues

• Supports a more predictable, long-lasting result
  

Hydro-Dissection for Less Trauma & Faster Recovery

Both MIA and Preservè use tumescent hydro-dissection, which provides several surgical advantages:

• Separates dense tissues cleanly

• Improves penetration and precision with instruments

• Reduces friction and tissue trauma

• Minimises bleeding by tamponading small vessels

• Shortens surgical time

• Produces a smoother, less disruptive pocket
  

Injecting tumescent fluid under controlled pressure before incision helps create tension between anatomical planes, allowing the pocket to form with far less tissue disruption.

Why Dr Arnaout?

Patients in across the UK, Ireland and internationally now travel specifically for these techniques because of:

• My advanced fellowship training in MIA FemTech and Preservè

• A recognised Motiva Trainer in Tissue Preservation

• My focus on natural aesthetics and safe, predictable outcomes

• Options to perform MIA and selected Preservè cases under ONLY local anaesthetic

  
  

In the UK, I see patients in London in-person consultations and nationwide virtual assessments.

In Ireland, I see patients in Dublin in-person consultations and nationwide virtual assessments.

What Results Can You Expect?

Patients choosing MIA or Preservè typically experience:

✔ more natural-feeling breasts

✔ reduced swelling & bruising

✔ shorter downtime

✔ a more precise implant pocket

✔ minimal visible scarring

✔ high satisfaction due to soft, natural curves

Many return to light daily activity within 24–72 hours, depending on the technique.

Before & After: Follow My Results

I share regular case studies, surgical insights and before/after results on Instagram:

👉 Instagram: @plasticsurgeonuk

and on the before/after page on the iQonic Aesthetics Website here

Patients often say that seeing real results helps them understand the subtle differences between MIA and Preservè.

Should You Choose MIA FemTech or Preservè?

The right technique depends on:

• Your anatomy

• Your desired outcome

• Your implant choice

• Whether you prefer local vs general anaesthesia

• Whether you want the smallest incision possible

• Whether you prefer a subtle or fuller augmentation

  
  

A consultation allows me to analyse your breast measurements, skin quality, lifestyle and goals to customise a plan for you.

During the consultation you will have 3D images and a preview using our virtual reality headset to see the potential results

Book a Consultation (UK or Ireland)

I offer:

📍 London – Harley Street

📍 Ireland – Dublin clinics

🌍 Virtual consultations 

If you are looking for a tissue-preserving, minimally invasive breast augmentation, I will guide you through whether MIA FemTech or Preservè is your ideal option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is MIA FemTech available ?

Yes — I perform MIA FemTech consultations with in-person assessments available in London & Dublin and virtual consultations.

2. Is Motiva Preservè available?

Yes. Preservè breast augmentation is available with in-person assessments available in London & Dublin and virtual consultations.

3. Is Preservè & MIA safer than traditional breast augmentation?

MIA is designed to be gentler, with less tissue disruption and reduced recovery time. Safety depends on patient anatomy, surgeon expertise and correct case selection.

4. What is the difference between MIA and Preservè?

• MIA: small incision, local anaesthetic, best for smaller implants

• Preservè: wider suitability, superior pocket control, ideal for natural but fuller volume, local anaesthetic

  
  

5. Which technique gives the most natural results?

Both, but Preservè allows for the most precise control of the implant pocket and is preferred for patients with asymmetry , or those needing a mini lift

6. Can I return to work the next day after MIA or Preservè?

Many patients can return to light activities within 24 hours.

7. Do both techniques use Motiva implants?

Yes — both MIA and Preservè exclusively use Motiva Ergonomics 2 implants due to their soft feel and advanced safety profile.

8. What is the starting price for MIA or Preservè?

MIA starts at £11995 (subject to change)

Preservè starts at £9995 (subject to change)