Preservé Breast Augmentation London: The Full Patient Guide by Dr Ali Arnaout
Updated: Jul 26
Preservé breast augmentation is one of the most advanced breast implant techniques available in the UK today. Designed by Motiva and offered by a small number of specially accredited surgeons, Preservé prioritises the preservation of breast tissue, a smaller scar and a recovery experience meaningfully different from traditional breast augmentation.
Dr Ali Arnaout is one of very few Consultant Plastic Surgeons in London — and in the UK — accredited to perform Preservé breast augmentation. This guide covers everything you need to know: what Preservé is, how it works, who it suits, what results to expect and how it compares with other techniques.
What Is Preservé Breast Augmentation?
Preservé (sometimes searched as 'Preserve breast augmentation' or 'Motiva Preservé') is a tissue-preserving breast augmentation technique developed by Motiva, the manufacturers of some of the most advanced breast implants in the world. It uses a proprietary instrumentation system — including a specialised retractor and tissue protectors — to create the implant pocket with significantly less disruption to the surrounding breast tissue than traditional surgery.
The result is a procedure that increases breast volume while being gentler on the anatomy: a smaller incision, less bleeding, less trauma and a smoother recovery. The technique uses an inframammary incision (under the breast fold) of approximately 2–3 cm — typically around 50% smaller than a traditional incision.
How Does Preservé Differ from Traditional Breast Augmentation?
Traditional breast augmentation uses a 4–5 cm incision and conventional surgical instruments to create the implant pocket. While effective, this approach involves more tissue dissection, a longer scar and a recovery that can take several weeks before patients feel comfortable in everyday life.
Preservé addresses these issues directly:
Smaller incision — approximately 2–3 cm versus 4–5 cm in traditional surgery
Less tissue disruption — the proprietary Preservé system protects the surrounding breast tissue throughout the procedure
Less bleeding — reduced dissection means less intraoperative bleeding
Faster, more comfortable recovery — patients typically return to normal activity sooner
Natural-looking results — tissue preservation supports a more anatomically accurate pocket and natural implant behaviour
Same implant quality — Preservé uses Motiva implants, among the safest and most natural-feeling available
The Preservé Technique: Step by Step
Understanding what happens during Preservé surgery can help patients feel confident and prepared:
General anaesthesia is administered; the procedure takes approximately 60–75 minutes
A small incision of approximately 2–3 cm is made in the natural inframammary fold beneath the breast
The Preservé instrumentation system — including tissue protectors and a specialised retractor — is used to create the implant pocket with minimal trauma to surrounding tissue
The Motiva implant is inserted through the small incision using an ergonomic delivery system designed for the implant
The pocket is assessed for correct positioning, symmetry and implant behaviour
The incision is closed in layers and covered with a dressing; no drains are typically required
The entire procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and patients typically go home the same day.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Preservé Breast Augmentation?
Preservé is suitable for most patients seeking breast augmentation, with some anatomical considerations. Ideal candidates include:
Patients who want breast augmentation with the smallest possible scar under the breast
Those who prioritise a faster, less disruptive recovery
Patients with sufficient existing breast tissue to allow use of the Preservé instrumentation system
Patients choosing implants within the appropriate size range for the Preservé technique
Those who prefer an inframammary incision but want it to be as small as possible
Patients who prefer a transaxillary approach (no scar on the breast at all) may be better suited to MIA breast augmentation. This is discussed fully at consultation.
Preservé Results: What to Expect
Patients undergoing Preservé breast augmentation can expect results that are natural-looking, soft and proportionate to their anatomy. Because Preservé minimises disruption to the breast tissue and capsular formation, implants tend to settle naturally and behave in a way that closely mirrors natural breast movement.
Initial swelling resolves over 4–8 weeks, and implants fully settle into their final position over 3–6 months. Scars beneath the breast fold fade progressively and are typically inconspicuous within the natural crease by 12 months.
Recovery After Preservé Breast Augmentation
One of the most significant advantages of Preservé over traditional breast augmentation is the recovery experience. Because less tissue is disrupted during surgery, patients typically experience:
Less postoperative pain and discomfort compared with traditional augmentation
Less bruising and swelling
A faster return to normal daily activity — many patients return to desk-based work within a week
Reduced reliance on pain medication
A smoother, more comfortable overall recovery
General recovery milestones after Preservé:
Days 1–3: Rest at home; mild to moderate discomfort managed with pain relief
ost patients can mobilise comfortably and manage light tasks
Day5-7: Return to desk-based work
Weeks 1: Gradual increase in daily activity; surgical bra worn throughout
Weeks 2-3: Light exercise resumed
6 weeks+: Return to full exercise including upper body training
3–6 months: Final result as implants fully settle
Preservé vs MIA: Which Is Right for You?
Both Preservé and MIA represent the current gold standard in minimally invasive breast augmentation, and both are offered by Dr Ali Arnaout in London. The key differences:
Incision location — Preservé: under the breast fold (inframammary). MIA: in the armpit (transaxillary)
Scar visibility — Preservé scar is hidden in the natural breast crease. MIA leaves no scar on the breast at all
Implant access — Preservé uses the inframammary approach, preferred by many surgeons for precise pocket control. MIA uses the axillary approach with endoscopic assistance
Anatomy — both techniques suit a wide range of patients; specific anatomical factors are assessed at consultation
Result — both produce natural, soft, proportionate results using Motiva implants
The right choice between Preservé and MIA depends on your anatomy, your scar preferences, the implant size you want and other individual factors. Dr Arnaout will advise on the most appropriate technique during your consultation.
Preservé Breast Augmentation Cost in London
Preservé breast augmentation is a premium technique available from a small number of accredited surgeons. In London, fees typically range from approximately £8,000 to £11,000, depending on facility, anaesthetic and implant selection. All-inclusive pricing covering surgeon fees, anaesthetic, hospital, implants and aftercare is discussed at consultation.
Finance options are available. Given the specialist nature of the Preservé technique and the limited number of accredited surgeons, patients should prioritise surgeon accreditation and experience over cost when making their decision.
Why Dr Ali Arnaout for Preservé in London?
Dr Ali Arnaout is a GMC-registered Consultant Plastic and Oncoplastic Surgeon and one of the very few surgeons in the UK accredited to perform Preservé breast augmentation. His practice at Harley Street and iQonic Aesthetics is centred on surgical precision, patient safety and achieving natural results that are appropriate to each individual's anatomy. Every consultation is conducted personally — not delegated to a coordinator or nurse.
One of very few UK-accredited Preservé surgeons
Consultant Plastic and Oncoplastic Surgeon — specialist breast surgical training
Uses exclusively Motiva implants
Practices at leading London facilities including Harley Street
Patient-centred approach: personalised consultation and comprehensive aftercare
Frequently Asked Questions: Preservé Breast Augmentation
What does Preservé mean in breast augmentation?
Preservé refers to a proprietary tissue-preserving breast augmentation technique developed by Motiva. The name reflects the technique's core principle: preserving the surrounding breast tissue during implant placement, using specialised instrumentation to minimise surgical trauma.
How small is the Preservé scar?
The Preservé incision is approximately 2–3 cm, placed in the natural inframammary fold beneath the breast. This is approximately 50% smaller than a traditional breast augmentation incision. The scar is hidden within the breast crease and fades progressively over 12 months.
Does Preservé hurt less than traditional breast augmentation?
Yes — patients consistently report less postoperative pain after Preservé compared with traditional augmentation. This is directly attributable to the reduced tissue disruption during surgery. Discomfort is typically mild to moderate and well-managed with standard pain relief.
How long does recovery take after Preservé?
Most patients return to desk-based work within 5 -7 days and resume exercise from 2–3 weeks. Full recovery, including implant settling, takes approximately 3–6 months — though most patients feel comfortable in everyday life significantly sooner than this.
Is Preservé available in London?
Yes. Dr Ali Arnaout is one of a very small number of Consultant Plastic Surgeons in London — and the UK — accredited to perform Preservé breast augmentation. Consultations are available at Harley Street and iQonic Aesthetics.
What implants are used in Preservé?
Preservé breast augmentation uses Motiva implants — widely regarded as one of the most advanced breast implant systems available, with extensive safety data and a natural, cohesive gel that moves with the body. Implant size, profile and shape are determined at consultation based on your anatomy and goals.
Can Preservé be combined with a breast lift?
In some cases, yes. Patients who require both increased volume and improved breast position may benefit from a combined approach. This is assessed on an individual basis and discussed in detail during consultation.
To book a consultation for Preservé breast augmentation in London with Dr Ali Arnaout, contact iQonic Aesthetics at Harley Street. All consultations are personal, thorough and conducted with no obligation to proceed.
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