What Is Motiva Preservé™ Breast Augmentation?
Preservé™ (also written Motiva Preserve or Preserve breast augmentation) is a next-generation breast augmentation technique developed by Establishment Labs — the creators of Motiva implants. It represents a significant shift from traditional breast surgery, using specialist instrumentation to create the implant pocket without cutting through breast tissue, nerves, blood vessels, or ligaments.
The technique uses the inframammary fold (a small incision under the breast, typically 2.5–3 cm) and a combination of a channel separator and inflation balloon to gently expand the natural tissue, creating a precise pocket for the implant without the trauma of conventional dissection.
The result is:
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Faster recovery
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Preserved breast tissue, sensation, and vascular supply
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Natural-looking, long-lasting results
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A virtually hidden scar within the breast fold
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Dr Arnaout is one of only a handful of surgeons in the UK certified to perform Preservé — and one of even fewer who also trains other surgeons internationally in the technique.
How Motiva Preservé Works: Step by Step
Unlike traditional breast augmentation which uses sharp dissection to cut open a pocket Preservé works with your body's natural tissue rather than against it.
Step 1 — Consultation & 3D Planning Your surgery begins well before the operating theatre. Dr Arnaout conducts a detailed anatomical assessment and uses 3D simulation to help you visualise your result with different implant sizes.
Step 2 — Incision A small incision of approximately 2.5–3 cm is made in the inframammary fold — the natural crease beneath your breast — where it heals to become virtually invisible.
Step 3 — Channel Creation A specialist Motiva channel separator instrument is guided through the incision to create a precise channel through the breast tissue. Crucially, this instrument parts the tissue without cutting it, protecting ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels throughout.
Step 4 — Balloon Expansion A Motiva inflation balloon is inserted and gradually expanded to form the implant pocket. This gentle stretching approach, known as the "nesting concept," creates a pocket shaped precisely to the implant minimising dead space and reducing the risk of fluid accumulation.
Step 5 — Implant Placement The Motiva Joy Ergonomix2® implant is placed into the prepared pocket using a no-touch insertion technique. The implant is never handled directly, significantly reducing contamination risk.
Step 6 — Closure The small incision is closed with meticulous technique. Most patients have minimal bruising and swelling compared to traditional augmentation.
Preservé vs Traditional Breast Augmentation — What's the Difference?
The Implant: Motiva Joy Ergonomix2®
Preservé uses exclusively the Motiva Joy Ergonomix2® implant — the most advanced device in the Motiva range and, by clinical consensus, among the safest breast implants available globally.
Why it matters:
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Adaptive feel: Ergonomix2® changes shape dynamically — round when lying down, teardrop when standing. No fixed shape, no rotation risk.
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SmoothSilk® surface: A patented 4-micron nanosurface, clinically proven to produce the lowest capsular contracture rates of any implant currently available. Published data shows rates below 1% at four years.
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Q Inside Safety Technology®: A tiny RFID chip in every implant for lifetime digital identification and traceability.
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SuperSilicones® technology: Allows the implant to be inserted through a minimal 2.5–3 cm incision regardless of size.
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5-Year Extended Warranty — included with the JOY. programme.
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Woman's Choice Program® — financial support available if you ever choose implant removal.
Is Preservé Right for You?
Preservé is ideal if you:
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Want a meaningful breast enhancement — typically 1.5 to 3+ cup sizes with full volume range options
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Prefer a tissue-preserving approach that protects natural breast anatomy
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Are looking for a faster return to normal life
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Are having breast augmentation for the first time
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Have experienced volume loss following pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change
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Do not have significant breast drooping (ptosis)
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Prefer local anaesthetic with sedation over full general anaesthetic (where appropriate)
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Preservé may not be suitable if:
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You have significant breast sagging requiring a simultaneous breast lift
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You are seeking a very subtle result of one cup or less (MIA FemTech may be more appropriate)
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You have previously had breast augmentation surgery
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If you are unsure between MIA FemTech and Preservé, Dr Arnaout will guide you through the differences at your consultation and recommend the technique most aligned to your anatomy and goals.
Preservé Recovery: What to Expect
One of the most significant advantages of Preservé over traditional augmentation is recovery time. Because the technique avoids cutting breast tissue, the inflammatory response is significantly reduced.
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Day of procedure: Most patients return home the same day
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Days 1–3: Rest recommended; mild tightness and swelling are normal
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Days 5–7: Return to desk work and light daily activities
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Weeks 2–3: Gentle exercise
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6 weeks: Full exercise and strenuous activity
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3–6 months: Final settled result as implants integrate and swelling fully resolves
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All patients receive a comprehensive aftercare package including follow-up appointments and direct access to Dr Arnaout's clinical team.
Why Choose Dr Arnaout for Preservé in London?
Dr Ali Arnaout is among the very few surgeons in the United Kingdom certified to perform Preservé. He is also one of an even smaller group who trains surgeons internationally in the technique, reflecting a level of skill that goes beyond simply offering the procedure.
Credentials:
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FRCS (Plast) — Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Plastic Surgery
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BAAPS Member — British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
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Fellowship-trained in MIA FemTech and Preservé in Sweden
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Based at iQonic Aesthetics, London — a certified Motiva centre equipped with Preservé and MIA FemTech instrumentation
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Multiple 20+ peer-reviewed surgical publications
What makes Dr Arnaout different: Unlike practices that offer Preservé as a single option, Dr Arnaout offers the full spectrum of minimally invasive techniques such as MIA FemTech, Preservé, Hybrid Augmentation Preserve, and Joy Dot Dual Plane augmentation techniques. This means you receive a genuine recommendation based on what is right for your anatomy — not what is available in the room.