Preservé Breast Augmentation vs. Traditional Breast Augmentation

‍Plastic surgery, like many fields in medicine, is constantly evolving to make these surgical procedures safer with better results.

These innovations lead to advancements in technique and technology that give you, the patient, more options when it comes to achieving your aesthetic goals.

As you research breast augmentation, you’ll likely come across the term “Preservé breast augmentation.” 

Preserve is a breast augmentation technique that is new to the United States, but has been used in Europe and other parts of the world for years. 

The Preservé technique typically offers a shorter recovery, the choice to do the procedure “awake” or under light sedation, slightly smaller scars, and achieves the “yoga boobs” or “ballerina boobs” look. 

Traditional breast augmentation is still an excellent, safe, and effective technique for placing implants. Traditional breast augmentation is great for those interested in a larger implant size and those who desire more flexibility in implant size, profile, brand, and placement. 

Because both traditional and Preservé methods are great options, it’s about choosing the method that’s right for you and your goals. We’ll break down the key differences and benefits of each method so you feel confident and informed walking into your consultation. 

What is Preservé breast augmentation surgery?

Preservé breast augmentation is a less invasive technique that uses a special device designed to place Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix® implants with minimal disruption to the natural breast tissue and chest muscles. 

Preservé is known for its natural-looking results (think “yoga boobs” or “ballerina boobs”), faster recovery, and slightly smaller scars. 

It’s ideal for those seeking their first breast augmentation with an active lifestyle interested in going up just 1-2 cup sizes. 

Though it is possible to have a breast lift with Preservé, the technique’s benefits are most effective for those who do not need or want a lift to achieve their goals. 

The name “Preservé” comes from this technique’s unique benefits:

• Preserves natural breast tissue functionality
• Reduces the risk of changes in sensation 
• Implants are placed above the muscles to preserve chest muscles
• Shorter recovery
• Maintains the inner support structures of the breasts

How is Preservé surgery performed?

Preservé breast augmentation is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons, often “awake”, using mild sedation instead of general anesthesia. That means you’re comfortable, safe, and often back to your usual routine faster. 

Through a small incision (~2.5cm) in the breast crease, the implant is placed above the muscle (subglandular placement) rather than under the muscle itself, leaving the chest muscle intact. Placing the implant over the muscle may help reduce the animation or movement of the implant when the chest muscles are activated.  

This approach protects your chest muscles, the functionality of the natural breast tissue, and may reduce the risk of changes in sensation. Additionally, Motiva implants may reduce inflammation and complications, such as capsular contracture, and the Preservé technique can improve implant stability.

What are the benefits of Preservé?

One of the biggest benefits of Preservé is the shorter recovery time. Many patients find they are able to have their procedure in the morning and still go out for dinner that evening. 

Preservé patients are typically cleared to go back to their normal exercise routines in as little as 1-2 weeks post-op, making it ideal for those with an active, busy lifestyle.

Many of these patients also see their results develop sooner than traditional breast augmentation. 

Additional benefits of Preservé include:

• Muscle-sparing technique: No cutting or lifting of the chest muscle.
• Shorter recovery: Many people are back to light activities in 1–2 days.
• Minimal scarring: A small (~2.5cm) incision is hidden in the breast crease.
• More stable placement: Specialized placement technique helps minimize animation and reduces the risk of the implant lowering in the first few years.
• Less inflammation and fewer complications long-term: Thanks to modern technology with Motiva implants and a gentle approach.
• Perfect for smaller implants: Available implant sizes range between 150cc and 315cc, think 1-2 cup sizes, for a subtle enhancement.

Who is a good candidate for Preservé?

Preservé isn’t the right choice for everyone, but it can be a wonderful option if you’re looking for a natural look and feel, want a quicker, easier recovery, or don’t necessarily want your implants placed under the muscle.

To take full advantage of the shorter recovery and less invasive approach, though it is possible to include a breast lift, Preservé is typically better suited for those that do not require a breast lift to achieve their goals. 

The Preservé method uses Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix® silicone implants with sizes ranging from 150cc-315cc, making the ideal Preservé patients those looking for a subtle increase in volume (1-2 bra cup size increase). 

During your consultation, your surgeon will take the time to review your goals, look at your anatomy, and walk you through your options. 

This ensures you get a personalized plan that helps you decide whether Preservé or a traditional approach will give you the results you’re hoping for.

What is traditional breast augmentation?

For decades, traditional breast augmentation has been performed, and it is a safe, effective option that’s helped millions of women feel more confident. 

Traditional breast augmentation is the classic method of placing breast implants, often under the chest muscle (submuscular), though implants can also be placed under the fascia (subfascial placement) or above the muscle (subglandular placement). 

The traditional method allows for more flexibility in implant placement, implant type (silicone or saline implants), implant size, implant profile, and implant brand. These options allow for more customization based on your unique anatomy to achieve your desired look. 

Traditional breast augmentation is a great choice for those seeking a more augmented look, larger implants, saline implants, desire a specific brand, want more customization options with their implants, or need a breast lift to achieve their goals. 

But because traditional breast augmentation is typically performed under general anesthesia and often requires more manipulation of the muscle, the recovery can sometimes be a little longer and more uncomfortable. 

To support patients during this time, Amelia specializes in “Rapid Recovery,” a recovery plan that helps increase mobility to make your recovery faster and more comfortable. Many patients find they are back to work in 3-5 days after breast augmentation and are cleared to resume heavy-lifting/exercise 6 weeks post-op. 

Depending on the placement, final results after traditional breast augmentation can take up to a year to “drop and fluff” to the optimal results. 

Is Preservé breast augmentation recovery different from traditional breast augmentation recovery?

Preservé breast augmentation is known for a quicker, less intense recovery, and is often preferred by those with an active lifestyle. 

Since the chest muscle isn't disrupted, many patients report minimal discomfort and return to light activities within 1–2 days.

Subglandular (over the muscle) placement also often reduces or eliminates the “drop and fluff” process, allowing for results to develop more quickly. 

Bruising and swelling may occur but typically fade over the first two weeks. Many patients resume full exercise in 2 weeks and water activities by 6 weeks, with results continuing to refine over the next few months. 

Traditional breast augmentation generally requires more downtime. Because the muscle is often involved, patients typically take 3-5 days off work. 

Activities like lifting, swimming, or high-intensity movement are usually paused for about 6 weeks, and results may take up to 12 months to develop.

Both procedures require proper scar care and follow-up, but Preservé breast augmentation tends to offer a faster return to daily life with less discomfort along the way.

Why should I choose traditional breast augmentation?

Traditional augmentation is trusted, flexible, and familiar. It offers a wide range of options that allow you to fully customize your outcome.

You might prefer traditional augmentation if you’re looking for:

• More flexibility in implant type and size: Including higher-volume implants or specific brands.
• Greater control over implant placement and profile: More options for how your implants look and feel.
• Muscle coverage for added support: Especially helpful if you have less existing breast tissue.
• A long-standing, well-documented technique: With predictable results and a large body of clinical support.
• Suitability for more complex cases, such as revision surgeries or combining with a breast lift.

How do I know whether Preservé or traditional is right for me?

There’s no universal “best” procedure. The right one depends on your body, your goals, and how you want to feel.

You might be a good candidate for Preservé breast augmentation if:

• You’re interested in a gentle, natural result with smaller implants.
• This is your first augmentation.
• You want to reduce the risk of changes in sensation.
• You like the idea of avoiding general anesthesia/being awake for your procedure.
• You’re not a candidate for a breast lift.

You may be better suited for traditional breast augmentation if:

• You’re looking for a larger size increase or a more augmented look.
• You’re combining with a breast lift or doing a revision.
• You want more control over your implant profile, size, brand, or type.
• You’re comfortable with general anesthesia and a longer recovery.

How do I choose between traditional and Preservé breast augmentation?

Both traditional and Preservé methods are safe and effective methods of breast augmentation. The right method for you is the one that is truly best for your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle. 

But you don’t have to figure it out alone. You and your surgeon will thoroughly discuss your goals and anatomy without pressure or judgment during your consultation. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions based on your unique anatomy, discuss any concerns, and create an individualized plan.

Whether your vision is subtle and sculpted or full and transformative, your surgeon is there to help you understand your options and support you in choosing what aligns with your lifestyle and goals.