Breast Augmentation Without General Anaesthesia? Preservé™ by Motiva® in Mallorca

When considering breast augmentation, the operation itself is often not the only concern. The prospect of general anaesthesia, a longer recovery and surgery involving the chest muscle can also influence their decision.

Preservé™ by Motiva® follows a different surgical concept. Rather than extensively dissecting the breast tissue to create an implant pocket, specially developed instruments are used to prepare and expand the existing tissue in a controlled manner. The chest muscle remains untouched.

At Mara Aesthetics in Mallorca, Preservé™ may offer selected patients a tissue-preserving option for subtle or moderate breast enhancement. Depending on the patient’s health, anatomy and treatment plan, the procedure may be performed without general anaesthesia.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Preservé™ is designed to preserve as much of the breast’s natural tissue and supporting anatomy as possible.
• For suitable patients, local anaesthesia may be combined with light sedation instead of general anaesthesia.
• The method is not suitable for every breast shape, tissue thickness or desired implant size.

 

What Is Preservé™ by Motiva®?

Breast augmentation requires the creation of an appropriate space for the implant. During conventional surgery, this implant pocket is prepared by separating tissue layers. Depending on the chosen technique, the chest muscle may also be lifted or partially released.

Preservé™ is an innovative technique that takes a new approach to traditional breast augmentation, where purpose-designed instruments are used to stretch and shape the existing breast tissue in a controlled way. This creates a three-dimensional space in which the tissue can form a supportive “nest” around the implant.

Preservé™ is a less invasive, tissue-preserving Breast Augmentation technique intended to minimise disruption to the natural structures of the breast.

Can Breast Augmentation Be Performed Without General Anaesthesia?

For medically and anatomically suitable patients, Preservé™ may be performed under local anaesthesia. Light sedation may also be used to help the patient remain relaxed and comfortable.

The appropriate form of anaesthesia depends on several factors, including the patient’s health, anxiety level, the extent of surgery and the medical assessment of the surgical and anaesthetic team. The final anaesthetic plan is therefore determined individually.

After the procedure, patients remain under observation for an initial recovery period. Even without general anaesthesia, they should arrange for someone to accompany them home, avoid driving and spend the remainder of the day resting.

How Does Preservé™ Differ From Traditional Breast Augmentation?

The central difference lies in how the implant space is prepared.

With Preservé™, the implant is placed above the chest muscle. The muscle does not need to be lifted, divided or separated. The technique was designed to preserve the natural breast tissue, supporting structures, nerves and chest muscle as much as possible.

The procedure is combined with Motiva SmoothSilk® Ergonomix2® implants. These implants are designed to adapt to the body’s position in terms of shape, movement and feel. Preservé™ also uses dedicated instruments for tissue preparation and controlled implant insertion.

What Are the Potential Benefits?

Because the chest muscle remains untouched and less extensive tissue dissection may be required, the early recovery period may be more comfortable for suitable patients.

Potential benefits may include:

• no general anaesthesia necessary
• no surgery beneath the chest muscle,
• preservation of more natural breast tissue,
• a smaller surgical access incision,
• a discreet scar positioned within the breast fold,
• potentially less postoperative discomfort and swelling,
• an earlier return to light daily activities,
• a soft and natural-looking transition.

These benefits cannot be guaranteed. Swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness and pain can still occur after a tissue-preserving breast augmentation. Recovery varies according to the patient, the extent of the procedure and the individual healing response.

Can the Result Look Natural?

Preservé™ is particularly relevant for patients seeking a subtle or moderate increase in breast volume. The aim is often to complement the existing breast rather than create a dramatically larger décolleté.

Depending on the starting anatomy, treatment may provide:

• more balanced body proportions,
• additional fullness in the décolleté,
• gentle enhancement of the breast contour,
• a soft transition between the natural tissue and implant,
• a breast shape that continues to move naturally with the body.

A natural-looking result depends on more than the implant itself. Tissue thickness, skin quality, breast shape, implant position, volume and projection all play an important role.

An implant that looks balanced on one patient may be too large or visible on another. Implant selection should therefore never be based solely on a desired cup size.

Who May Be Suitable for Preservé™?

Preservé™ may be considered for patients who:

• would like a subtle or moderate increase in breast volume,
• have sufficient breast and soft-tissue coverage,
• have suitable skin quality and elasticity,
• do not have significant breast sagging,
• have realistic expectations,
• are anatomically suitable for implant placement above the muscle.

The natural tissue must be able to cover and support the implant adequately.

When May Another Technique Be More Appropriate?

Preservé™ may be less suitable when the breast and soft-tissue layer is very thin. In such cases, implant edges, folds or transitions may become visible or palpable.

A different technique may also be recommended when there is:

• a desire for a very large increase in volume,
• significant skin laxity or breast drooping,
• pronounced breast asymmetry,
• a complex congenital breast shape,
• certain previous breast operations,
• a complicated implant replacement,
• a medical reason not to place the implant above the muscle.

What Risks Should Be Considered?

Preservé™ remains a surgical procedure and carries both general surgical risks and risks associated with breast implants. These may include:

• bleeding and haematoma,
• infection,
• delayed wound healing,
• changes in breast or nipple sensation,
• noticeable scarring,
• asymmetry,
• fluid accumulation,
• capsular contracture,
• implant displacement or rotation,
• visible or palpable implant edges,
• rippling,
• implant damage or rupture,
• the need for further surgery.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime medical devices. Monitoring, implant replacement or removal may become necessary in the future. A responsible consultation must therefore cover the benefits, limitations, follow-up requirements and potential need for additional operations.

How Is Your Suitability Assessed?

Suitability cannot be determined reliably from a photograph or preferred cup size alone.

During a personal assessment, Dr Mara considers factors including:

• the thickness of the breast and soft tissue,
• skin quality and elasticity,
• the width and shape of the chest,
• natural breast shape,
• the position of the breast fold,
• existing asymmetry,
• nipple position,
• body proportions,
• medical history,
• preferred size, shape and projection.

Only after this assessment can the most appropriate treatment be recommended. Depending on the findings, this may be Preservé™, conventional breast augmentation, a different implant position, fat transfer or a breast lift.

Preservé™ at Mara Aesthetics in Mallorca

A modern surgical technique is only beneficial when it is suitable for the individual patient.

Mara Aesthetics therefore does not recommend the same technique or implant to everyone. Treatment planning is based on your anatomy, tissue quality, existing breast shape, proportions and desired result.

When Preservé™ is appropriate, it may provide a tissue-preserving approach to natural-looking breast augmentation without surgery beneath the chest muscle and, in selected cases, without general anaesthesia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Preservé™ Performed Without Any Anaesthesia?

No. The surgical area must be properly numbed. For suitable patients, local anaesthesia may be used alone or together with light sedation, meaning that general anaesthesia may not be required.

Is the Procedure Pain-Free?

Local anaesthesia is intended to suppress surgical pain. Pressure, touch or movement may still be noticed. Tightness, tenderness and mild to moderate discomfort are also possible after the procedure.

When Can I Return to Work?

This depends on the type of work and individual recovery. Light desk-based duties may be possible sooner than physically demanding work. A reliable recovery estimate can only be provided after the operation has been planned.

Can Large Implants Be Used?

The appropriate implant size depends on chest width, skin elasticity, tissue thickness and the stability of the natural supporting structures. Preservé™ is particularly relevant for balanced, moderate enhancement.

Can Preservé™ Replace a Breast Lift?

An implant may improve shape when there is mild volume loss. It cannot reliably correct significant skin excess or markedly drooping breasts.

Is the Result Permanent?

The implant provides long-term volume, but the breast and skin continue to change with age, pregnancy, hormonal changes and weight fluctuations. Breast implants may also require monitoring, replacement or removal later in life.