In this article, we will be delving into the differences between preservation breast enhancement and traditional augmentation. While both of these techniques ultimately have the same goal of increasing the size of the breasts, preservation breast enhancement champions the protection of the natural breast structure by minimizing internal trauma, often resulting in a minimally invasive approach to breast procedures. This results in a rapid recovery and hopefully longevity to the breasts as there is minimal disruption to the natural breast tissue. Preservation breast enhancement patients often benefit from a more comfortable recovery as the procedure can be done under sedation or, in some cases, local anesthesia.
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Contents
- 1 About Preservation Breast Enhancement
- 2 Candidates
- 3 Personal Consultation
- 4 Preparation
- 5 Preservation Breast Enhancement Procedure
- 6 Recovery
- 7 Results
- 8 Cost of Preservation Breast Enhancement vs. Traditional Augmentation in Austin, Texas
- 9 FAQ
- 9.1 Is one breast enhancement method safer than the other?
- 9.2 Will my breast procedure affect my nipple sensation?
- 9.3 How long will my breast implants last?
- 9.4 Can preservation breast enhancement achieve the same fullness as traditional augmentation?
- 9.5 Who is a good candidate for preservation breast enhancement versus traditional augmentation?
- 9.6 How does recovery differ between preservation and traditional breast augmentation?
- 10 References
About Preservation Breast Enhancement
Preservation breast enhancement elevates the shape, size, and volume of your breasts while minimizing damage to tissues. This procedure uses less invasive techniques to preserve the ligaments, fascia, and muscles in the breasts, minimizing the risk of sensory changes or nerve damage, preserving your muscle and surrounding tissues.
Your surgeon can actually perform this procedure without cutting the pectoralis muscle at all. This aspect of the procedure is what can greatly accelerate recovery and reduce overall discomfort during the healing phase. Even though it uses less invasive techniques, this procedure can still improve upper pull fullness and enhance shape very effectively, and provides patients with results they can enjoy for a long time. The preservation of these internal ligaments gives your plastic surgeon more control over the placement of the breast implant, thus we can give patients the added enhancement where they want it instead of filling the entire breast, which can lead to the breast being larger than some patients desire.
Candidates
Patients who are considering a breast enhancement procedure should:
- Be in good overall health
- Maintain realistic expectations regarding the results
- Be a non-smoker, or be willing to quit
Your surgeon may recommend you for a preservation breast enhancement if you are interested in augmenting the appearance and volume of your breasts while preserving the structure, support, and integrity of your natural breasts.
This procedure is best for patients who are looking for a modern approach to breast enhancement. It is for patients who live busy lifestyles and want a rapid recovery with results that are going to last for years to come! Preserve breast procedures allow for a variety of implant sizes and a choice between round and ergonomix implants. Your plastic surgeon will help guide you to the best option for your breast augmentation. A traditional approach may be necessary if patients are looking for very large implants, but the vast majority of common breast implant sizes can be used in breast preservation procedures.
Preservation breast procedures are designed to place the breast implant above the muscle. If you desire to have the implant below the muscle or half under the muscle, then you may need a more traditional technique to place your implants beneath your chest muscle.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, your surgeon will meet with you individually to help you craft your treatment plan. They will ask you about your medical history, personal concerns, and aesthetic goals. A physical evaluation will also take place so that they may assess your anatomy.
If you are ready to schedule your consultation and start your breast enhancement journey, please contact us online or call the office of your choice:
Preparation
Once you schedule your breast procedure, you will need to begin making certain preparations. To help you, your surgeon will provide a set of detailed pre-operative instructions. Generally speaking, your surgeon may direct you to:
- Refrain from using any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
- Arrange for transportation to and from your procedure.
- Prepare to take time away from your responsibilities and other social commitments.
- Discontinue any nicotine use or drinking in the weeks leading up to your procedure, and maintain full abstinence from both until you have completely recovered.
- Fill any prescriptions you may need during your recovery to ensure they are ready when you return home.
By following each instruction, you can ensure a safe and successful procedure, as well as the best possible results.
Preservation Breast Enhancement Procedure
One of the innovative keys to preservation breast procedures is placement of the implant to restore functional volume where patients need it, not trying to enhance the entire breast. Patients will be marked prior to the procedure to personalize the placement of the implant. Preserve procedure can be done through a tiny incision at the bottom fold of the breast or the axilla. Your surgeon will help guide you to the best incision placement for your procedure.
At the beginning of your breast enhancement procedure, your surgeon will place a tiny incision near the breasts to access the underlying structures of your chest. They will use a specialized tumescent cannula under ultrasound guidance to place numbing solution above the pectoralis muscle and below the breast gland into the natural space. The fluid will expand this natural space in the breast. This minimally invasive technique is utilized to preserve the health and integrity of your surrounding breast ligaments, nerves, muscle, and soft tissues. Your surgeon will use a channel guide to create the tunnel and then a specialized balloon to gently create a pocket for your implants, thus pushing your ligaments to the surrounding area, creating a nesting effect. This allows a space for the breast implants to be placed without cutting or damaging any surrounding structures. The implant can then be placed using a funnel into this natural pocket. Each implant is precisely placed into these new natural pockets. The incisions are then closed with absorbable sutures.
This approach offers an alternative to the extensive muscle dissection and larger incisions that traditional augmentation requires. As a result, the implants will rest naturally within the breasts, promoting a more harmonious experience overall.
Motiva Implants
When performing preservation breast surgery, our surgeons most commonly use Motiva 6th-generation implants. Motiva represents the newest implant to the market in the United States today, making it great for minimal tissue disruption. They have features like TrueMonobloc® construction, advanced SuperSilicone® gel, and a silk-smooth Microthane® surface. Motiva implants move with the breasts in an exceptionally natural way. They come in both round and Ergo implants to align with a wide array of patients’ aesthetic preferences. All of Motiva’s features help reduce the risk of capsular contracture, supporting the techniques and philosophy of preservation breast surgery.
Recovery
As mentioned previously, one of the biggest benefits of preservation breast enhancement is the rapid recovery. Because the procedure minimizes trauma and damage to the breasts and even avoids cutting the pectoralis muscle, patients get to experience a shorter recovery and one that is overall more comfortable. However, patients can still expect to experience some soreness and discomfort after the procedure, and we recommend taking time off work and away from other commitments to heal, although this duration may be shorter than that seen by patients who undergo traditional breast augmentation.
Results
An important aspect of the preservation breast enhancement philosophy is the concept of long-term support. Patients can anticipate that this method will have a lower risk of complications that might lead them to get their implants replaced or revised. One example is capsular contracture; many of the techniques we prioritize during preservation rest enhancement serve to reduce the risk of capsular contracture, or the excessive tightening of scar tissue of the breast capsule surrounding the implant.
In any case, patients will likely need to get their implants replaced at some point in the future. With the newest models of breast implants, such as the Motiva 6th-generation implants, patients often see their implants last for years and years. Patient experiences may vary.
Cost of Preservation Breast Enhancement vs. Traditional Augmentation in Austin, Texas
The cost of your breast enhancement will vary depending on which procedure your surgeon performs, the complexity of your corrections, whether your surgeon integrates any additional procedures into your treatment plan, and more. Once they have met with you and discussed these factors, they will give you a comprehensive cost estimate for either your preservation breast enhancement or traditional breast augmentation.
Austin Plastic Surgeon also offers financing for those who qualify.
To learn more about the pricing of your breast procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call the office of your choice:
FAQ
Is one breast enhancement method safer than the other?
Both methods are safe, but the preservation breast enhancement uses newer techniques that maintain the health of your breasts’ natural structures. However, each patient is different, and certain techniques may be safer and more suitable for certain individuals, but not others.
Will my breast procedure affect my nipple sensation?
Preservation breast enhancement techniques are designed to protect tissue sensation and protect against nerve damage in the breasts. It is still possible that your breast procedure may affect your nipple sensation as you recover, but this effect is usually temporary. Your surgeon will discuss any potential risks with you during your personal consultation.
How long will my breast implants last?
Breast implants are long-lasting, but they are not lifetime devices. Breast implants typically last for up to 10 to 20 years after placement.
Can preservation breast enhancement achieve the same fullness as traditional augmentation?
Preservation breast enhancement can still be very effective for achieving a larger cup size. However, patients who want a much larger cup size increase may be recommended for traditional augmentation instead.
Who is a good candidate for preservation breast enhancement versus traditional augmentation?
The best candidates for preservation breast enhancement are those who want to prioritize long-term results, optimal safety, advanced techniques, and the most advanced implants available. Traditional augmentation is best for patients who want to achieve a larger breast size or who want a specific implant placement that cannot be achieved with preservation breast enhancement.
How does recovery differ between preservation and traditional breast augmentation?
Because preservation breast augmentation offers less invasive methods, recovery is typically easier with this method. Traditional breast augmentation often requires more invasive techniques and also dissection of the pectoralis muscle, which can extend recovery and cause more discomfort during the healing process.
References
- Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
- Shih L, Davis MJ, Winocour SJ. The Science of Fat Grafting. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2020;34(01):005-010. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3402073
- Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/