Surgical
Gynaecomastia
A specialised surgical procedure for men to remove excess breast tissue and, in some cases, fatty deposits.
Preservé - a tissue-preserving approach to Breast Augmentation
Preservé by Motiva is a breast augmentation technique designed to minimise disruption to the existing structures of the breast during implant placement.
Rather than using conventional cautery dissection to create the implant pocket, Preservé uses specialised instruments and controlled tissue expansion to create space for the implant. The implant is positioned beneath the breast gland and above the chest muscle, with the technique designed around preserving the existing breast anatomy.
At Shape Clinic, Preservé breast augmentation is performed by Dr Henry Shepherd MED0001860545, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS), who has undertaken specific training in the Preservé technique. His approach to breast surgery begins with assessment of the individual rather than selection of a particular procedure. During consultation, Dr Shepherd MED0001860545 will consider your existing anatomy, your reasons for considering surgery, and whether the Preservé breast augmentation is appropriate for you.
Disclaimer
Breast procedures are only suitable for people aged 18 years and over. All surgical procedures carry risks, and individual responses and recovery experiences vary. A consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon is required to assess suitability, discuss potential risks and benefits, and review expected recovery. A second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is recommended before proceeding.
What makes Preservé different?
The principal difference between Preservé and more traditional approaches to breast augmentation is the way the space for the breast implant is created.
Designed to preserve existing breast anatomy
Preservé uses controlled tissue expansion rather than conventional cautery dissection to create the implant pocket. The technique is designed to minimise disruption to existing breast structures while creating sufficient space for the implant.
Above-muscle implant placement
The implant is positioned beneath the breast gland and above the pectoral muscle. This means the chest muscle is not dissected to accommodate the implant.
A smaller surgical approach
Preservé uses a smaller incision at the inframammary fold beneath the breast, together with specialised instruments to create and access the implant pocket.
Potential for a different recovery experience
By minimising tissue disruption and avoiding dissection of the chest muscle, appropriately selected patients may experience a shorter initial recovery compared with some traditional breast augmentation techniques.
Recovery varies between individuals, however, and Preservé should not be considered a procedure without downtime or activity restrictions
Preservé Breast Augmentation - ‘low impact’ breast surgery
Preservé is sometimes described as low impact breast surgery because of the technique's focus on minimising disruption to existing breast tissues. Importantly, ‘low impact’ does not mean non-surgical, minor or risk-free.
Preservé remains breast augmentation surgery. It involves an incision, creation of an implant pocket and placement of a breast implant, and it carries the potential risks and recovery considerations associated with surgery and breast implants.
At Shape Clinic, we prefer to think of Preservé as a tissue-preserving approach to breast augmentation.
How is Preservé performed?
A small incision is made in the inframammary fold beneath the breast. Specialised instruments and a controlled balloon expansion technique are then used to progressively create the space required for the implant. This differs from conventional cautery dissection of the implant pocket. The implant is placed beneath the breast gland and above the pectoral muscle.
Fat grafting may also be considered in selected patients as part of the overall surgical plan. Whether this is appropriate will depend on the patient's anatomy and desired outcome.
The procedure is generally performed as day surgery. The appropriate anaesthetic approach will be discussed with Dr Shepherd as part of your surgical planning.
Preservé Sydney Frequently Asked Questions
Preservé may be considered for patients seeking a small to moderate increase in breast volume whose anatomy is suitable for an above-muscle breast implant. It may also be of interest to physically active patients or those interested in an approach designed to minimise disruption to the chest muscle and existing breast tissues. It will not be appropriate for everyone.
Existing breast volume, breast and chest anatomy, skin quality, the degree of change being considered and your individual circumstances all influence which surgical technique may be appropriate.
Consultation and physical assessment with Dr Shepherd MED0001860545 are therefore an important part of determining whether Preservé, another approach to breast augmentation, another procedure, or no surgery is appropriate.
Preservé is performed using Motiva breast implants. Dr Shepherd MED0001860545 will discuss the implant options that may be appropriate based on your existing anatomy, the proposed surgical approach and the changes you are considering.
Breast implants are medical devices and should not be considered lifetime devices. Changes to the implant, breast and surrounding tissues can occur over time, and some patients may require monitoring or further surgery in the future. Implant-specific benefits, limitations and risks will be discussed as part of your consultation and informed consent process.
Recovery varies from person to person. Because Preservé is designed to minimise tissue disruption and does not involve dissection of the pectoral muscle, some appropriately selected patients may experience a shorter initial recovery compared with some traditional breast augmentation techniques.
This does not mean there is no recovery period. Swelling, bruising, discomfort and temporary changes in sensation can occur. Work, exercise and other activities may need to be modified during the initial recovery period and gradually reintroduced according to Dr Shepherd's MED0001860545 advice.
The breasts will also continue to change as swelling settles and the tissues adapt around the implants. It can take several months for the longer-term surgical outcome to become apparent.
Preservé is designed to minimise disruption to existing breast tissues and structures. However, changes in nipple or breast sensation remain a recognised potential risk of breast augmentation surgery. Preservation of sensation cannot be guaranteed. Your individual risks will be discussed with you before deciding whether to proceed with surgery.
Preservé has been developed as an approach designed to minimise tissue disruption during breast augmentation. However, it remains an operation involving an incision, creation of an implant pocket and placement of a breast implant. For this reason, at Shape Clinic, we describe Preservé as a tissue-preserving approach to breast augmentation rather than suggesting that it is non-invasive or a minor procedure.
No. Preservé may be appropriate for some patients seeking breast augmentation, but suitability depends on factors including existing breast tissue, anatomy, skin quality and the degree of change being considered.
A consultation and physical assessment are required before Dr Shepherd MED0001860545 can advise whether Preservé is an appropriate option.
The Preservé technique can potentially be performed using different anaesthetic approaches in appropriately selected circumstances. The anaesthetic approach offered at Shape Clinic will be determined by Dr Shepherd MED0001860545 based on the individual patient, planned procedure and appropriate surgical setting.
Preservé is one approach to breast augmentation rather than a procedure that needs to suit every patient. If Dr Shepherd considers another surgical approach more appropriate for your anatomy or the changes you are considering, he will discuss those options with you. Choosing not to proceed with surgery is also an option.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The breasts and surrounding tissues also naturally change over time due to factors including ageing, pregnancy, weight changes and other individual factors. Some patients may require further treatment or surgery in the future.
All surgery carries risk, and Preservé is no exception. Potential risks associated with breast augmentation can include bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, changes in breast or nipple sensation, implant movement or malposition, implant rupture, capsular contracture and complications associated with anaesthesia.
There are also short- and long-term considerations specific to breast implants, including the possibility that further investigation, treatment or surgery may be required in the future.
The risks and their relevance to you will depend on your health, anatomy, implant choice and surgical plan. Dr Shepherd MED0001860545 will discuss these considerations with you as part of the consultation and informed consent process.
Your consultation
Choosing to undergo breast augmentation is a personal decision. There is no single technique or breast implant that is appropriate for every patient. Your consultation with Dr Shepherd MED0001860545 provides an opportunity to discuss what you are considering and to understand the surgical options that may be available to you.
This includes discussion of the proposed procedure, implant options, potential outcomes, recovery, limitations, risks, costs and the possibility of requiring further treatment or surgery in the future. The aim of consultation is to provide you with the information and individual assessment you need to make an informed decision about whether surgery is right for you.
Disclaimer
Breast procedures are only suitable for people aged 18 years and over. Individual outcomes, healing times, and recovery experiences vary. All surgical procedures carry risks, which may include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, scarring, changes in sensation, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the outcome. This information is general in nature and does not replace a consultation with a qualified health practitioner. A thorough in-person assessment is required to determine suitability. A second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner is also recommended before proceeding with surgery.
