MED:0001189663
— This website contains imagery only suitable for audiences 18+. All procedures contain risks.
— This website contains imagery only suitable for audiences 18+. All procedures contain risks.
— This website contains imagery only suitable for audiences 18+. All procedures contain risks.
— This website contains imagery only suitable for audiences 18+. All procedures contain risks.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
Preservé is a breast augmentation technique developed by Establishment Labs, the manufacturer of Motiva breast implants. It combines purpose-built surgical instruments with Motiva Ergonomix2 SmoothSilk silicone implants, with the aim of preserving as much of your natural breast tissue, muscle and surrounding structures as possible during surgery.
The Team
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Layt is highly credentialed in many areas of Plastic, Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as a variety of non-surgical cosmetic enhancements.
Learn More
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Cheng is a New Zealand trained Specialist Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeon.
Learn MoreDr Craig Layt has completed formal training in the Preservé technique and The Layt Clinic is one of the first practices in Australia to offer this approach.
Preservé is still breast augmentation surgery. It is invasive, it requires anaesthesia, it leaves scars and it carries risks. This page explains how the technique works, how it differs from other methods we offer, and what you should weigh up before making a decision.
Overview
In most breast augmentation surgery, the surgeon creates a pocket for the implant by cutting and lifting tissue, and in some cases releasing part of the chest muscle. Preservé takes a different approach to creating that pocket.
Rather than dissecting through tissue, the technique uses a specialised instrument called a channel separator, which is introduced through an incision in the fold beneath the breast. An inflatable balloon device is then used to gently expand a space for the implant by separating natural tissue planes. Once the pocket is formed, the implant is inserted through a sleeve using a no-touch technique, which means the implant does not contact the skin during insertion.
The intent of this approach is to reduce disruption to breast tissue, muscle attachments and surrounding structures. Because the implant is delivered through a sleeve, the incision can often be shorter than in conventional augmentation, although the final incision length depends on your anatomy and the implant volume selected.
The implants
Preservé is performed with Motiva Ergonomix2 SmoothSilk implants. These are silicone gel-filled breast implants designed to adapt their shape to posture and movement, so the breast can look different when you are upright compared with lying down, in a way that reflects natural breast behaviour. Ergonomix2 SmoothSilk implants are included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).
The Layt Clinic uses silicone implants only. We do not offer saline implants.
As with all breast implants, these devices are not considered lifetime devices. Future surgery, whether for revision, replacement or removal, may be needed at some point.
Procedure
Every operation is planned around your individual anatomy, tissue characteristics and goals, so the details below are a general guide only. Your procedure may differ.
The anaesthesia approach, the operating time and the setting for your surgery will be confirmed by Dr Layt during your consultations.
Candidates
Preservé tends to suit people seeking a measured increase in breast size who have suitable tissue characteristics for this technique. It is not the right option for everyone. During your consultations, Dr Layt will assess your anatomy, discuss your goals and explain whether Preservé, another augmentation method or no surgery at all is the most appropriate path for you.
A referral from your GP or another medical practitioner is required before a consultation for cosmetic surgery, as this is a requirement for all cosmetic surgery in Australia. You will also have a mandatory cooling-off period after giving informed consent and before surgery can take place. Deciding to have breast augmentation is a significant decision, and we encourage you to take the time you need.
Recovery
Recovery is different for every patient. Healing depends on your individual circumstances, the extent of surgery and how your body responds, so we do not promise a fixed recovery timeline.
Most patients need time away from work and a temporary break from exercise, heavy lifting and other strenuous activity. You may be asked to wear a supportive garment while you heal, and you will attend follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress. Some discomfort, swelling and bruising is expected in the early stages, and pain levels vary from person to person. Dr Layt and our nursing team will give you written aftercare instructions specific to your procedure.
While the Preservé technique is designed to reduce tissue disruption, this does not mean recovery will be easy or that your experience will match anyone else’s. Individual results and recovery experiences vary.
Risks
All surgery carries risk, and breast augmentation is no exception. Risks and potential complications include, but are not limited to, the following.
Dr Layt will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultations, along with any risks specific to your circumstances, and you will receive written information to take home and consider. If anything is unclear, ask. Understanding the risks is part of making an informed decision.
Other Options
Preservé is one of several breast augmentation methods available at our clinic, and suitability is always assessed on an individual basis. Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr Layt may recommend one of the following instead.
Our conventional approach using silicone implants, planned around your tissue characteristics and preferences. (Internal linking suggestion: link to the Breast Augmentation page.)
Combines an implant with fat grafting, using your own fat to refine shape and soften implant edges. (Internal linking suggestion: link to the Hybrid Breast Augmentation section or page.)
Implant placement through an incision away from the breast using an endoscope for visibility. (Internal linking suggestion: link to the Endoscopic Breast Augmentation page.)
Augmentation using grafted fat alone, without an implant, for patients seeking a modest change. (Internal linking suggestion: link to the Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation page.)
Having several methods available means the technique can be matched to you, rather than fitting you to a single technique.
Consultation
If you are considering breast augmentation and would like to discuss whether Preservé is suitable for you, contact our team to arrange a consultation with Dr Layt. Remember that you will need a referral from your GP or another medical practitioner first. Consultations involve a thorough assessment, an honest discussion of what surgery can and cannot achieve, and time for your questions.
FAQs
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Preservé has been introduced in a limited number of countries, and availability in Australia is recent. Dr Layt has undertaken training in the technique and can discuss its availability with you at consultation.
Yes. Preservé is performed with Motiva Ergonomix2 SmoothSilk silicone implants, which are designed to work with the instruments used in the technique. These implants are included on the ARTG. The Layt Clinic offers silicone implants only.
The technique is designed so the implant can be delivered through a shorter incision than is typical in conventional augmentation. The actual incision length depends on your anatomy and the implant size chosen, and every incision leaves a permanent scar. How scars heal varies between individuals.
The technique aims to reduce disruption to tissue, but recovery depends on many factors, including your individual healing, the implant size and your general health. You should plan for time off work and a graduated return to normal activity, and follow the aftercare plan we give you. Individual recovery experiences vary.
Yes. A referral from your GP or another medical practitioner is required before a consultation for any cosmetic surgery in Australia. A mandatory cooling-off period also applies between informed consent and surgery.