Motiva Preservé Breast Augmentation in Edinburgh & Scotland
If you’re considering breast augmentation but concerned about recovery time, scarring, or losing natural sensation, Motiva Preservé offers a gentler approach. This tissue-preserving technique uses specially designed instruments to enhance your breasts whilst protecting the delicate structures that traditional surgery can disrupt. The result? Smaller scars, faster recovery, and breasts that look and feel natural—with clinical evidence showing complete preservation of sensation.
Table of contents
Motiva Preservé Overview
TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
- Local with sedation or General
LENGTH OF SURGERY
- 45-60 minutes
HOSPITAL STAY
- Day surgery
RECOVERY
- 2-5 days off work
- 2-3 weeks before exercise
What is Preservé Breast Augmentation?
Preservé is an advanced breast augmentation technique that works with your body rather than against it.
Traditional breast surgery often involves cutting through muscle and tissue to create space for an implant. Preservé takes a different approach—using specially designed instruments to gently separate natural tissue layers, creating a pocket for your implant without the trauma of conventional methods.
The technique is paired with Motiva’s latest implants (Ergonomix2®), which are designed to feel remarkably soft and move naturally with your body.
What makes it different?
- Tissue preservation – Your breast’s natural support structures, blood vessels, and nerves are protected rather than cut through
- Smaller incisions – Just 2.5-3cm, hidden in your breast crease
- No muscle disruption – The implant sits in front of your chest muscle, preserving your natural strength and movement
- Faster healing – Less internal trauma means your body recovers more quickly
Why Choose Quaba for Preservé
- Specialist Surgeons – Our plastic surgeons are on the GMC specialist register and are members of BAAPS and BAPRAS
- Advanced 3D Imaging – See how different sizes might look on your body before you decide
- Exceptional Facilities – All procedures at Waterfront Hospital with dedicated nursing care
- Comprehensive Aftercare – Follow-up appointments and support whenever you need it
- Trusted by Patients – Patients travel from across Scotland based on our reputation for quality care
Proven Results
The Preservé technique has been studied in clinical trials with impressive results at three years:
| OUTCOME | RESULT |
|---|---|
| Loss of nipple sensation | 0% |
| Loss of breast sensation | 0% |
| Implant dropping (malposition) | 0% |
| Capsular contracture | 0% |
Results from the Mia FemTech® clinical study with 3-year follow-up. Individual results may vary.
These outcomes address some of the most common concerns women have about breast augmentation—particularly the worry about losing sensation.
Benefits of Preservé
No General Anaesthetic Required
Unlike traditional breast augmentation, Preservé can be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. You’ll be relaxed and comfortable but won’t need to be fully asleep. This means no general anaesthetic risks, less grogginess afterwards, and you can go home sooner.
Faster Recovery
Most women return to desk work within 2-5 days and light exercise within 2-3 weeks. This is significantly quicker than the 4-6 week recovery typical with traditional methods.
Smaller, Hidden Scars
The incision is just 2.5-3cm and placed in your natural breast crease where it becomes virtually invisible once healed.
Natural Sensation Preserved
Clinical studies show complete preservation of nipple and breast sensation—a significant improvement over traditional surgery where changes to sensation are common.
Natural Look and Feel
The combination of tissue preservation and soft Ergonomix2® implants creates breasts that look natural, move naturally, and feel soft.
Long-Lasting Results
By preserving your breast’s natural support structures, the implants stay in position. Clinical data shows 0% of implants dropping at three years—eliminating one of the most common reasons for revision surgery.
Reduced Risk of Complications
The gentle technique and specially designed implant surface reduce inflammation, which means lower risk of the hardening (capsular contracture) that can occur with breast implants.
Is Preservé Right for You?
Preservé may be ideal if you:
- Want natural-looking enhancement with minimal scarring
- Are concerned about preserving breast and nipple sensation
- Need a quick recovery to return to work or family
- Are having breast implants for the first time
- Want to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss
- Lead an active lifestyle and want to maintain chest muscle function
- Prefer to avoid general anaesthetic (local with sedation is an option)
When Preservé may not be suitable
- If you have existing breast implants (revision surgery needs a different approach)
- If you have significant breast sagging (you may need a breast lift as well)
- If you’re looking for very large implants
During your consultation, we’ll assess whether Preservé is the best option for your goals and anatomy.
Your Preservé Journey
1. Initial Consultation
Meet with one of our plastic surgeons at Waterfront Hospital. We’ll discuss your goals, examine your breast shape and size, and use 3D imaging to help you visualise potential results. There’s no pressure to decide on the day.
2. Planning Your Procedure
If you decide to go ahead, we’ll create a personalised plan including the right implant size for your body. We’ll also discuss whether you’d prefer local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia.
3. Pre-Operative Assessment
Before surgery, you’ll have a health check to ensure you’re ready. We’ll give you detailed instructions on how to prepare.
4. Procedure Day
Your surgery takes around 45-60 minutes and is done as a day case at Waterfront Hospital. You’ll go home the same day with a supportive bra and clear aftercare instructions.
5. Recovery and Aftercare
Most women feel well enough to return to normal activities within a few days. We’ll see you at one week, six weeks, and six months to check your healing and answer any questions.
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I choose the right implant size?
How do I choose the right implant size?
During your consultation, we’ll measure your body and discuss your goals. We use 3D imaging so you can see how different sizes might look. The Preservé technique actually creates about 25% more effective volume than traditional methods, so many women find they can achieve their desired look with a smaller implant than expected.
What anaesthetic is used?
What anaesthetic is used?
You can choose between local anaesthesia with sedation (you’ll be relaxed and comfortable but not fully asleep) or general anaesthesia. Many women appreciate avoiding general anaesthetic as it means faster recovery and fewer side effects.
How long is recovery?
How long is recovery?
Most women return to desk work within 2-5 days. You can usually drive within a day or two if you’re not taking strong painkillers. Light exercise is typically fine at 2-3 weeks, with full activities at 4-6 weeks. Pain is usually minimal—most women only need paracetamol.
Will I be able to breastfeed?
Will I be able to breastfeed?
Preservé is designed to protect your breast tissue including the glands and ducts involved in breastfeeding. There’s no direct impact on breastfeeding ability, though individual factors always play a role.
Can I have mammograms?
Can I have mammograms?
Yes. Motiva implants don’t interfere with breast screening. Just let your radiographer know you have implants so they can use the right technique.
Will my implants need replacing?
Will my implants need replacing?
Modern implants don’t have a set expiry date and don’t automatically need replacing. Many women enjoy their results for 10-20 years or longer. However, some women may eventually want revision surgery due to body changes or personal preference.
What is the Woman's Choice Program?
What is the Woman's Choice Program?
This is a warranty unique to Motiva. If you later decide you want your implants removed, Motiva provides up to $1,500 towards the cost. It reflects their commitment to patient choice.
What Are the Risks?
Bleeding
Bleeding
The Preservé technique reduces bleeding compared to traditional methods, but a small risk remains (around 1-2%). Rarely, a return to theatre may be needed.
Infection
Infection
The risk is low (under 2%) and is further reduced by our sterile insertion technique. If a severe infection occurs, the implant may need to be removed and replaced after a few months.
Scarring
Scarring
Your incision will leave a permanent scar, but at just 2.5-3cm and hidden in your breast crease, it typically becomes very faint. Some people’s skin heals differently, and scars can occasionally become raised or thickened.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
Most breasts have some natural difference in size or shape. While we aim for the best symmetry possible, minor differences may remain or become more noticeable after surgery.
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture
This is when scar tissue around the implant hardens, potentially causing discomfort or changing the breast shape. The Preservé technique and Motiva implant surface are designed to minimise this risk. Clinical data shows 0% at three years, though longer-term rates may differ.
Implant rupture
Implant rupture
Modern implants are designed to be durable, but rupture can occur. If it does, the gel typically stays contained. Replacement would be recommended.
Changes over time
Changes over time
Your breasts will change naturally with age, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations. Future surgery may be desired to maintain or adjust your results.
Pricing
Motiva Preservé Breast Augmentation: From £8500
This includes:
- Consultation
- Surgery and anaesthesia
- Motiva Ergonomix2® implants
- Waterfront Hospital fees
- Post-operative bra
- Follow-up appointments at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months
Finance options are available. You’ll receive a detailed quote at your consultation.
Our latest reviews
Author
Dr Will Anderson is a fully accredited Consultant Plastic Surgeon in Edinburgh on the GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery (3679250). Having served as an NHS Consultant since 2008, he specialises in advanced reconstructive, cosmetic, and laser surgery. With global training and an MSc from University College London, he is renowned for his patient-centred care at Quaba Plastic Surgery.