When choosing a surgeon for Motiva Preservé, look for someone on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery, ideally holding FRCS (Plast) and belonging to BAAPS or BAPRAS, who operates in a CQC-registered hospital and performs the Preservé technique as a regular part of their practice. Just as important are an unhurried consultation, honest advice about suitability and clear aftercare.
Why the choice of surgeon matters
Preservé depends on precise planning and technique. Choosing the right implant size for the pocket, placing a short incision in exactly the right position and creating a pocket that fits the implant closely all require experience in breast surgery. Because the technique is marketed widely, it is worth looking beyond the name of the procedure to the training and judgement of the person performing it.
Qualifications to check
- GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery: any doctor can legally perform cosmetic surgery in the UK, but specialist registration shows full training in plastic surgery. You can check this free on the GMC website.
- FRCS (Plast): the specialist fellowship examination in plastic surgery, taken at the end of higher surgical training.
- BAAPS or BAPRAS membership: professional associations that promote safe practice and ongoing education in aesthetic and plastic surgery.
- Implant registry participation: surgeons should register your implants, with consent, on the Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry.
The hospital and team
Surgery should take place in a hospital registered with the Care Quality Commission, with a consultant anaesthetist, trained theatre and ward staff, and arrangements to manage emergencies and overnight care if needed. Ask where you would be treated and who would look after you if you needed to return to theatre. Mr Nassab operates at Deansgate Hospital in Manchester, where his Cheshire patients also have surgery, and at a private hospital in London. It is also worth asking about the anaesthetic options available: many Preservé procedures are performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, and the team should be experienced in both this and general anaesthesia so that the plan can be adapted to you.
What a good consultation looks like
Your first appointment should be with the surgeon, not a sales adviser. Expect a detailed medical history, an examination with measurements and a frank conversation about what Preservé can achieve for your body. A good surgeon will tell you if a different operation would suit you better, discuss risks openly including capsular contracture and implant replacement, and give you written information to take away. You should never feel rushed. A second consultation and a cooling-off period before surgery are signs of responsible practice.
Red flags to watch for
- Cheap packages, especially abroad: low headline prices can hide limited aftercare. Travelling after surgery increases clot risk, and complications may be difficult to manage once you are home.
- Pressure selling: discounts for booking on the day, or deposits taken before you have met the surgeon.
- No clear aftercare: vague answers about who you contact after surgery or where follow-ups take place.
- Unrealistic promises: claims that results are certain or that there are no risks.
- No specialist registration: a surgeon who is not on the Specialist Register for plastic surgery.
About Mr Nassab
Mr Reza Nassab is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon (GMC 4704243) on the Specialist Register, with FRCS (Plast). He is a BAAPS Council member and Chair of the ISAPS Social Media Working Group, and performs minimally invasive awake breast augmentation using the Preservé approach. He consults at CLNQ in Manchester, Knutsford and London, and also practises in Dubai.
Making your decision
Take your time. Compare the answers you receive, check registrations yourself and consider how comfortable you felt asking questions. The questions to ask guide gives a checklist to bring to any consultation. The consultation with Mr Nassab costs £150 and is separate from any surgical fee, which starts from £9,500 for Motiva Preservé and is confirmed after assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any surgeon perform Motiva Preservé?
Legally, any registered doctor can perform cosmetic surgery, which is why checking specialist registration in plastic surgery is so important.
How can a surgeon’s credentials be checked?
Use the GMC online register to confirm specialist registration, and the BAAPS or BAPRAS websites to confirm membership.
Is it worth travelling for a particular surgeon?
Many patients do, but plan for aftercare. Check where follow-up appointments will take place and how emergencies would be handled.
Should the surgeon show before and after photos?
Seeing consented examples of their work can help you understand typical outcomes, but every patient’s result will differ.
What if the surgeon says Preservé is not suitable?
That is a sign of honest advice. Ask them to explain why and what alternative they would recommend.
Does the most expensive surgeon offer the safest care?
Not necessarily. Price alone says little about quality. Focus on specialist registration, the hospital, the consultation experience and the aftercare that is included in the quote.
