The most useful questions to ask before Motiva Preservé cover the surgeon’s qualifications and GMC specialist registration, their experience with the technique, the hospital and anaesthetic, the implants being used, aftercare, and what happens if you need further surgery. The checklist below explains what a clear, reassuring answer should sound like.
About the surgeon
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register in Plastic Surgery?: a good answer is a simple yes that you can confirm on the GMC website. Registration alone as a doctor is not the same as specialist registration.
- What are your qualifications?: FRCS (Plast) indicates completion of specialist training and exams in plastic surgery.
- Which professional bodies do you belong to?: membership of BAAPS or BAPRAS shows a commitment to standards in aesthetic and plastic surgery.
- How often do you perform Preservé?: the surgeon should be able to explain how the technique fits into their regular practice and show representative photographs.
About the technique
- Why is Preservé suitable for me rather than a standard augmentation?: listen for a reason based on your tissues, size goals and breast shape, not a sales pitch.
- Where will the incision be and how long will it be?: expect a clear explanation linked to your implant choice.
- Where will the implant sit?: the surgeon should explain whether it will be above the muscle, beneath the fascia or another plane, and why.
- What size range is realistic?: a good surgeon will guide you towards a range that suits your frame and may explain why a larger implant is not advised.
About the implants
Ask which Motiva implant will be used, its shape and surface, and whether it will be registered on the Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry. Ask what the manufacturer’s warranty covers and how long implants typically last. A good answer is transparent about the possibility of replacement in the future and about rare but important issues such as BIA-ALCL and breast implant illness.
About the hospital and anaesthetic
- Where will surgery take place?: the answer should be a CQC-registered hospital with overnight facilities and emergency support.
- Who will give the anaesthetic?: a consultant anaesthetist should be present.
- Could surgery be done awake?: the surgeon should explain the options of local anaesthetic with sedation or a general anaesthetic, and who each suits. The anaesthesia explainer covers this.
About aftercare
Ask who you contact out of hours, how many follow-up appointments are included and where they take place, and who will see you if a problem arises. A good answer names a direct contact route, a clear follow-up schedule and the operating surgeon remaining responsible for your care. Ask for written aftercare instructions covering bras, lifting, driving and exercise.
About revision and complications
Ask what happens if you develop a complication such as a haematoma, infection or capsular contracture, and what the costs would be. Ask whether the surgeon has a revision policy and what it covers. A reassuring answer is honest that complications can happen to any surgeon and explains exactly how they would be handled. Vague promises that ‘nothing will go wrong’ are a warning sign.
About cost and time to decide
Ask for a written, itemised quote that states what is included: surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and theatre, implants, garments and routine follow-up. The £150 consultation is charged separately. You should never be pressured to book on the day, and a cooling-off period is expected. Mr Nassab encourages a second consultation before surgery so that every question can be answered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should questions be written down before the consultation?
Yes. Bringing a written list, and a friend or relative, helps you remember everything and compare answers afterwards.
How can a surgeon’s registration be checked?
Search the surgeon’s name on the GMC register online. It shows whether they are on the Specialist Register and in which specialty.
Is it reasonable to ask to see photographs?
Yes. A surgeon should be happy to show representative results from patients who have given consent, with realistic expectations explained.
What if the answers are unclear?
Ask again, or seek a second opinion. Clear, patient answers are a good sign of a trustworthy practice.
How many consultations are usual before Preservé?
Many patients have two consultations: one to discuss goals and options, and a second to confirm implant choice, review the consent form and ask any remaining questions. This also provides a natural cooling-off period before committing to surgery.
What should be avoided when choosing a clinic?
Be cautious of heavily discounted packages, sales staff rather than the surgeon leading the consultation, pressure to pay a deposit on the day, and unclear arrangements for aftercare. Surgery abroad can make follow-up and the management of complications much harder.
