Motiva Preservé is a less invasive way of placing breast implants, but it carries the same core risks as any breast augmentation: bleeding, infection, blood clots, anaesthetic effects, capsular contracture, implant problems, changes in sensation and the possibility of further surgery. The short incision and limited dissection aim to reduce some of these risks, not remove them.
General surgical risks
- Bleeding and haematoma: a collection of blood can form around the implant, usually in the first day or two. It often needs a return to theatre. Careful technique and avoiding blood-thinning supplements before surgery help reduce the risk.
- Infection: can affect the wound or, more seriously, the implant pocket. Strict sterile technique, antibiotic protocols and minimal handling of the implant are used to lower this risk.
- Blood clots (VTE): deep vein thrombosis or a clot on the lung can follow any operation. Early walking, keeping hydrated and, where appropriate, compression stockings reduce the risk.
- Anaesthetic risks: sickness, a sore throat or, rarely, a reaction to medicine. Sedation with local anaesthetic, which many Preservé patients choose, avoids some effects of a general anaesthetic.
Implant-specific risks
Every breast implant carries long-term considerations. Capsular contracture occurs when the natural scar tissue around the implant tightens and can make the breast firm, misshapen or uncomfortable. Implants can rupture, move from their intended position or rotate. Rippling, where the edge of the implant can be seen or felt, is more likely in slim patients with little breast tissue. Breast implant illness, a group of symptoms some patients attribute to their implants, is recognised and discussed openly at consultation. There is also a rare lymphoma associated with implants, BIA-ALCL, which usually presents as late swelling of one breast and is highly treatable when found early. Implants are not lifetime devices and may need replacing in the future.
Risks particular to a minimally invasive approach
Working through a shorter incision requires precise planning. Because the pocket is kept deliberately tight, the implant size has to be matched carefully to your tissues; an implant that is too large for the pocket or the incision is not appropriate. Preservé is usually best suited to moderate implant sizes. Visibility of the implant edge may be more of a consideration when implants are placed above the muscle in patients with thin tissue, which is why Mr Nassab measures tissue thickness at consultation.
How risk is reduced
Safety starts with patient selection: being a non-smoker, at a stable weight, in good health and with realistic expectations all help. Surgery is performed in a CQC-registered hospital with a consultant anaesthetist. Mr Nassab uses Motiva implants, which are registered on the UK Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry with your consent, so you can be contacted if there is ever a safety update. Following aftercare advice about bras, lifting and activity also protects the result.
What is normal after surgery
Swelling, bruising, tightness and aching are expected in the early weeks. Breasts may look high, firm or slightly different from each other at first. Temporary numbness or increased sensitivity of the nipple and skin is common and usually improves over months. A little clear or blood-stained staining on the dressing in the first day or two is not unusual.
When to seek help
- One breast rapidly swelling, tense or very painful: contact the surgical team urgently.
- Fever, spreading redness, or discharge from the wound: contact the team the same day.
- Sudden one-sided leg swelling or calf pain: same-day GP or NHS 111.
- Chest pain or breathlessness: call 999.
- New swelling of a breast months or years later: arrange a prompt review with the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Preservé safer than traditional breast augmentation?
The approach aims to reduce tissue trauma, bleeding and pain, but the implant-related risks are the same. Suitability matters more than technique alone.
What is the most common complication?
Capsular contracture is one of the more common longer-term issues after any breast augmentation. Mr Nassab will discuss your individual risk.
Will breastfeeding be affected?
Many people breastfeed successfully after augmentation, particularly when the incision is in the breast fold, but this cannot be promised.
How long do the implants last?
Implants do not have a fixed lifespan, but they are not lifetime devices, and further surgery at some point is likely.
Do implants interfere with mammograms?
Mammograms can still be performed. Let the screening team know about your implants so that extra views can be taken.
What happens if a complication occurs?
You will have direct contact with the team, and Mr Nassab will assess you promptly. Some problems settle with simple measures, while others, such as a haematoma or significant capsular contracture, may need further surgery. The costs and arrangements for treating complications are explained before you book.
