Preservé Breast Augmentation in Toowoomba
and the Gold Coast
Preservé is a breast augmentation technique developed to preserve structural elements of the breast. It pairs a set of purpose-built surgical instruments with a silicone implant made for the system, and the implant pocket is created by separating and elongating the natural tissue planes with a balloon rather than cutting through them. This is why it is also known as tissue preservation breast augmentation.
We want to be clear about what this is. Preservé is breast augmentation surgery. It’s performed in a hospital, it leaves permanent scars, it carries real risks, and it requires a genuine recovery period. What differs is the method used to make space for the implant. This page explains how the technique works, how it sits alongside the other breast augmentation options we offer, and what you’ll need to consider before deciding whether it’s right for you. This procedure is already being used on patients of A/Prof Magnusson in his clinic, at both the Gold Coast and Toowoomba rooms.
What is tissue preservation breast augmentation?
In conventional breast augmentation, A/Prof Magnusson creates a pocket for the implant by dividing tissue with cautery, and depending on the plan, will either divide part of the pectoralis muscle for a dual plane submuscular pocket or use a subfascial plane over the muscle. Tissue preservation breast augmentation approaches that step differently.
An incision is made in the inframammary fold, the natural crease under the breast. An inflatable balloon is introduced and expanded, which stretches the surrounding tissue outwards to form the pocket instead of cutting it surgically. A similar process is used for other procedures such as hernia repair.
The intent behind this sequence is to limit disruption to supporting structures, the ligaments stabilising the breast tissue. The implant is purpose-designed for this process, allowing it to pass through a smaller incision than with conventional augmentation. The incision is 2.5 to 3.0cm, but importantly, even though the scar is shorter, every incision leaves a permanent scar.
The implant used with this technique
Tissue preservation breast augmentation is performed with purpose-designed breast implants that are filled with silicone gel and are intended for use in breast augmentation. The instruments with this system are designed around this implant, so the technique and the device go hand in hand.
The implant surface is categorised as a smooth surface under ISO 14607:2018, the international standard for mammary implants. That matters in the context of A/Prof Magnusson’s practice. His published research contributed to establishing the association between textured breast implants and Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, and he now uses smooth implants in most cases. You can read more on our ALCL Information page.
The implant used is designed so the gel redistributes with your position, sitting rounder when you’re lying down and taking a more teardrop shape when you’re upright. It’s also more malleable so that it can be used with this system and inserted through a smaller incision without damaging the device during insertion.
Breast implants aren’t lifetime devices. They’re subject to wear over time, and further surgery to revise, replace or remove them may be needed at some point. Every implant we place is recorded on the Australian Breast Device Registry.
How the procedure is performed
Every operation is planned around your anatomy, your tissue characteristics and what you want to achieve, so treat the outline below as a general description rather than a fixed sequence. Implant size selection for this technique is quite specific to your own measurements in order to preserve the ligaments around your breasts.
Surgery is performed in an accredited facility as a day case, meaning you go home the same day. An incision is made in the inframammary fold beneath the breast.
Fluid is introduced into the breast containing local anaesthetic with adrenaline to reduce pain and bleeding. A channel separator is inserted to open a narrow path towards the planned implant position, to allow the insertion of a balloon over the muscle and under the breast.
The inflatable balloon is introduced and gradually expanded to form the pocket, which is checked for symmetry, and then the balloon is deflated and removed.
A visual inspection is performed to confirm there is no bleeding.
The implant designed for this system is delivered through an insertion sleeve over the muscle using a no touch technique. The incision is closed in layers and dressings are applied.
A/Prof Magnusson also applies the 14 Point Plan during implant surgery, a set of antimicrobial steps intended to reduce bacterial contamination of the implant and the surgical pocket.
Operating time, anaesthetic approach, hospital or day surgery setting and the expected length of stay will all be confirmed with you during your consultations and will differ according to your goals and between individuals.
Are other procedures used with this technique?
For appropriate patients, your anatomy and goals help us develop an individual plan for you and this may involve several elements. This may include low (mini), medium (demi) or full projection implants up to 330mL. For breasts that are wider apart or thinner we may consider autologous fat grafting as well.
If the nipple position is low, we may consider a lift.
Who may be suitable
This process suits some people and not others. It tends to be considered for women seeking a measured increase in breast size, who have good tissue elasticity and enough breast tissue to cover the implant, and whose tissue characteristics work with the technique. It isn’t appropriate for everyone, and it isn’t a substitute for a breast lift, where nipple position or skin laxity means a lift is what’s actually needed. Classical breast augmentation is still a suitable choice for other patients, especially if the desired size change is beyond the anatomically controlled size options for the tissue preservation technique.
Deciding to have breast augmentation is a significant decision, and the process in Australia is deliberately structured to give you time. You will need a referral before your consultation, preferably from your usual GP, or otherwise from another GP or specialist who works independently of A/Prof Magnusson. You’ll have at least two pre-operative consultations, and at least one of these must be in person with A/Prof Magnusson. You won’t be asked to sign consent forms at your first consultation. A cooling off period of at least seven days applies after you’ve had both consultations and given informed consent, before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.
In alignment with current practice guidelines in Australia, A/Prof Magnusson will use a validated screening tool for important psychological factors to help ensure surgery is appropriate for you, and will discuss other options with you, including procedures offered by other practitioners and the option of not having surgery at all. If A/Prof Magnusson doesn’t believe surgery is in your best interests, he’ll tell you, and he’ll decline to perform it.
Your consultation and operative planning
The outcome of breast enlargement surgery can be something that patients find exciting and rewarding, however it is always important to understand that this is real surgery with real risks and an anticipated recovery period. The outcome will depend upon the individual plan being created, a technically well-performed procedure, and a patient following the post-operative instructions to minimise the risk of problems.
To develop the best operative plan for you we will need to determine the optimal implant size according to what you already have and what you wish to achieve. With this technique that measurement is more closely constrained than with classical augmentation, because preserving the ligaments around the breast depends on the implant matching the pocket precisely and limits the maximum size. We will also evaluate whether additional procedures such as a mastopexy or autologous fat grafting may be considered to maximise the outcome, and what will differ if we don’t employ these additional tools.
In addition to these elements relating to your breast, we will need to explore your medical history, including any prior breast surgery or problems experienced with other operations.
Photographs are routinely taken prior to your consultation and form an integral part of your confidential medical record. Photographs make a very useful tool during the consultation to compare outcomes from other patients with achievable results for you. Photographs are not seen by others outside the clinical team under any circumstances without your express consent.
Recovery
Recovery differs from person to person. It depends on your general health, the implant volume selected, how your body heals and the extent of the surgery performed, so we don’t promise a fixed timeline or a set return to work date.
Plan for time away from work and a graduated return to exercise, heavy lifting and other strenuous activity. You’ll be asked to wear a supportive garment while you heal, and you’ll attend follow up appointments so we can monitor your progress. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are expected in the early stages. Pain levels vary, and people have different pain thresholds, so your experience may not match someone else’s.
In general with this technique, by avoiding cutting the muscle, creating a very precise pocket for the implant with the balloon and preserving the ligamentous structures supporting the breast and implant, patients are approved to return to normal light daily activities and driving within a couple of days as long as you are not taking strong pain medication, moderate exercise at 3 weeks. Extreme sports or strain is limited for 6 weeks. You’ll receive written aftercare instructions specific to your procedure, and our nursing team is available if something doesn’t seem right.
Risks and complications
All surgery carries risk, and tissue preservation breast augmentation is no exception. The risks are those of any breast implant procedure: bleeding and haematoma, seroma, infection which may require the implant to be removed, changes to nipple or breast sensation which can be temporary or permanent, capsular contracture where the scar tissue around the implant tightens, implant malposition, implant rupture, asymmetry, an appearance that differs from what you had in mind, effects on breastfeeding and on the interpretation of mammograms, and the prospect of revision surgery at some point.
Rupture is uncommon before ten years and becomes more common after that. Capsular contracture, implant malposition and changes in the breast itself are the more common reasons for earlier reoperation, and around half of all reoperations relate to changes in the breast rather than a problem with the implant, driven by ordinary events such as weight change, pregnancy and ageing.
A/Prof Magnusson will go through the risks that apply to your circumstances during your consultations, and you’ll be given written information to take home and consider. Fuller detail is set out on our risks and complications page.
Other breast augmentation options
Tissue preservation is one approach among several, and which one suits you comes down to your anatomy, your goals and your medical history.
Classical breast augmentation. Our conventional approach, with implant type, size, profile and pocket chosen to suit your breast. This remains the right choice where the size change you’re after sits beyond the options available with the tissue preservation technique.
Breast augmentation with mastopexy. Implants combined with a breast lift, where nipple position or skin laxity means implants alone won’t achieve the result you’re after.
Autologous fat grafting. Using your own fat to refine shape, narrow the cleavage or restore upper pole fullness, either alongside implants or on its own for a modest change in size.
Breast asymmetry correction. Where the difference in size or shape between the breasts is the main concern.
How much does Preservé breast augmentation cost?
It isn’t always possible to obtain an accurate cost for breast augmentation surgery without scheduling a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon such as A/Prof Magnusson. There are several factors that contribute to the overall cost. While the surgical cost from A/Prof Magnusson is consistent, other charges vary including the anaesthetist, the hospital and the breast implants. Many patients choose to combine augmentation with other procedures such as a breast lift or fat grafting, which can also impact the final cost of the surgery.
Since breast augmentation is usually purely cosmetic, patients will not be able to apply for a Medicare rebate. However, if augmentation is required following a mastectomy, tuberous breast deformity or significant breast asymmetry (a difference in size between the breasts), both private health insurers and Medicare may cover some of the costs for surgery, implants and also adjunctive procedures such as mastopexy and fat grafting. A/Prof Magnusson can help determine if there will be a rebate from Medicare or your health fund for your surgery. The rest of the costs will be out of pocket.
Following your consultation you will receive a written quotation setting out the total cost, covering the surgical fee, the anaesthetist, the facility, the implants and your post-operative care, so that the full position is clear to you before any decision is made.
Arranging a consultation
If you’d like to discuss whether tissue preservation breast augmentation is a reasonable option for you, contact our Toowoomba or Gold Coast rooms. You’ll need a referral from your GP or another independent medical practitioner first.
Preservé Breast Augmentation – Frequently Asked Questions
Is Preservé the same as tissue preservation breast augmentation?
Yes. Preservé is the name of the system, and tissue preservation breast augmentation describes what it does. Both refer to the same technique, where the implant pocket is formed by stretching the natural tissue planes with a balloon rather than dividing them with cautery.
How big is the scar?
The incision is 2.5 to 3.0cm in the inframammary fold, the crease beneath the breast, which is shorter than conventional augmentation generally requires. That’s possible because the implant is purpose-designed to pass through an insertion sleeve without being damaged. Even though the scar is shorter, every incision leaves a permanent scar, and how a scar settles varies between individuals..
What’s the recovery timeline?
Recovery differs from person to person, so we don’t promise a fixed timeline. In general with this technique, patients are approved to return to normal light daily activities and driving within a couple of days depending upon discomfort, and moderate exercise at 3 weeks. Extreme sports or strain is limited for 6 weeks. Swelling, bruising and discomfort are expected in the early stages.
Is there a limit on implant size with this technique?
Yes. Implant size is quite specific to your own measurements, because preserving the ligaments around the breast depends on the pocket matching the implant. Low (mini), medium (demi) and full projection implants are available up to 330mL. If the size change you want sits beyond that, classical breast augmentation remains a suitable choice and A/Prof Magnusson will talk you through it.
Will I still need a lift?
Possibly. This technique isn’t a substitute for a breast lift. If your nipple position is low, or there’s significant skin laxity, a lift may be considered alongside augmentation, which means additional incisions and additional scarring. A/Prof Magnusson will assess this and give you a direct answer at your consultation.
Is Preservé available in Toowoomba and on the Gold Coast?
Yes. A/Prof Magnusson completed his training in the technique in Brisbane in August, has performed cases already, and offers it at both the Gold Coast and Toowoomba rooms.