Preservé Breast Augmentation in Toowoomba
and the Gold Coast
Preservé is a breast augmentation technique developed by Establishment Labs, the manufacturer of Motiva breast implants. It pairs a set of purpose built surgical instruments with the Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix2 silicone implant, and it’s designed to create the implant pocket by separating and elongating the natural tissue planes rather than cutting through them.
We want to be clear about what this is. Preservé is breast augmentation surgery. It’s performed under anaesthetic, 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 weigh up before deciding whether it’s right for you.
[VERIFY: Confirm A/Prof Magnusson has completed Establishment Labs training in the Preservé technique, the date of that training, and whether the practice is currently offering Preservé at both Toowoomba and Gold Coast sites. Do not publish this page until confirmed.]
What is Preservé?
In conventional breast augmentation, the surgeon creates a pocket for the implant by dividing tissue with instruments, and depending on the plan, may release part of the pectoralis major muscle to sit the implant partially beneath it. Preservé approaches that step differently.
An incision is made in the inframammary fold, the natural crease under the breast. A single use instrument called the Motiva Channel Separator is passed through that incision to open a narrow channel towards the planned implant position. An inflatable balloon is then introduced and gradually expanded, which stretches the surrounding tissue outwards to form the pocket instead of dividing it. The balloon is deflated and removed, and the implant is delivered through an insertion sleeve using a no touch technique, meaning the implant doesn’t make contact with skin on its way in.
The intent behind this sequence is to limit disruption to breast tissue, to the muscle and to the ligaments and fascia that support the breast. Because the implant passes through a sleeve, the incision can often be shorter than in conventional augmentation. How short depends on your anatomy and the implant volume selected, and every incision leaves a permanent scar.
[COMPLIANCE FLAG: Establishment Labs marketing describes Preservé as “less invasive” and promotes “a quicker and easier recovery in comparison to traditional breast augmentation”. Neither claim can be used. Medical Board of Australia, Guidelines for registered medical practitioners who advertise cosmetic surgery, clause 7.5 prohibits describing recovery as “quick” or “rapid”, and clause 7.6(a) and 7.6(d) prohibit minimising the invasiveness of cosmetic surgery or using terms such as “gentle”, “simple”, “safe”, “quick” and “easy”. The copy above describes the mechanism factually instead of making a comparative benefit claim.]
The implant used with Preservé
Preservé is performed with the Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix2 breast implant, a silicone gel filled breast implant intended for use in breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. The instruments in the Preservé system are designed around this implant, so the technique and the device go together.
SmoothSilk 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.
Ergonomix2 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.
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.
[VERIFY: Confirm the ARTG identifier for Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix2 and insert it here. Confirm current Australian availability with LifeHealthcare, the Australian distributor.]
[COMPLIANCE FLAG: Naming a branded medical device converts this page into an advertisement for a therapeutic good. See TGA, Advertising a health service, and Applying the Advertising Code rules: prominently displayed or communicated information. Mandatory statement wording is set out in the Appendix and must appear on the published page.]
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.
- Surgery is performed under general anaesthetic in an accredited facility.
- An incision is made in the inframammary fold beneath the breast.
- The channel separator opens a narrow path towards the planned implant position.
- The inflatable balloon is introduced and gradually expanded to form the pocket, then deflated and removed.
- The Ergonomix2 implant is delivered through an insertion sleeve 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 evidence based 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.
Who may be suitable
Preservé suits some people and not others. It tends to be considered for women seeking a measured increase in breast size 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.
Deciding to have breast augmentation is a significant decision, and the process in Australia is deliberately structured to give you time.
- You’ll 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.
- A/Prof Magnusson will assess you for underlying psychological factors using a validated screening tool, 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.
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.
You’ll receive written aftercare instructions specific to your procedure, and our nursing team is available if something doesn’t seem right.
[COMPLIANCE FLAG: This section deliberately omits any comparative recovery claim. Medical Board of Australia advertising guidelines clause 7.4 requires realistic information about recovery time and the recovery experience, including expected time off work and temporary restrictions on activity, and clause 7.5 prohibits downplaying recovery.]
Other breast augmentation options
Preservé is one of several approaches available at our practice. Which one suits you depends on your anatomy, your goals and your medical history.
Breast augmentation with implants
Our conventional approach, with implant type, size, profile and pocket selected to suit your breast and your goals. (Internal link: Breast Augmentation)
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. (Internal link: Breast Lift / Mastopexy)
Autologous fat grafting
Using your own fat to refine shape, narrow the cleavage or add upper pole fullness, either alongside implants or on its own for a modest change. (Internal link: Breast Augmentation, fat grafting section)
Breast asymmetry correction
Where the difference in size or shape between the breasts is the main concern. (Internal link: Breast Asymmetry Correction)