Preservé™ Breast Augmentation in Philadelphia & Bryn Mawr

Preservé™ is a tissue-preserving breast augmentation technique that creates the implant pocket without cutting through breast tissue. It protects nipple sensation and chest muscle function and allows for a smaller incision. Dr. Malphrus typically recommends it for a first-time augmentation, alone or combined with a lift.

What Is Preservé™ Breast Augmentation?

Preservé™ is a less invasive breast augmentation technique that uses the Motiva® Channel Separator and Motiva® Inflatable Balloon to create a precise implant pocket without cutting through breast tissue (Motiva). Instead of the wider incision approach used in a traditional augmentation, Preservé™ tunnels to the implant space and gently expands it, preserving the native structures around it.

Dr. Elizabeth Malphrus offers Preservé™ breast augmentation in Philadelphia for patients who want the benefits of implant-based augmentation while using a technique designed to protect the surrounding tissue.

How Does the Preservé™ Technique Work?

The Preservé™ procedure follows a specific sequence, using purpose-built tools rather than a standard surgical dissection:

Dr. Malphrus takes detailed measurements of your breast anatomy to plan the tunneling path and implant selection
After numbing the area, she creates a small incision at the inframammary fold and uses the Motiva® Channel Separator to tunnel to the implant space without cutting tissue
The Motiva® Inflatable Balloon gradually expands the pocket to match your chosen implant size
The implant is placed through the same access point, preserving the tissue structures around it

Benefits of Preservé™ Breast Augmentation

Preservé™ is designed to offer several advantages compared to a traditional breast augmentation:

A smaller incision at the inframammary fold
Reduced disruption to native breast tissue and chest muscles
An approach designed to help conserve nipple sensation
Enhanced implant stability, with a clinical study on the underlying technique reporting a 0% rate of inferior malposition at three years
A low inflammatory response associated with the SmoothSilk® implant surface

Preservé™ vs. Traditional Breast Augmentation

A traditional breast augmentation uses a standard incision and surgical dissection to create the implant pocket. Preservé™ instead tunnels to that space with the Channel Separator and expands it with the Inflatable Balloon, which is designed to reduce tissue disruption and support a smaller incision. Both approaches can achieve natural, proportionate results; the right choice depends on your anatomy and whether you have had prior breast surgery.

Are You a Candidate for Preservé™?

Preservé™ is generally considered for patients pursuing a primary breast augmentation, or a primary breast augmentation combined with a lift, for the first time. It is not typically used for revision augmentation surgery. Dr. Malphrus evaluates your breast anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals during a one-on-one consultation to confirm whether Preservé™ is the right fit.

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Why Choose Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery for Preservé™ in Philadelphia?

Dr. Elizabeth Malphrus is an Ivy League-trained plastic surgeon who completed her Integrated Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Her work has been published in more than a dozen peer-reviewed journals, and she received the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Best Social Media Award for her patient education content.

At Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery, breast augmentation is approached with a focus on proportion and natural results rather than an overdone look. Dr. Malphrus reviews Preservé™ alongside traditional augmentation options so patients understand the tradeoffs of each before choosing a surgical plan.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

Your visit starts with a one-on-one discussion of your goals, medical history, and breast anatomy
Dr. Malphrus will explain whether Preservé™ or a traditional augmentation better suits your frame

Procedure

Preservé™ breast augmentation is performed using minimal anesthesia at our Bryn Mawr facility
The tunneling and balloon-expansion steps typically shorten the overall procedure compared to a standard augmentation dissection

Recovery

Because Preservé™ disrupts less tissue, many patients experience a smoother early recovery, though swelling, soreness, and activity restrictions still apply
Dr. Malphrus provides a personalized recovery plan covering incision care, supportive garments, and a timeline for returning to exercise

Experience Preservé™

Dr. Elizabeth Malphrus brings a research-driven perspective to every Preservé™ consultation. She holds a Resident Advisory Board seat with the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and serves on The Aesthetic Society's Marketing Committee, keeping her connected to the latest data on breast augmentation techniques and outcomes. Her 2024 Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons Best Paper Award and induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society reflect a career built on close attention to surgical detail. The same precision guides her evaluation of whether Preservé™ fits your anatomy.

Before entering medicine, Dr. Malphrus studied healthcare measurement policy at the National Academy of Sciences, an experience that shaped how she communicates risk, evidence, and realistic expectations with her patients today. Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Bryn Mawr gives patients direct access to that expertise, from your first consultation through recovery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Malphrus to find out whether Preservé™ breast augmentation is the right approach for you.

Frequently Asked Questions Preservé™ Breast Augmentation

Is Preservé™ available for revision breast augmentation?

Preservé™ is generally used for primary breast augmentation and primary augmentation with a lift, not for revision surgery.

Does Preservé™ change my implant options?

Preservé™ is performed using Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix® implants. Dr. Malphrus will discuss implant size and style during your consultation.

How is Preservé™ different from a breast lift?

Preservé™ is an augmentation technique. It can be combined with a breast lift for patients who want both added volume and a more elevated position, but a lift alone addresses positioning, not implant placement.

What are the risks of Preservé™ breast augmentation?

As with any breast implant procedure, risks include capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, and the potential need for reoperation. Preservé™ is designed to reduce tissue disruption during placement, but it does not eliminate the general risks associated with silicone gel breast implants. Dr. Malphrus reviews your individual risk profile during consultation.

How much volume increase can I expect with Preservé™?

As a general guideline, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that choosing a 200 cc implant typically results in approximately a 1-cup-size increase, though this varies depending on your frame and existing breast tissue (ASPS). Because bra sizing isn't standardized across brands, Dr. Malphrus focuses on implant volume and your goals rather than promising a specific cup size, and can use 3D imaging or implant sizers during consultation to help you visualize your results.

_{Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.}