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Preservé breast augmentation

A subtle breast augmentation using a minimally invasive, muscle-preserving technique with a short recovery time.

Good to know

  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia or general anesthesia
  • Duration: 30–60 minutes
  • Recovery: 3–5 days
  • Price: starting at €6,300
Free consultation
5,000+Treatments
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Page checked by: Drs. G.F. Koeijers on 11 September 2026

About Preservé breast augmentation

Preservé is a minimally invasive breast augmentation procedure that preserves the natural structure of the breast as much as possible. The implant is placed above the pectoral muscle through a small incision in the breast crease. Thanks to this muscle-sparing technique, there is generally less postoperative pain, and recovery is faster than with traditional breast augmentation.
  • A Preservé breast augmentation is available from €6,300. The final cost depends on factors including the type of anaesthesia chosen. During a free, no-obligation consultation, the plastic surgeon will discuss your wishes, assess whether Preservé is right for you, and you will receive a transparent cost overview.
  • With Preservé, the implant is placed above the pectoral muscle and below the mammary gland, preserving the natural breast structures as much as possible. The technique moves less tissue and is muscle-sparing. As a result, patients usually experience less post-operative pain and the recovery time is shorter than with a traditional breast augmentation.
  • Recovery after a Preservé breast augmentation is usually quick. You can often resume light daily activities within one to two days. After one to two weeks you can usually return to work, depending on your occupation. You can usually gradually resume exercise and heavy physical work after four to six weeks, in consultation with your plastic surgeon.
  • At Boerhaave, a Preservé breast augmentation is performed by experienced plastic surgeons with attention to safety, quality and a natural result. You can count on high-quality implants, personal guidance and comprehensive aftercare, so that you know where you stand throughout the entire treatment process.

Here's how the treatment works

Here you will find all the important information about this treatment, from the consultation and the treatment itself to follow-up care, the results, and potential risks.

  • What is Preservé?
    Preservé is a new method for breast augmentation that focuses on preserving the natural structure and function of the breast. With the Preservé method, the implant is placed on top of the pectoral muscle with minimal tissue displacement. This results in a natural-looking outcome, less pain after surgery, smaller scars, and a faster recovery than with traditional breast augmentation procedures.

    How does it work?
    With the Preservé technique, a breast implant is inserted through a small incision in the breast crease. The implants are positioned as naturally as possible on the pectoral muscle and beneath the mammary gland. This approach ensures that the breast’s natural structures arepreserved , making the procedure less painful and allowing for a faster recovery. The implants used are Motiva® Ergonomix2 prostheses. These adapt to your body for a result that looks and feels natural.

    You are a candidate for a Preservé breast augmentation if you:

    • Want a subtle, natural breast augmentation.
    • Are in good health and have no serious medical conditions.
    • Have not previously had breast surgery or do not have scar tissue in the area.
    • Value a quick and comfortable recovery, for example, due to work, family, or sports.

    Preservé may be less suitable if:
    Women with less elastic skin, for example due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss. The technique canstill be used, but the results may not be as optimal. In such cases, a plastic surgeon may recommend consideringa different type of breast augmentation or additional techniques to achieve the best results.


  • , Plastic SurgeonThe consultation always takes place with the plastic surgeon who will be treating you. During this initial consultation, you can discuss your goals regarding breast augmentation. Your plastic surgeon will first answer your questions and review your medical history with you. Then, the plastic surgeon will assess whether your expectations and desired outcome are achievable with the procedure.

    The surgeon will examineyour breasts , assessing skin elasticity and breast anatomy. This helps the doctor determine which type of implantis best for you and whether you are a candidate for this surgical technique. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the procedure, recovery time, potential risks, and post-operative care.

    You will receive an explanation of the Preservé technology used, the benefits of the minimally invasive technique, and how the procedure differs from traditional breast augmentations. The doctor will also discuss expectations regarding the results, including the size of the implants.

    Consultant
    Following your initial consultation with your plastic surgeon, you’ll have a (phone) conversation with your consultant. The purpose of this conversation is to inform you about matters that need to be arranged prior to your treatment. You can read more information here about your consultation at Boerhaave.

  • On the day of your procedure, willgiveyou a warm welcome at the clinic and carefully prepare you for surgery.

    General Anesthesia or Local Anesthesia
    In most cases, the Preservé breast augmentation is performed under general anesthesia. This means you won’t feel anything during the procedure, and the treatment will take place while you are completely relaxed. In consultation with the doctor, it’s also possible to opt for local anesthesia. This option may result in a faster recovery. The choice of anesthesia is tailored to your personal preference and medical situation. Please note that there is an additional charge for general anesthesia.


    IncisionThe surgeon makes a small, incision of about 3 cm in the natural breast crease. This scar will be barely noticeable later on. The next steps of the procedure are performed through this incision.

    Implant Placement
    Using advanced, gentle instruments, space is created for the implant without damagingthe surrounding structures . The implant is then precisely placed above the muscle and below the mammary gland. This ensures a natural-looking and soft-to-the-touch result.

    Completion
    After the implants are placed, the incision is carefully closed with dissolvable sutures.You willthen be fitted with a special compression bra for support. In most cases, you can go home the same day.

  • Immediately after the procedure
    After the treatment, you’ll stay at the clinic for a little while to rest and recover. We’ll fit you with a support bra and check to make sure you’re feeling well before you go home. If the procedure was performed under local anesthesia, you’ll usually recover quickly and without any unpleasant side effects from general anesthesia. You may go home the same day, provided you have someone to accompany you.

    Activities After Treatment

    • Within 1–2 days, you can resume light daily activities, such as walking or light household chores.
    • During the first week, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or driving.
    • After 1 to 2 weeks, you can usually return to work, depending on your profession. You’ll also have a follow-up appointment with us at that time.
    • After 4 to 6 weeks, you may resume sports or heavy physical work; this can be gradually increased in consultation with your doctor.

    Always listen carefully to your body and follow the advice of your treating doctor.

    Recovery time
    Because no muscles are cut, recovery is usually quick and comfortable. Most women experience mild post-operative pain, similar to muscle soreness. Swelling and a slight tenderness may occur during the first few days but subside quickly. After about 6 weeks, the results are already clearly visible, and the breasts feel natural. It takes about 1 year to see the final results.

    Scar Cream
    During your first follow-up visit, you’ll be given a nourishing cream for your scars to take home. As soon as the wound has closed and the scabs have fallen off, you may begin applying the scar cream. By applying this to the closed wound twice a day, you increase the likelihood of a smooth healing process.

    Recovery after this treatment is typically quick and without major complications, making it a popular choice for women who want to return to their daily lives quickly without long-term limitations.

  • The results of a Preservé breast augmentation look natural, thanks to the combination of a muscle-preserving technique and the latest generation of Motiva® implants.

    The shape is visible immediately after the procedure, although there may still be some swelling. After about 6 weeks, you’ll see a beautifully shaped breast with a supple, rounded contour. As the swelling subsides and the implant “settles” into the body, the result becomes increasingly soft and natural. Thanks to the small incision in the breast crease, the scar is barely visible.

    However, the result depends heavily on the patient’s individual anatomy and expectations. During the consultation, the doctor will discuss the desired size and natural appearance to ensure the result aligns well with the patient’s personal preferences.

  • It is important to realize that any surgical procedure can involve risks and complications. This also applies to breast augmentation. The risks and complications associated with this procedure are minimal, as it is generally performed on healthy individuals. Through thorough counseling, a comprehensive medical history (including details such as medication use, any issues with previous surgeries, and allergies), and our professional approach, we minimize these risks to an absolute minimum. You can also minimize the risk of complications by carefully following the instructions you received prior to your breast augmentation.
    Possible complications include:
    • Adverse reaction to the anesthesia
    • Postoperative bleeding
    • Infection
    • Capsular contracture
    • Implant rupture
    • Displacement or rotation of the implant
    • Wrinkling and folding of the implant
    • Change in sensation
    • Tissue breakdown
    • Permanent unsightly scars
    • Allergic reaction to suture material and/or bandages
    • Damage to underlying structures
    • Unsatisfactory aesthetic result
    • ALCL

    Every year, many people at Boerhaave successfully undergo breast augmentation. The likelihood of a complication occurring is very rare.

    Capsular Contracture
    After breast augmentation, scar tissue that forms around the implants can cause the breast to feel tighter, firmer, and painful. Excessive firmness can occur soon after surgery, but it can also develop years later. It is impossible to predict, but the risk of tightening does increase over time. After 10 years, the incidence rate is 10 to 12 percent. This condition, known as capsular contracture, can occur on one side or both sides and is more common when the implant is placed in front of the pectoral muscle. It is possible to treat capsular contracture through surgery or by replacing or removing the implant. However, capsular contracture may recur after surgery.

    Smoking
    Patients who smoke or use tobacco or nicotine products before and/or after treatment are at a higher risk of complications, such as skin necrosis and impaired wound healing.

    People exposed to secondhand smoke may also be at an increased risk of similar complications.

    Furthermore, smoking can have a negative effect on anesthesia, potentially resulting in an increased risk of bleeding. It is important to refrain from smoking for at least four weeks before treatment and throughout the entire recovery process. People who are not exposed to tobacco smoke or nicotine products have a significantly lower risk of such complications.

    Surgical Information Leaflet
    This patient information leaflet, developed by the NVPC, provides you with valuable information about the use and potential risks of silicone-filled breast implants. With this information at your disposal, you can be sure that you are making an informed decision. It is important that you choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of the NVPC. You can then always contact them with questions or for information regarding this patient information leaflet.

Real results from our patients

Take a look at the results of breast augmentation patients who have had the procedure at our clinic before you. The before-and-after photos provide a realistic picture of what this treatment can achieve.

View all results

In the hands of our experienced specialists

Our team of plastic surgeons combines years of experience with personalized care.
During a consultation, we take the time to discuss your wishes and provide honest advice about the options that are right for you.

Meet Our TeamIcons
Dr. E.W.H. Bodde

How much does a Preservé breast augmentation cost?

The exact price depends on the treatment that’s best for you. Because every body and every goal is different, we’ll develop a treatment plan during a personal consultation, including a clear, transparent price.

  • Preservé breast augmentation
    Procedure under local or general anaesthesia
    €6,300

Our patients experiences

Every patient has their own story. Read about their experiences with breast augmentation at Boerhaave.

Plan a free consult with a specialist

Every body is different. During a free consultation, an experienced specialist will take the time to discuss your wishes and expectations in detail. You’ll receive personalised treatment advice, a clear explanation of the process and a transparent cost estimate.

You can also easily ask Bo, our AI medical assistant, any questions you may have.

Plan your free consultAsk Bo
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Preservé is suitable for women who want a subtle, natural breast augmentation, are healthy without serious medical conditions, have not previously had breast surgery (or have no scar tissue formation in the area), and consider a quick, comfortable recovery important.
  • The technique may be less optimal for women with less elastic skin, for example due to ageing, pregnancy or weight loss. The method can still be applied in that case, but the plastic surgeon may then recommend a different type of breast augmentation or additional techniques.
  • In most cases, the Preservé breast augmentation is performed under general anaesthesia. In consultation with the doctor, local anaesthesia with light sedation is also possible, which can lead to a faster recovery. Additional costs are charged for general anaesthesia.
  • The operation takes 30 to 60 minutes on average. An incision of approximately 3 cm is made in the natural breast fold, so that the scar is barely noticeable later on.

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