What Is Preservé Lift? Tissue-Preserving Breast Lift

Preservé Lift combines breast augmentation with breast lift surgery in a single surgical plan. The approach applies the tissue-preserving principles of Preservé while also addressing breast sagging and excess skin. It may be considered especially when pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, or aging have affected breast shape.

However, every patient has different needs. Some women primarily want their breasts to sit higher without adding significant volume. In contrast, others want both a lift and an increase in breast volume. Therefore, the surgeon plans the procedure according to the patient’s anatomy and expectations.

In addition, an implant alone may not provide the desired shape when significant sagging or loose skin is present. An implant can add volume, but it cannot always correct excess skin by itself. For this reason, some patients may benefit from combining breast augmentation with a breast lift.

In this article, Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emre Güvercin explains the Preservé Lift approach. We also discuss how it differs from a traditional breast lift with implants, how long surgery may take, what to expect from scars, whether it can address significant sagging, how it differs from Push-Up Lift, and what recovery may involve.

Why May a Patient Need Preservé Lift?

First, breast aesthetics does not involve the same concern for every patient. Pregnancy and breastfeeding, for example, may change breast shape and volume. Similarly, significant weight loss or aging may cause the breast skin and tissues to become looser.

In addition, breast tissue may sit lower than before. The upper part of the breast may lose fullness, while the nipple position may also change. However, the degree of these changes varies from one patient to another.

When May an Implant Alone Not Be Enough?

An implant may provide the desired volume in some patients. However, when significant sagging and excess skin are present, an implant alone may not create the desired breast shape. This is because the implant primarily adds volume.

Therefore, the surgeon may also need to remove or reshape excess skin and reposition the breast. As a result, breast augmentation and breast lift surgery can become part of the same surgical plan.

How Does Preservé Lift Differ from a Traditional Breast Lift with Implants?

Both approaches can address breast volume and breast position at the same time. However, Preservé Lift uses the tissue-preserving principles of the Preservé approach during implant placement.

In other words, the surgeon aims to preserve the natural support structures of the breast as much as possible while preparing the space for the implant. The surgeon can then add the required breast lift to the same surgical plan.

Is There a Difference in Anesthesia?

In addition, suitable patients may have different anesthesia options. In the surgical approach described by Dr. Emre Güvercin, surgeons can perform Preservé Lift under local anesthesia with sedation in appropriately selected patients.

However, the surgeon and anesthesia team do not automatically use the same approach for everyone. They consider the patient’s health, anatomy, and the extent of surgery. Therefore, anesthesia planning remains individual.

How Long Does Preservé Lift Surgery Take?

First, the duration of surgery does not remain the same for every patient. The degree of sagging, the extent of the breast lift, and the implant choice can all affect operating time.

However, Dr. Emre Güvercin reports that Preservé Lift surgery takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours in his surgical practice.

Preparation and Early Recovery

In addition, the operation itself represents only one part of the overall process. Preparation, anesthesia, and early postoperative recovery also contribute to the total time spent at the clinic.

When the surgical team uses local anesthesia with sedation in a suitable patient, the process may differ from surgery performed under general anesthesia. Nevertheless, the medical team must assess each patient individually.

Furthermore, the surgeon does not base same-day discharge solely on operation time. The patient’s condition after surgery also matters. Therefore, the medical team decides on discharge after postoperative assessment.

How Large Is the Incision in Preservé Lift?

It is important to distinguish between two types of incisions. The first is the access point that the surgeon uses to place the implant. The second includes the skin incisions required for the breast lift.

With Preservé implant placement, the access incision may measure approximately 2–3 cm, depending on implant size and the surgical plan.

Does the 2–3 cm Incision Represent the Entire Breast Lift Scar?

No. The 2–3 cm measurement refers to the implant access point. When the patient also needs a breast lift, the surgeon must address excess skin and reshape the breast.

Therefore, the total skin incision required for Preservé Lift is not limited to the small implant entry point. The breast lift component may require additional incisions according to the degree of sagging.

Does Preservé Lift Leave Scars?

Yes. Breast lift surgery requires skin incisions, so patients should expect surgical scars. However, scar appearance does not develop in the same way for everyone.

For example, skin type and individual healing characteristics can affect how scars mature. In addition, postoperative care may influence how the scars change over time.

How Do Preservé Lift Scars Change Over Time?

Scars may look more noticeable during the early stages of healing. However, they can change as healing progresses. The rate and quality of scar maturation vary between patients.

Therefore, it would not be accurate to describe Preservé Lift as a “scarless breast lift.” Instead, the surgeon plans the necessary incisions according to the patient’s anatomy and monitors healing during follow-up.

In addition, the surgeon may recommend further scar-management options when necessary. The most suitable approach depends on how the individual scar heals.

Can Preservé Lift Treat Significant Breast Sagging?

Preservé Lift is not limited to patients with mild breast sagging. According to the approach described by Dr. Emre Güvercin, surgeons may also consider it for appropriately selected patients with more significant sagging.

However, the degree of sagging is not the only factor that guides the decision. The surgeon also evaluates nipple position, excess skin, and the amount of existing breast tissue.

Why Do Skin Quality and Desired Volume Matter?

In addition, skin quality and the patient’s desired breast volume can change the surgical plan. Therefore, two patients with a similar degree of sagging may still require different procedures.

As a result, significant breast sagging does not automatically rule out Preservé Lift. However, the surgeon must determine the appropriate technique after an individual examination.

What Is the Difference Between Preservé Lift and Push-Up Lift?

The main difference between Preservé Lift and Push-Up Lift is whether the patient needs or wants additional breast volume with an implant.

For example, a patient may already be happy with her breast size and may not want implants. If her main goal is to lift and reshape her breasts using her own tissue, Push-Up Lift may be considered in suitable cases.

In contrast, another patient may want both a lift and greater breast volume. If the existing breast tissue cannot provide the desired volume, an implant may become part of the surgical plan. In this situation, Preservé Lift may be an option for an appropriately selected patient.

How Does the Surgeon Choose Between the Two?

First, the surgeon considers the patient’s desired breast size. Next, the surgeon evaluates existing breast tissue and the degree of sagging. In addition, the patient’s preference regarding implants plays an important role.

Therefore, Preservé Lift and Push-Up Lift should not simply be viewed as competing procedures. Instead, they address different anatomical needs and aesthetic goals.

What Is Recovery Like After Preservé Lift?

Recovery after Preservé Lift varies from patient to patient. However, in the clinical approach described by Dr. Emre Güvercin, suitable patients may go home on the same day after surgery.

Rest is particularly important during the first night. Afterward, patients may gradually return to everyday activities according to how they feel and how their recovery progresses.

When Can Patients Return to Daily Life?

Some patients may return to light daily activities within a few days. However, returning to social life is not the same as returning to strenuous physical activity.

For example, desk-based work may be possible earlier than heavy lifting. Therefore, the type of work and daily routine can influence the return timeline.

When Can Patients Exercise After Preservé Lift?

In the protocol described by Dr. Emre Güvercin, patients generally begin to return to routine exercise from around the fourth week.

However, this timeline does not represent a fixed rule for every patient. Healing speed and the extent of surgery vary. Therefore, patients should return to weight training and strenuous exercise only after their surgeon has assessed their recovery.

Can Patients Go Home on the Same Day After Preservé Lift?

Yes, same-day discharge may be possible for suitable patients. However, the surgical technique alone does not determine the discharge time.

First, the medical team evaluates the patient’s overall condition after surgery. They also assess pain control and early postoperative findings. As a result, the team makes the discharge decision individually.

Who May Be a Suitable Candidate for Preservé Lift?

Age or breast size alone does not determine suitability for Preservé Lift. Instead, the surgeon considers breast anatomy, the degree of sagging, skin quality, existing breast volume, and the patient’s goals.

For example, a Preservé Lift assessment may be appropriate in the following situations:

• Breast shape has changed after pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Significant weight loss has caused loose breast skin.
• Breast tissue has descended over time.
• The patient wants additional volume together with a breast lift.
• Existing breast tissue cannot provide the desired volume on its own.
• The patient wants to explore a tissue-preserving approach to a breast lift with implants.

However, having one of these features does not automatically make a patient suitable for surgery. Therefore, the surgeon should make the final decision after a physical examination and medical assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preservé Lift

Related Articles About Preservé and Breast Surgery

In addition, you can explore the following articles to learn more about Preservé breast augmentation, implant removal, and different breast surgery options.