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The Art and Science of Preservation: Expertise You Can Trust

At The Schwartz Aesthetic Institute in Westlake Village, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael R. Schwartz, MD, FACS, brings more than 25 years of innovation to modern breast enhancement. As a national educator and published expert in implant safety and technique, he’s among the few surgeons in the United States who have been extensively trained in both traditional and minimally invasive breast augmentation techniques. His mastery of anatomy and commitment to refined, natural outcomes have positioned him at the forefront of this evolution in breast surgery.

Integrated Enhancements with Preservé™

Preservé + Fat Grafting (Autologous Fat Transfer)

  • For ultra-natural softness and nuanced contouring, Dr. Schwartz can layer small volumes of your own purified fat around the implant, commonly along the upper pole or cleavage
  • Doing so smooths edges, enhances symmetry, and fine-tunes proportion

Preservé + Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

  • When lift and volume are both desired, a preservation-minded mastopexy repositions native tissue and the nipple-areola complex, while the implant restores fullness
  • The goal is to achieve a youthful projection and a stable, elegant silhouette without compromising key support structures

Preservé + AlloClae® Soft-Tissue Support

  • In select anatomies (thin tissue, lower-pole laxity, or revision cases), Dr. Schwartz may incorporate AlloClae®—a soft-tissue support matrix—to help reinforce the lower pole and pocket borders
  • This added internal support can promote long-term shape stability while honoring the Preservé principle of working with, not against, your anatomy
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What Is Preservation Breast Augmentation?

Preservation Breast Augmentation (Preservé™) is a next-generation approach that enhances volume and contour while conserving the breast’s intrinsic structure and function.

Rather than cutting through key supports, Preservé protects:

  • Cooper’s Ligaments: The breast’s internal suspension system that maintains lift and position.
  • Neurovascular Pathways: The sensory nerves and blood vessels that contribute to nipple–skin sensation and healthy tissue perfusion.
  • Breast Envelope Integrity: The fascia and connective layers that keep the breast soft, mobile, and naturally expressive.

Dr. Schwartz uses advanced, low-trauma methods to separate (not sever) tissue planes and create a precise pocket:

  • Hydrodissection gently opens natural spaces with controlled fluid pressure
  • Blunt Dissection spreads tissues instead of cutting, minimizing collateral injury
  • Balloon-Assisted Expansion carefully elongates native tissues to form a 3D pocket that “nests” the implant with biologic support

This Preservé system is complemented by modern tools (such as an atraumatic channel separator, inflatable balloon, and a no-touch insertion sleeve) and next-gen implants engineered for soft feel and natural motion.

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Benefits of Preservation Breast Augmentation

  • Your breasts look and move naturally right away, without the months-long adjustment period typical of traditional methods
  • Most patients resume work and daily routines within 1–2 weeks, thanks to the gentle, low-trauma surgical approach
  • Reduced swelling, minimal bruising, and limited discomfort mean less downtime and fewer restrictions
  • Because nerve pathways are preserved, most patients maintain full nipple and skin sensation after healing
  • The muscle-sparing technique eliminates animation deformity, allowing unrestricted exercise and upper-body strength training
  • Intact Cooper’s ligaments continue to anchor and stabilize the breast for long-term positioning and graceful aging
  • By protecting natural tissue, the likelihood of capsular contracture, implant displacement, or reoperation is significantly reduced
  • Many procedures are performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, avoiding the side effects of general anesthesia

Are You a Good Candidate for Preservation Breast Augmentation?

You may be an excellent candidate if you:

  • Have strong native support structures: Intact Cooper’s ligaments and balanced glandular-to-fatty tissue ratios make it possible to preserve the breast’s natural lift and shape.
  • Possess adequate soft tissue coverage: Patients with moderate to full breast tissue typically achieve the most seamless implant integration and natural contour.
  • Exhibit good skin elasticity: Resilient skin envelopes adapt beautifully to new volume without stress or thinning.
  • Are in overall good health: Non-smokers with stable weight and no bleeding or healing disorders experience smoother recovery and lower complication risk.
  • Have stable breast dimensions: Fully developed, proportionate breasts provide a predictable foundation for pocket preservation and implant placement.
  • Lead an active or athletic lifestyle: Because muscle attachments remain untouched, patients who regularly exercise or use upper-body strength enjoy unrestricted movement and no animation deformity.

This technique may also be suitable for select revision or implant-replacement patients, depending on the integrity of the remaining breast tissue and ligament system.

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Why Choose The Schwartz Aesthetic Institute?

Choosing where to undergo breast augmentation is as crucial as selecting the technique itself. At our clinic in Westlake Village, every patient experience is shaped by unmatched surgical mastery, innovation, and patient-centered care.

We’re led by Dr. Michael R. Schwartz, MD, FACS, a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon. Our Institute has earned a national reputation for surgical excellence and natural-looking results. With more than 10,000 breast procedures performed, Dr. Schwartz is not only an expert in both traditional and minimally invasive techniques but also an educator for leading implant manufacturers Sientra and Mentor. His published research, featured in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal’s award-winning paper on implant safety, underscores his commitment to advancing the science and safety of breast surgery for patients everywhere.

Alongside him, Dr. Jennifer Stark, DO, a board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, brings a refined aesthetic perspective shaped by her background in classical art. Her meticulous attention to proportion, symmetry, and detail—combined with a compassionate and patient-focused approach—ensures that each result is both beautiful and harmonious.

Every procedure is performed within the AAAASF-accredited Westlake Cosmetic Surgery Center, a private, state-of-the-art facility. Here, patients are cared for by board-certified anesthesiologists and a dedicated surgical team who share the same commitment to precision and warmth that defines the Institute.

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What to Expect Before, During, and After Preservation Breast Augmentation

Consultation

  • Comprehensive evaluation: A physical examination of your breast anatomy, including skin elasticity, tissue thickness, and the condition of your Cooper’s ligaments.
  • Anatomical mapping: Assessment of your chest wall shape, muscle position, and ligament support to confirm whether preservation techniques will deliver optimal results.
  • 3D visualization: Use of the Vectra® XT imaging system to create realistic simulations of your potential results, allowing you to preview different implant styles and sizes.
  • Goal alignment: A detailed conversation about your aesthetic vision, lifestyle, and recovery expectations to ensure your results feel natural and fit seamlessly into your life.
  • Technique discussion: Explanation of both preservation and traditional methods, outlining the benefits, limitations, and candidacy factors for each.
  • Transparent pricing: A personalized cost estimate based on the implant type, surgical complexity, and anesthesia plan—no hidden fees or surprises.

Procedure (Typically 1-2 Hours)

  • Anesthesia: Most procedures use local anesthesia with light sedation, avoiding intubation and general anesthesia.
  • Pocket Creation: Using hydrodissection and blunt expansion, Dr. Schwartz gently creates the implant pocket without cutting through Cooper’s ligaments.
  • Implant Placement: The implant is inserted through a minimal incision and precisely positioned for symmetry and a natural contour.
  • Closure: Tiny sutures and advanced tissue-preserving closure techniques minimize scarring and support optimal healing.

Recovery & Results

  • 3–5 days: Resume light work or daily activities.
  • 1–2 weeks: Resume most normal routines.
  • 2–4 weeks: Light exercise permitted.
  • 6 weeks: Full recovery and unrestricted activity. Most patients report that their breasts feel soft and natural immediately—a stark contrast to traditional augmentation’s months-long adjustment period.

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Alternative & Related Options

  • Breast Revision Surgery corrects implant malposition, capsular contracture, or other previous complications
  • Motiva® Implants offer cutting-edge implant technology that complements preservation techniques for ultra-soft, natural results
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A New Era in Breast Enhancement

Preservation breast augmentation offers everything traditional techniques cannot: natural feel, faster recovery, and lifelong breast health. Dr. Schwartz’s mastery of both methods ensures that you receive objective, individualized guidance and results that respect your unique anatomy.

Call (805) 706-0742 or click below to schedule your consultation at The Schwartz Aesthetic Institute in Westlake Village, serving the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Calabasas.

Preservation Breast Augmentation FAQ

How is preservation breast augmentation different from “dual plane” or “subfascial” techniques?

What types of implants work best with preservation techniques?

Can preservation techniques be used for breast revision surgery?

Will preservation breast augmentation change how my breasts age over time?

How long do the results of preservation breast augmentation last?

Is the preservation technique safe? What are the risks?

Can I combine preservation breast augmentation with a breast lift or other procedures?

How soon can I return to exercise or upper-body workouts?

How is preservation breast augmentation different from “dual plane” or “subfascial” techniques?

While dual-plane and subfascial methods focus on implant placement, preservation augmentation aims to protect the breast's internal support system, including Cooper's ligaments and neurovascular pathways, for a more thorough preservation of the natural anatomy.

What types of implants work best with preservation techniques?

Preservation augmentation is compatible with most modern cohesive silicone gel implants, including round, smooth, and anatomical shapes. Dr. Schwartz prefers Sientra, Mentor, or Motiva implants due to their softness, safety, and suitability for minimally invasive surgery.

Can preservation techniques be used for breast revision surgery?

Many patients with prior augmentations can benefit from a preservation-based revision. Dr. Schwartz assesses ligament integrity and tissue quality to determine the restoration and preservation of natural support during the corrective procedure.

Will preservation breast augmentation change how my breasts age over time?

Yes, positively. With intact suspensory ligaments, the breast keeps its lift and structure longer. The implant is supported by your tissue rather than just scar tissue, helping the breasts age gracefully and maintain their position for years.

How long do the results of preservation breast augmentation last?

Most patients experience stable, natural results from implants for 10–15 years or longer. With your anatomy intact, long-term outcomes are generally more predictable and durable than traditional augmentation.

Is the preservation technique safe? What are the risks?

All surgery carries some risk, but preservation breast augmentation generally results in lower complication rates due to reduced tissue trauma. Possible risks include infection, temporary swelling or bruising, implant malposition, or capsular contracture. These are uncommon and are further minimized through Dr. Schwartz’s meticulous surgical technique and AAAASF-accredited operating environment.

Can I combine preservation breast augmentation with a breast lift or other procedures?

Yes. Dr. Schwartz frequently combines the preservation method with a mastopexy (breast lift) or liposculpture for a comprehensive rejuvenation. The technique adapts well to combination surgeries, provided tissue health and ligament integrity are suitable.

How soon can I return to exercise or upper-body workouts?

Because the pectoral muscles are left intact, patients typically resume light exercise within 2–3 weeks and full activity by 6 weeks. There’s no animation deformity or muscle pulling, even during strength training or yoga.

Sources

Breast Augmentation | American Society of Plastic Surgeons
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29040370/
Accreditation Standards | QUAD A
Breast Reconstruction Information and Resources | Sientra

Book YourConsultation Today

Dr. Schwartz has earned a reputation for excellence by creating results that consistently exceed his patients expectations. He is excited to learn about your cosmetic goals and work with you to create a custom treatment plan that sees you enjoying your ideal outcome. To get started, reach out to us by phone, or click on the link below to speak with a helpful member of our team and set up your initial consultation today.

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