A breast augmentation option for patients who fear anesthesia
For many patients, the greatest concern about breast augmentation is not the procedure itself, but the idea of undergoing general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Wide Awake Motiva Preservé® Breast Augmentation was created for patients who want breast enhancement but feel anxious about "going under"or just want to be mentally alert, clear and focused.
This approach allows breast augmentation to be performed using local anesthesia to numb the breast area, while the patient remains awake and comfortable. It is designed for patients who want a more reassuring experience without planned general anesthesia or routine IV sedation.
Importantly, this procedure is not performed as a way to avoid anesthesia support or reduce safety measures. An anesthesiologist is present throughout the procedure to administer intravenous antibiotics, monitor the patient, and address any medical concerns that may arise. This includes the ability to treat an allergic reaction to antibiotics or local anesthesia, manage anxiety, and provide sedation if needed.
Some patients remain fully awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. Others may prefer a small amount of medication to help them relax. If a patient needs a deeper level of sedation and prefers to be unaware of the procedure, the anesthesiologist is present to provide safe, appropriate care and help ensure the best possible patient experience.
Procedure at a Glance
| Anesthesia approach | Local anesthesia is used to numb the breast area so the patient can remain awake. |
| Anesthesiologist present | An anesthesiologist administers IV antibiotics, monitors the patient, and is available to manage any medical or comfort-related needs. |
| Sedation backup | Relaxation medication or deeper sedation can be provided if anxiety or discomfort occurs. |
| Surgical technique | Motiva Preservé® is used as a tissue-respecting breast augmentation technique. |
| Best suited for | Appropriate candidates who want breast augmentation but have either fear of general anesthesia or IV sedation, or just want to remain mentally clear and focused. It is also great for those who want to remain conversant, but just want a little “touch of something” to reduce anxiety. |
What Is Motiva Preservé®?
Motiva Preservé® is a modern breast augmentation approach designed to enhance the breasts while respecting and preserving the patient's natural anatomy as much as possible. The Preservé® philosophy focuses on thoughtful planning, precise implant selection, and a technique that minimizes unnecessary disruption to the breast tissues.
For appropriate candidates, the goal is to create a soft, natural-looking enhancement while preserving the natural breast tissue, support structures, nipple sensation, and chest muscles whenever possible.
Advantages of Wide Awake Motiva Preservé® Breast Augmentation
Avoidance of planned general anesthesia
This procedure is especially valuable for patients who have delayed breast augmentation because of fear of general anesthesia, intubation, or being completely unconscious. Local anesthesia is used to numb the breast area, allowing the procedure to be performed while the patient remains awake.
An anesthesiologist is present for safety
Wide Awake Motiva Preservé® Breast Augmentation is not a shortcut around medical safety. An anesthesiologist is present throughout the procedure to monitor the patient, administer IV antibiotics, and respond immediately if any medical issue occurs.
Sedation is available if needed
The patient does not have to "tough it out." If anxiety develops during the procedure, medication can be given to help the patient relax. If a deeper level of sedation becomes necessary, the anesthesiologist is already present and able to manage that safely.
A reassuring experience for anxious patients
Patients who fear anesthesia often feel more comfortable knowing they can remain awake, breathe on their own, and communicate with the surgical team. This can make breast augmentation feel more approachable for patients who otherwise may have avoided surgery.
Recovery from Wide Awake Breast Augmentation
All though the overall recovery from surgery itself is the same irregardless of the type of anesthesia used, those who choose “Wide - Awake” are immediately fully conscious and aware, have no effects from intravenous sedatives and leave our facility sooner and go about their day quicker. Furthermore, if you feel up to it and can do so safely, you may operate a motor vehicle the same day as your surgery. With intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, we instruct you to wait until the next morning to drive.
A tissue-respecting breast augmentation technique
Motiva Preservé® is designed to enhance the breast while respecting the patient's natural anatomy. The goal is to preserve natural breast tissue, support structures, nipple sensation, and chest muscles whenever possible.
Natural-looking breast enhancement
The Preservé® technique is well suited for patients seeking a refined, natural-looking result rather than an overly augmented appearance. Careful implant selection and precise surgical planning help create an enhancement that complements the patient's body.
Less tissue disruption for appropriate candidates
Because Motiva Preservé® is designed as a tissue-respecting approach, it may help reduce unnecessary tissue trauma in appropriate candidates. Each treatment plan is customized to the patient's anatomy, goals, and safety needs.
The ability to communicate during surgery
Because the procedure is performed with local anesthesia, many patients appreciate being able to communicate with the surgical team during the procedure. This can provide reassurance and allow the care team to respond quickly to the patient's comfort level.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
Wide Awake Motiva Preservé® Breast Augmentation may be appropriate for patients who:
- Have a fear of general anesthesia or IV sedation.
- Want breast augmentation with a tissue-respecting approach.
- Prefer to remain awake if it can be done safely and comfortably.
- Want a natural-looking breast enhancement.
- Are medically appropriate candidates for breast augmentation.
- Understand that sedation is immediately available if needed.
This procedure is not right for every patient. Some patients may be better suited for traditional anesthesia, especially those having complex revision surgery, those requiring a more extensive procedure, or those who prefer to be fully asleep. A consultation is necessary to determine the safest and most appropriate approach.
What to Expect During Surgery
Before surgery, your anatomy, goals, implant options, medical history, and anesthesia preferences will be reviewed carefully. On the day of surgery, an anesthesiologist will be present to administer intravenous antibiotics and monitor you throughout the procedure.
The breast area is then carefully numbed with local anesthesia. Once you are comfortable, the Motiva Preservé® technique is used to create the implant space with a focus on preserving the natural breast tissues. The implants are then placed according to the surgical plan designed for your body and your goals.
You may remain fully awake, or you may receive medication to help you relax. The level of anesthesia support can be adjusted to your comfort and safety needs.
Important Safety Information
All breast implant surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation, capsular contracture, implant rupture or deflation, asymmetry, scarring, pain, the need for future surgery, and anesthesia-related risks. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and patients should understand the risks, benefits, and long-term considerations before surgery.
Your consultation will include a complete discussion of your goals, implant options, anesthesia options, risks, alternatives, and whether Wide Awake Motiva Preservé® Breast Augmentation is right for you.
A Modern Option for Patients Who Fear Anesthesia
Wide Awake Motiva Preservé® Breast Augmentation offers a thoughtful option for patients who want breast enhancement but feel anxious about general anesthesia or IV sedation. By combining local anesthesia, the Motiva Preservé® tissue-respecting technique, and the presence of an anesthesiologist throughout the procedure, this approach is designed to provide a comfortable, safety-focused, and reassuring breast augmentation experience.
Sections - Preserve Breast Augmentation
Chapters – Breast Augmentation Guide
- Intro to Breast Augmentation
- Preservation Breast Augmentation – A New Era!
- Motiva Implants – What You Need to Know
- Five key decisions you need to make
- One-Day Recovery Breast Augmentation
- Anesthesia – General, Sedation or Local?
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy) with/without Implants or Fat
- What else should I know about breast augmentation?
- Important Things to Consider When You Decide to Move Forward With Breast Augmentation
- Revision of breast augmentation
- ALCL and Breast Implant Illness
