Sim HB. Revisiting prepectoral breast augmentation: indications and refinements. Aesthet Surg J. 2019;39(5):NP113-NP122. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjy294
Disclosure
Dr. Epstein is a paid investigator in the Motiva U.S. FDA clinical trial and is compensated by Establishment Labs to train surgeons on the Preservé breast augmentation technique. He discloses this relationship in all public communications involving Motiva or Preservé. Dr. Epstein owns stock in Establishment Labs.
What This Study Found
In 76 women who had augmentation with the implant placed above the muscle rather than under it (prepectoral), using an endoscopic approach through the underarm and a slightly textured implant, no patients developed fluid collections, capsular contracture, or implant shifting over an average of a year of follow-up.
Key Findings
- 76 patients, 152 breasts, primary augmentation
- Endoscopic axillary approach, implant placed above the muscle, below the fascia
- Mean follow-up 12 months (range 6-23 months)
- Zero cases of seroma, capsular contracture, or malposition
- 2 patients had minor visible rippling; none required a second surgery
Why This Matters for Preservé Patients
This supports the broader case that placing an implant above the muscle, done carefully, doesn't carry the complication risks people sometimes assume. It's general prepectoral technique evidence rather than tissue-preservation-specific data, so it works best as a supporting citation rather than a headline data point.
