Durães M, Rathat G, Francini S, Coutureau J, Mandoul C, Rebel L, Captier G, Subsol G, Herlin C. New insights on breast anatomy based on magnetic resonance imaging and surgical observations. Clin Anat. 2026;0:1-11. doi: 10.1002/ca.70071
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
Using breast MRI in multiple positions along with direct surgical observation in almost 200 patients, this study mapped how the connective tissue around the breast forms a natural "pocket," both in front of and behind the gland, anchored most firmly at a ring around the breast's outer edge.
Key Findings
- 196 patients studied; 10 had detailed MRI in three different body positions
- Describes the superficial fascia as forming two adipose tissue compartments (a shallower one and a deeper one)
- Identifies an "anchoring ring" around the breast's periphery where the front and back layers of connective tissue meet, the primary point holding the breast to the chest wall
- Finds no direct connective strand running from the chest muscle all the way to the skin, contrary to some older anatomical descriptions
Why This Matters for Preservé Patients
This is current, independent anatomical research reinforcing the same general picture of breast support structure that the tissue-preservation literature is built around, from a different research group using a different method (live MRI rather than cadaver dissection).
