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FREQUENTLY ASKED

Breast Surgery, Frequently Asked Questions

Breast Surgery Basics, Breast Revision, and Preservé — every question we hear most before a consultation, gathered in one place. Use the category tabs and search to find what you need, then tap a question to open the answer.

FAQ — 150 questions

  • The increase in cup size after breast augmentation depends on the implant size, your existing breast tissue, and the dimensions of your chest wall. Many patients aim for an increase of about one to two cup sizes, but even with the same implant, results can vary from one body type to another. What matters most is not simply creating larger breasts, but finding proportions that suit your frame. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we assess your tissue condition through a pre-operative consultation and ultrasound examination, then plan an implant size that fits your body.

  • Recovery time varies with the surgical technique, your tissue condition, and how quickly your body heals. Most patients can return to light daily activities fairly soon, while exercise and heavy lifting may require several weeks or more of recovery. As surgical concepts that minimize tissue trauma have advanced, a range of methods is now used to ease the recovery burden. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we walk you through the recovery process before surgery and provide regular follow-up examinations afterward.

  • This depends on your occupation and how your recovery progresses, but patients with desk jobs are often able to return to work relatively quickly. Jobs that involve heavy arm use or physical labor may call for a longer recovery period. In the days right after surgery, letting your tissues stabilize takes priority over strenuous activity. The exact timing of your return to work is best decided in consultation with your surgeon.

  • Driving requires continuous use of your arms and shoulders, so your early recovery needs to be taken into account. Most patients resume driving once the pain has subsided and they can handle the steering wheel comfortably. Long-distance driving in particular can be taxing early in recovery. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we guide you through a step-by-step return to activity based on how your recovery is progressing.

  • Light activities such as walking can usually be resumed fairly soon, but weight training and upper-body exercise should wait until you have recovered sufficiently. The right timing depends on the surgical method and your recovery progress. Overexertion can increase swelling and interfere with tissue stabilization. It is important to build up exercise intensity gradually while your recovery is monitored at regular check-ups.

  • Pain levels vary from person to person, but for most patients the discomfort gradually eases over time. Right after surgery you may feel pressure or tightness in the chest, which is a normal part of the healing process. With surgical techniques that reduce tissue trauma and improved pain management, recovery today tends to be less demanding than it once was. That said, the degree of pain can differ depending on your constitution and the extent of surgery.

  • The location and length of the scar depend on the incision technique, and the way a scar looks and heals also varies with your skin type and constitution. Scars may appear red or noticeable at first, but in most cases they gradually settle and fade over time. Because scar care can influence your final result, consistent aftercare is important.

  • An armpit (transaxillary) incision has the advantage of leaving no scar on the breast itself, while an inframammary (breast crease) incision offers the surgeon a clearer view of the surgical field. Each approach has its own strengths and trade-offs, so neither can be called categorically superior. What matters is choosing the incision that best suits your body type, tissue condition, and the result you are hoping for.

  • Surgery is generally considered only after physical development is fully complete. Rather than relying on age alone, it is important to evaluate your stage of physical development together with the purpose of the surgery. A thorough consultation and examination before surgery are needed to confirm that the procedure is appropriate for you.

  • Motiva is one of the most widely used breast implants today, and it attracts particular interest from patients who value natural movement and a soft feel. It comes in a broad range of sizes and shapes, allowing the choice to be tailored to your body type. That said, the surgeon's experience and a careful analysis of your body may matter more than the brand itself. It is best to decide on an implant through an in-depth consultation.

  • Motiva and Mentor are both widely used breast implants, but they differ in gel characteristics, feel, and how they hold their shape. Rather than viewing either product as absolutely superior, it is important to choose based on your tissue condition and the result you want. Your actual outcome is influenced not only by the implant itself but also by the surgical plan and the surgeon's experience.

  • Motiva is well known among patients who place a high value on natural movement and a soft, supple feel. It has also drawn attention as research and clinical experience with the implant have accumulated. Even so, choosing an implant should come down to whether it suits your body and surgical goals, not to what is currently in fashion.

  • All medical devices go through regulatory approval and quality-control processes before use. Motiva is likewise an implant approved in Korea and is used at the surgeon's discretion. However, no implant can be said to be entirely without risk, which is why regular check-ups and proper ongoing care are important.

  • It was once commonly believed that implants had to be replaced at set intervals, but that is no longer the rule. If no problems arise, an implant can often remain in place. That said, tissue changes can develop over time, so regular ultrasound examinations and check-ups remain important.

  • MRI is one of the imaging methods that can examine the condition of an implant in greater detail. It can be especially helpful for confirming a suspected rupture or when further evaluation is needed. It is not applied uniformly to every patient; instead, an examination plan is drawn up based on your condition, alongside ultrasound scans.

  • An implant rupture sometimes causes clear symptoms, but it can also be discovered without any noticeable signs. Changes in breast shape or feel, asymmetry, and discomfort may occur, though not every rupture presents the same way. This is why regular ultrasound examinations, and MRI scans when needed, are important. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we monitor implant condition through regular post-operative check-ups.

  • How your breasts feel after surgery is influenced by the implant type, skin thickness, the amount of existing breast tissue, and the surgical method. They may feel firm at first due to swelling and tissue tension, but in most cases they gradually soften and feel more natural over time. Achieving a natural feel depends not just on the implant you choose, but on selecting a size that suits your frame and planning the surgery properly.

  • Many of today's implants are designed with movement and shape change in mind, so patients can generally expect a fairly natural appearance whether standing or lying down. Results can still vary with skin thickness, tissue condition, and implant type, however, so a thorough consultation before surgery is important.

  • This can vary with the surgical method and incision location, but in many cases both childbirth and breastfeeding remain possible. Breastfeeding function is usually preserved with techniques that do not cut directly into the mammary gland tissue. Outcomes can still differ depending on your individual anatomy and the surgical plan, so it is best to discuss this thoroughly during your pre-operative consultation.

  • Having breast implants does not prevent you from being screened for breast cancer. Your breast health can be assessed through a range of examinations including ultrasound, mammography, and MRI. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we perform a breast-specialist ultrasound examination before surgery and recommend regular screening afterward as well.

  • Immediately after surgery, most patients wear a supportive compression bra recommended by their medical team rather than a regular bra. This helps stabilize the implant position and supports the healing process. When you can switch back to regular underwear depends on the surgical method and your recovery, so it is important to follow your surgeon's guidance.

  • Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and increase swelling, so caution is needed early in recovery. Because tissue healing and wound stability are especially important right after surgery, patients are usually advised to abstain from alcohol for a period of time. The exact duration can vary depending on your condition and how your recovery progresses.

  • Smoking impairs blood circulation, which can interfere with wound healing. It can also raise the risk of infection and delay scar recovery. For the best surgical outcome, you are advised to refrain from smoking for a period before and after surgery.

  • Traveling abroad is not off-limits in itself, but your recovery status needs to be taken into account. Long-haul flights in particular can increase swelling and fatigue. If you are planning long-distance travel soon after surgery, it is best to discuss it with your medical team and adjust your schedule accordingly.

  • Breast implants are not damaged by changes in cabin pressure, so flying itself is generally not a problem. That said, swelling and your overall recovery need to be considered in the period right after surgery, so long-haul flights should be scheduled with care.

  • Massage was commonly recommended in the past, but today the approach varies with the surgical method and implant type. For some patients it is unnecessary, and it can even interfere with tissue stabilization. Rather than relying on information found online, it is important to follow the guidance of the surgeon who performed your operation.

  • Even for patients with little breast tissue, surgery can be planned with a natural-looking result as the goal. Choosing an implant with your skin thickness and tissue volume in mind is key. Rather than forcing a large implant, a balanced design that suits your frame tends to produce better results in the long run.

  • Slim patients often have thinner skin and less subcutaneous fat, which makes implant selection all the more important. The plan takes into account feel, movement, and tissue thickness as a whole. What matters is not a particular brand, but ensuring that the surgical method properly matches your tissue condition.

  • Breast augmentation can be considered once childbirth and breastfeeding are complete. Because breast tissue continues to change for a while after weaning, it is important to allow enough time for recovery first. After childbirth, volume loss is often accompanied by sagging, so a surgical plan tailored to your individual condition is needed.

  • Mild sagging can sometimes be improved with an implant alone. With more pronounced sagging, however, augmentation by itself may not be sufficient. In such cases, a breast lift can be considered in combination with augmentation; an accurate assessment is made through a physical examination.

  • Breast augmentation adds volume, while a breast lift raises sagging breasts back to a higher position. For some patients the main concern is a lack of volume; for others, it is sagging. After childbirth and breastfeeding, volume loss and sagging often occur together, so the two procedures are sometimes considered in combination. The right surgical approach is decided after evaluating the current condition of your breasts.

  • In many cases, breast augmentation and a lift can be performed in a single operation. This combined approach is often considered for patients experiencing both volume loss and sagging after childbirth. Not every patient is a candidate for a combined procedure, however; the decision is made after a comprehensive evaluation of your skin, tissue condition, and desired result.

  • The way your breasts look immediately after surgery is not the final result. Because of swelling and tissue tension, both the shape and the feel gradually become more natural over time. Although this varies from person to person, the tissues typically settle over several months as you approach your final result. Rather than judging the outcome by its early appearance, it is important to allow a full recovery period.

  • Swelling is a natural part of the healing process after surgery. It may seem quite pronounced at first, but it gradually subsides over time. The pace of recovery differs with your constitution and the extent of surgery, so plenty of rest and regular follow-up visits are important.

  • Temporary changes in nipple or skin sensation can occur after surgery. This is a known part of the tissue-healing process, and sensation returns in most cases as time passes. The speed and degree of recovery vary from person to person, however, and can depend on the extent of the surgery.

  • Post-operative pain varies between individuals, but it is controlled with appropriate medication and recovery care. A range of techniques is now used to reduce pain after surgery. It is important to avoid strenuous activity and manage your recovery according to your medical team's guidance.

  • Endoscopic breast augmentation is a technique in which the surgical field is viewed through a magnified endoscopic image as the operation proceeds. This can help the surgeon identify anatomical structures more precisely. An endoscope is often used with the armpit-incision approach in particular, and whether it is used depends on the surgical plan.

  • The Keller Funnel is a medical device used when inserting a breast implant. Its purpose is to minimize direct contact between the implant and the skin. It is now used in many breast augmentation procedures and can help make implant insertion smoother and more efficient.

  • The dry pocket is a surgical concept aimed at minimizing bleeding and fluid inside the space where the implant is placed. Meticulous control of bleeding and careful tissue handling during surgery are considered its key elements. It is one of the surgical principles favored by surgeons who prioritize infection prevention and tissue stability in breast augmentation.

  • A positive-pressure operating room helps maintain a clean surgical environment by limiting the inflow of outside air. Managing the surgical environment is considered especially important in procedures involving implants. The outcome of breast augmentation can be influenced not only by surgical skill but also by the operating-room environment and infection-control systems.

  • When choosing a clinic, it is important to look beyond price alone and consider the surgeon's experience, the surgical systems in place, and the aftercare program. With breast augmentation in particular, how your results hold up years later can matter more than how they look right after surgery, so it is wise to choose a clinic with the long term in mind.

  • Motiva is used at many clinics, but the depth of hands-on experience can differ. What matters is how well the surgeon understands the implant's characteristics and how many different body types they have applied it to. Ultimately, the surgeon's experience and the surgical plan can influence your result more than the implant itself.

  • Breast augmentation is not simply a matter of placing an implant; it requires analyzing each patient's unique tissue condition and body type. The more experience a surgeon has, the better equipped they are to handle a wide range of situations. Experience becomes even more critical in revision surgery and other challenging cases.

  • During your consultation, it is a good idea to go over not only the implant type, incision location, and surgical method, but also the expected recovery process and the long-term care plan. It is equally important to receive a thorough explanation of the possible complications and how they would be managed.

  • The cost of breast augmentation can vary with the implant type, surgical method, the surgeon's experience, and the operating-room systems. For that reason, price alone is a poor measure of the quality of a surgery. More important than cost is a surgical plan built around safety and long-term results.

  • A natural-looking breast is not determined by size alone. Chest-wall width, skin thickness, breast tissue volume, and overall body proportions all need to be considered together. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we plan a design suited to your frame through pre-operative consultation and examinations.

  • Not necessarily. An excessively large implant can strain your tissues and may lead to changes in breast shape over time. Choosing a size appropriate to your frame and tissue condition tends to matter more for a natural result and long-term satisfaction.

  • Even with the same implant, results can differ depending on the surgical plan, the technique, and how the tissues are handled. The surgeon's experience and philosophy also shape the outcome. Breast augmentation is widely regarded as a field where design and tissue management matter more than the operation itself.

  • A breast ultrasound helps assess the health of your breasts before surgery. It is also used to identify pre-existing conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we place great importance on a breast-specialist examination before surgery as the basis for a safer surgical plan.

  • With breast augmentation, care does not end when the operation does. Regular check-ups are important for monitoring the condition of the implant and the health of your breasts. Ultrasound examinations in particular can help detect issues such as capsular contracture, rupture, and seroma. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we continue to monitor our patients after surgery because their long-term safety matters to us.

  • Breast revision surgery may be considered for medical or aesthetic reasons such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, bottoming out, rippling, or asymmetry. Not every issue leads to revision, but when pain or deformity persists, or when a patient is deeply dissatisfied with the result, revision surgery is considered. Breast revision is often far more complex than a first operation. That makes it essential to start with an accurate diagnosis of your current condition and a careful assessment of whether revision is truly necessary.

  • Revision surgery means operating again on tissue that has already been through one operation. The existing capsule, scar tissue, adhesions, and skin condition all have to be taken into account, requiring more complex judgment than a first surgery. When capsular contracture, rupture, or bottoming out is involved, it may not be enough to simply swap the implant — the tissue itself may need to be re-engineered. This is why so many patients seek out surgeons with extensive revision experience.

  • Not necessarily. Depending on the extent of surgery and your tissue condition, recovery can sometimes be easier than after the first operation. If capsule removal, pocket revision, or tissue reconstruction is required, however, recovery may take longer. What matters more than pain is your current tissue condition and the surgical plan.

  • Recovery time can vary greatly depending on the reason for the revision. A simple implant exchange and a capsular contracture revision can involve very different recovery courses. Cases requiring extensive capsule removal call for particularly careful recovery management. The most reliable estimate of your recovery time comes from an in-person examination.

  • Revision surgery involves the added work of evaluating the existing tissue and correcting the underlying problem, which often makes it more technically demanding. The operation itself and the planning process can also be more complex than a first surgery. What matters more than the cost is a surgical plan that can accurately resolve your current problem.

  • In theory, revision surgery can be performed multiple times, but each additional operation places more strain on your tissues. That is why every surgery should be planned with tissue preservation and the long term in mind. The goal of revision surgery is not just to fix the current problem, but also to reduce the likelihood of needing further surgery down the road.

  • Success depends on the reason for the revision and the condition of your tissues. A simple implant exchange and a capsular contracture revision differ in difficulty, so they cannot be compared on equal terms. What matters most is diagnosing the current problem accurately and choosing the right surgical approach.

  • Revision surgery is generally considered once the tissues have fully stabilized. Even when a problem appears soon after the initial operation, immediate re-operation is not always the best course. It is important to evaluate the tissue condition thoroughly and choose the right timing.

  • Ultrasound is a critically important examination when planning revision surgery. It helps assess the condition of the implant and the capsule, and whether a seroma is present. An MRI can be performed when needed as well. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we consider a pre-operative breast-specialist ultrasound examination essential.

  • For revision surgery, experience solving problems matters more than sheer case volume. It is worth confirming how much experience the clinic has with situations such as capsular contracture, rupture, bottoming out, and rippling. The ultrasound examination system, operating-room environment, and aftercare program should also factor into your decision.

  • Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule of tissue that forms around an implant thickens or tightens, causing the breast to harden and change shape. In severe cases, it can cause pain or asymmetry. It is one of the most common reasons for breast revision surgery, and the treatment approach varies with its severity.

  • The exact cause of capsular contracture has not yet been fully established. It is understood to result from a combination of factors, including bacterial contamination, bleeding, inflammatory response, and individual constitution. Rather than attributing it to any single cause, it is best understood as the product of several factors acting together.

  • There is no method that prevents it completely. However, rigorous infection control, meticulous hemostasis, and minimizing tissue trauma can all help reduce the risk. U&U Plastic Surgery takes surgical-environment management seriously, employing a positive-pressure operating room, the dry pocket concept, and the Keller Funnel.

  • Yes, contracture can recur even after revision surgery. That said, analyzing the cause and building an appropriate surgical plan can help reduce the risk. In contracture revision, understanding the underlying cause matters more than simply exchanging the implant.

  • Not every case of contracture calls for revision surgery. If there is no pain and the deformity is mild, careful observation may be all that is needed. When the pain is severe or the deformity is pronounced, however, revision surgery can be considered.

  • Depending on the severity of the contracture, options may include partial capsule removal, complete capsule removal, or implant exchange. The most suitable approach differs from patient to patient. What matters most is an accurate evaluation of the current tissue condition.

  • Complete capsule removal is not necessary in every case of contracture. The surgical approach varies with the condition of the capsule and the severity of the contracture. Rather than a blanket "always total capsulectomy" approach, a plan tailored to your individual condition is what matters.

  • A total capsulectomy is a procedure that removes the entire capsule surrounding the implant. It may be considered in certain contracture cases and other specific situations. It is not required in every revision surgery, however; the decision depends on your individual condition.

  • A partial capsulectomy removes only the portion of the capsule that is causing problems. Its potential advantage is that it limits tissue trauma. Which approach is appropriate depends on the condition of the capsule and the goal of the surgery.

  • Recovery from contracture revision can take longer than after a standard augmentation, especially when extensive capsule removal is required. Because this varies widely between patients, it is best to have your expected recovery course explained during a consultation.

  • Because breast implants are medical devices, wear or damage can develop over time. That said, the durability of modern implants has improved considerably, and ruptures are known to be less frequent than in the past. Rupture can result from a combination of factors, including trauma, long-term use, and manufacturing characteristics. In most cases it develops gradually rather than occurring suddenly.

  • A rupture is sometimes discovered through symptoms such as changes in breast shape or feel, or asymmetry, but it can also be found with no symptoms at all. Silicone implants in particular can rupture without any noticeable signs, which is why regular check-ups are important. Ultrasound and MRI examinations can help assess the condition of the implant, and U&U Plastic Surgery recommends regular ultrasound screening.

  • MRI is an examination that can evaluate the condition of an implant with greater precision. It can provide additional information in cases that are difficult to assess with ultrasound alone. Not every patient needs an MRI, but it can be a valuable tool when a rupture is suspected or a more detailed evaluation is required.

  • A rupture rarely constitutes an emergency, but it is important to have the situation accurately assessed. Leaving a ruptured implant in place for an extended period is not advisable. That is why regular check-ups matter — to detect a rupture early and put an appropriate treatment plan in place.

  • When a rupture is confirmed, revision surgery is generally considered. The timing and method of surgery, however, can vary with your condition and symptoms. What matters most is an accurate diagnosis to evaluate your current condition and establish the right treatment plan.

  • In most cases, once a rupture is confirmed, removal or replacement is considered. The aim is to reduce the risk of tissue changes and further complications down the line. The precise surgical plan is decided after evaluating the extent of the rupture and the condition of the surrounding tissue.

  • Yes, they can. In implants that have been in place for many years, rupture and contracture are sometimes found together. In such cases, the capsule needs to be evaluated along with the implant rather than simply exchanged, so a particularly careful revision plan is required.

  • In most cases, replacement with a new implant can be considered. It is important, however, to first evaluate the condition of the surrounding tissue and the capsule. In some cases, treating the capsule or creating a new implant pocket may also be necessary.

  • Not every rupture causes pain. In fact, many are discovered during routine check-ups without any symptoms at all. Conversely, some patients do notice discomfort, changes in feel, or changes in breast shape. This is why regular check-ups matter even when you feel perfectly fine.

  • A silent rupture is exactly what the name suggests — an implant rupture that occurs without the patient noticing any symptoms. This pattern can occur with silicone implants in particular. The absence of discomfort is therefore no guarantee that an implant is intact. This is precisely why regular ultrasound examinations, and MRI scans when needed, are so important.

  • Bottoming out is a condition in which the implant migrates downward, making the breast crease appear lower. It can occur when the skin and tissue lack sufficient support, or when the implant size and pocket are not well matched. It can also develop as tissues stretch over time, and it is one of the most common concerns among patients seeking revision consultations.

  • Not every case of bottoming out calls for revision surgery. When the deformity is significant or the patient is deeply dissatisfied, however, revision can be considered. What matters most is analyzing why the bottoming out occurred in the first place. If the underlying cause is not addressed, the risk of recurrence rises.

  • Revision for bottoming out may involve repairing the stretched pocket and re-stabilizing the implant position. In some cases, reconstruction using the capsule or additional tissue reinforcement may be needed. The surgical approach varies with your tissue condition, and this is an area where experience counts.

  • Lateral displacement is a condition in which the implant drifts outward toward the armpit. It can occur when the pocket was made too wide or when the tissues lack sufficient support. Some patients describe their breasts spreading noticeably to the sides when they lie down.

  • In most cases, correction can be considered. It may involve repairing the pocket and stabilizing the surrounding tissue. The key is an accurate analysis of the current pocket structure.

  • A high-riding implant can occur when the implant sits too high or the lower breast tissue has not expanded sufficiently. It can also appear temporarily during early recovery. If it does not improve with time, however, a proper evaluation may be needed.

  • Rippling occurs when folds in the implant become visible through the surface of the skin. It tends to be more noticeable in slim patients or those with thin tissue coverage. Today, considerable effort goes into reducing this risk through careful implant selection and surgical planning.

  • Mild rippling is sometimes simply monitored over time. If it bothers you or is cosmetically significant, however, revision surgery can be considered. The revision approach depends on what is causing the rippling.

  • Animation deformity is a distortion of the breast shape that occurs when the chest muscle contracts and moves the implant along with it. It mainly occurs when the implant is placed beneath the muscle. Patients who exercise frequently are often the most aware of it.

  • Correction can be considered, but the cause and the current implant position must first be accurately evaluated. In some cases, repositioning the implant or drawing up a new surgical plan may be necessary.

  • Breast asymmetry is one of the most common concerns raised in revision consultations. No body is perfectly symmetrical, so a degree of difference is within the normal range — but when the difference is significant or troubling, correction can be considered. Asymmetry can stem from many causes, including implant position, size differences, chest-wall structure, and differences in breast tissue. Rather than simply exchanging the implant, an accurate analysis of the underlying cause must come first.

  • Revision surgery can improve asymmetry, but no body ever becomes perfectly symmetrical. Tissue changes can also occur over time, so some degree of change is always possible. The goal should not be perfect symmetry, but a natural, well-balanced result.

  • BII stands for Breast Implant Illness and refers to a range of systemic symptoms that some patients believe are linked to their implants. Reported symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, and difficulty concentrating, among others. To date, however, no clear medical definition or cause of BII has been fully established. A comprehensive evaluation of the symptoms is therefore essential.

  • The first step is a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms together with examination findings, since not every symptom can be attributed to the implants with certainty. Implant removal is considered for some patients, but the decision to operate should be made carefully, through thorough consultation and diagnosis.

  • BIA-ALCL stands for Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, a very rarely reported type of lymphoma. It is a distinct condition from ordinary breast cancer. An association with implants that have a particular surface type has been reported, and when detected early it is treatable in most cases.

  • Typical warning signs include sudden breast swelling, seroma, and asymmetry. If your breast suddenly swells many years after surgery, an examination may be warranted. Ultrasound can help identify such abnormalities, and further tests are carried out when needed.

  • Revision surgery begins with an accurate picture of your current condition. Ultrasound is an extremely useful examination for assessing the state of the implant and the capsule, and for detecting seroma. U&U Plastic Surgery places great importance on a pre-operative breast-specialist ultrasound examination and uses it as the foundation for a more precise revision plan.

  • When choosing an implant for revision surgery, your current tissue condition and the goal of the operation matter more than the brand. Motiva is one implant that has drawn interest from patients who value a soft feel and natural movement. Which implant is most suitable, however, depends on your tissue condition and the surgical plan.

  • With revision surgery too, care does not end when the operation does. If anything, ongoing monitoring of your tissue condition becomes even more important. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we support long-term safety and lasting results through post-operative ultrasound screening and follow-up care.

  • In breast revision, the ability to analyze causes and solve problems matters more than it does in a first surgery. Rather than looking at case numbers alone, it is worth confirming the clinic's experience across the full range of revision scenarios — capsular contracture, rupture, bottoming out, rippling, and asymmetry. The ultrasound diagnostic system, operating-room environment, infection control, and aftercare program should also be considered. U&U Plastic Surgery has devoted many years to the study of breast surgery and revision surgery, and we place importance on every stage of the process, from pre-operative diagnosis to post-operative follow-up.

  • Preservé breast augmentation is a new approach to breast surgery built around the core concept of tissue preservation. Whereas conventional breast augmentation focused on creating space for the implant, Preservé aims to carry out the surgery while preserving as much as possible of the breast tissue and vital structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments. Across medicine, the importance of minimally invasive surgery and tissue preservation is increasingly emphasized, and Preservé was developed as part of this movement. U&U Plastic Surgery continues to study these techniques through international Preservé training programs and participation in international conferences, with a strong focus on patient recovery and tissue protection.

  • Conventional breast augmentation requires dissecting tissue to create space for the implant. Preservé, by contrast, focuses on forming that space while minimizing tissue trauma as much as possible. Many patients seek out Preservé because they care about pain, recovery time, and natural movement. What truly matters, however, is not the Preservé name itself but how carefully the surgeon handles the tissue — and at U&U Plastic Surgery, the principle of tissue preservation is central to how we operate.

  • Once the body's tissues are damaged, they rarely return fully to their original state. The area around the breast tissue contains vital structures — blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments — so avoiding unnecessary damage is essential. Preservé is called tissue-preserving breast augmentation because it is built around the concept of preserving these structures as much as possible during surgery. Interest has grown as more patients prioritize long-term tissue health and natural movement over size alone.

  • Because Preservé is a surgical concept designed to minimize tissue trauma, many patients expect less discomfort during recovery. The less the tissue is damaged, the lower the likelihood of inflammation and swelling. Of course, recovery speed varies between individuals, and not every patient experiences the same course. But with so many patients now asking "how quickly can I get back to my daily life?", interest in Preservé continues to grow.

  • Because Preservé is performed in a way that reduces tissue trauma and muscle irritation, reduced pain can reasonably be expected. Some patients do report that returning to daily life after surgery felt less burdensome. Pain, however, varies enormously with constitution, pain sensitivity, and the extent of surgery. It is more accurate to understand Preservé not as "painless surgery" but as "surgery that aims to reduce pain through tissue preservation."

  • Where the conventional approach relied on wide dissection to secure space for the implant, Preservé concentrates on forming only the space that is needed while minimizing tissue trauma. Dedicated instruments and specialized techniques are used to achieve this. The point is not how large a pocket can be made, but how safely it can be formed while preserving the tissue. This is why the surgeon's experience and skill play such a decisive role.

  • Because Preservé places great importance on avoiding unnecessary tissue damage, every effort is made to preserve the muscle and surrounding structures. The approach can still vary, however, depending on your anatomy and the surgical plan. Breast augmentation is not a one-size-fits-all operation; a customized plan based on your body type and tissue condition is essential. The precise method is therefore decided through consultation and examination.

  • Preservé is currently most often presented alongside Motiva implants. Motiva Ergonomix in particular has drawn interest from patients who value natural movement and tissue compatibility. What produces a good result, however, is not the implant itself but a choice suited to your frame and a precise surgical plan. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we determine the right implant for each patient through pre-operative consultation and examinations.

  • Preservé is often mentioned together with Motiva, but its essence lies not in the implant itself but in the philosophy of tissue preservation — the real question is which tissues are preserved and how damage is minimized. It is easy for patients to focus only on the implant brand, but in practice the surgeon's experience and technique have a far greater influence on the result.

  • Preservé is a surgical concept developed through joint research by the Motiva group and leading breast surgery specialists in Europe. It has recently been presented at international conferences as a new paradigm in tissue-preserving breast augmentation, attracting considerable attention. U&U Plastic Surgery continues to study these techniques through training at Motiva headquarters in Costa Rica, conference participation in Singapore, and Preservé training programs in Korea and abroad, in our commitment to providing safer, more natural surgery.

  • The duration of Preservé breast augmentation varies with your body type, the surgical plan, and the implant size. Operating accurately while preserving the tissue safely matters far more than simply keeping the operation short. In breast augmentation, the entire process counts — not just the operation itself, but anesthesia, recovery, and follow-up care. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we build a customized surgical plan for each patient through pre-operative examinations and consultation.

  • Because Preservé is designed to minimize tissue trauma, it generally aims for a relatively small incision. The incision length can still vary, however, with the implant size, your body type, and the surgical method. What matters more than the incision length itself is how safely the tissue is handled. Precision and safety should always take priority over making the incision as small as possible.

  • Scarring is a common concern for patients considering Preservé. While the incision can be comparatively short, the final appearance of a scar depends on your constitution, skin characteristics, and healing process. Scar outcomes depend on aftercare as much as on the surgical technique. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we monitor scar healing as part of your regular post-operative follow-up.

  • If your condition is stable, same-day discharge is possible in most cases. As surgical concepts that ease the recovery burden have advanced, more and more patients now prioritize a quick return to daily life over a hospital stay. U&U Plastic Surgery operates its One-Flow system, designed so that consultation, examination, surgery, and recovery all follow a single seamless path. After surgery, you rest in a private recovery room until you are ready to go home.

  • When you can return to work depends on your occupation and how your recovery progresses. Patients in less physically demanding roles, such as office work, can often expect a relatively quick return. Jobs that involve prolonged arm use or physical labor may require a longer recovery period. The right timing is best decided as your post-operative condition is monitored.

  • Everyday activities such as light walking can be resumed fairly soon, but upper-body exercise and weight training should be reintroduced gradually once your tissues have stabilized. Returning to exercise too early can interfere with your recovery, so it is important to adjust the intensity under your medical team's guidance. Exercises that heavily engage the chest muscles call for particular caution.

  • Traveling abroad is not forbidden as such, but your recovery needs to be fully taken into account in the period right after surgery — long-haul flights in particular can increase swelling and fatigue. If your surgery and travel dates are close together, it is best to plan ahead through a consultation. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we shape your post-operative care plan around your schedule.

  • Breast implants are not damaged by changes in cabin pressure, so flying itself is rarely a problem. However, since you will still be recovering in the period right after surgery, the fatigue and swelling that come with long journeys need to be considered. If you have an important trip coming up, discuss it with us before your surgery.

  • Immediately after surgery, most patients wear a recovery or compression bra recommended by their medical team instead of a regular bra. This helps stabilize the implant position and supports tissue healing. When you can switch back to regular underwear depends on your recovery, so follow your surgeon's guidance rather than reviews you read online.

  • Massage was once widely recommended after breast surgery, but today the approach varies with the surgical method and implant characteristics. Because Preservé prioritizes tissue stability and preservation, routine massage is not automatically required. In fact, aggressive self-massage can interfere with tissue healing. Always follow the aftercare instructions of the surgeon who performed your operation.

  • Swelling after surgery is a natural part of the healing process. At first your breasts may look larger and feel firmer than they actually are, but this gradually settles over time. Recovery speed differs between patients, and it can take some time for the swelling to fully resolve and the breasts to settle into their natural shape. It is therefore best not to judge your result by how things look early on.

  • When you can shower depends on the condition of the incision site and how your recovery is progressing. In general, showering resumes once the wound has stabilized, following your medical team's guidance. Prolonged exposure to water or irritation of the wound can interfere with healing, so care is needed.

  • In the early stages, sleeping with your upper body slightly elevated is usually recommended, as this can help reduce swelling and support recovery. Sleeping face down or in positions that put pressure on your chest is best avoided early in recovery. For precise guidance on sleeping positions, follow your medical team's post-operative instructions.

  • Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and increase swelling, so caution is needed early in recovery. It can also affect wound healing and the inflammatory response. For a smoother recovery, you are advised to abstain from alcohol for a period of time.

  • Smoking impairs blood circulation and can interfere with wound healing. It can also slow tissue recovery and affect how scars form. Since Preservé is a procedure built around tissue preservation, refraining from smoking before and after surgery is one of the most important aspects of your care.

  • Being slim does not rule out Preservé. In fact, patients with thin skin and little subcutaneous fat often take particular interest in the Preservé concept, since minimizing tissue damage and maintaining natural movement matter even more for them. That said, implant selection and surgical planning are especially important for slim patients. Rather than defaulting to a large implant, planning a balanced design around your skin thickness and tissue condition tends to lead to greater long-term satisfaction.

  • Planning to have children does not necessarily mean you have to postpone breast augmentation. You should, however, keep in mind that breast tissue can change through pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because Preservé is a surgical concept centered on tissue preservation, a consultation that takes future breast tissue changes into account is important. The right timing for surgery is decided around your lifestyle and plans.

  • After childbirth and breastfeeding, volume loss and skin laxity often occur together, and many patients consider Preservé at this stage. Because post-partum breast condition varies so widely, it is important to accurately assess whether augmentation alone is enough or whether a lift is also needed. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we establish the right surgical plan through ultrasound examination and physical assessment.

  • With mild sagging, restoring volume alone can bring meaningful improvement. With more pronounced sagging, however, Preservé on its own may not be enough, and a breast lift may need to be considered as well. What matters most is an accurate analysis of your current breast condition. The surgical approach varies with the cause and degree of the sagging.

  • Revision surgery is often far more complex than a first operation, so Preservé cannot be applied uniformly to every revision case. Even so, the Preservé philosophy — preserving as much existing tissue as possible and minimizing further damage — remains highly relevant in revision surgery. Whether it can actually be applied is decided after evaluating the condition of the capsule and the extent of tissue damage.

  • In cases of capsular contracture, the condition of the capsule and the degree of tissue deformation must be evaluated first. When the contracture is severe, treating it takes priority. Preservé is a surgical concept that values tissue preservation, but it is not applied identically to every contracture patient. What matters most is an accurate diagnosis followed by an appropriate treatment plan.

  • It can be possible, depending on your body type and the surgical plan. An armpit incision has the advantage of leaving no visible scar on the breast itself. The incision method, however, should be determined by your anatomy and goals rather than by Preservé itself. The most suitable approach is decided through consultation.

  • The inframammary (breast crease) incision is one of the most widely used approaches worldwide. It offers a clear surgical view and adapts well to a wide range of surgical plans. Preservé can likewise be performed through an inframammary incision depending on your condition — what matters is not where the incision is made, but how much of the tissue is preserved during surgery.

  • An areola incision follows the border of the areola, which can make the scar relatively inconspicuous. Whether it can be used, however, depends on the size of the areola and your anatomy. Preservé is not tied to any single incision technique — it is a surgical philosophy grounded in tissue preservation — so what matters is choosing the incision that suits your individual condition.

  • An endoscope can be used when needed. It provides a magnified view that helps the surgeon examine anatomical structures in finer detail. A clear surgical view is particularly valuable in the Preservé concept, where tissue preservation is paramount.

  • Preservé is a surgical concept that minimizes tissue trauma and places a high value on natural movement, so the surgical plan is designed with a natural feel as a key goal. How your breasts ultimately feel, however, depends not only on the implant type but also on skin thickness, existing tissue volume, and the healing process.

  • Natural movement is one of the main reasons Preservé has attracted so much attention. The concept holds that preserving the tissue helps the breasts respond more naturally in motion. Results still vary with your tissue condition and the surgical plan, however, and not every patient experiences the same outcome.

  • With any breast augmentation, tissue changes remain possible over time, so it cannot be said that Preservé rules out every problem entirely. That said, reducing tissue damage and creating a tissue-friendly environment is meaningful when considering long-term stability.

  • Capsular contracture is understood to result from a combination of factors — constitution, inflammatory response, bacterial contamination, and bleeding among them. No single surgical method can therefore claim to prevent contracture completely. Even so, efforts to reduce tissue damage and improve the surgical environment are widely viewed as beneficial for long-term stability.

  • Infection risk is influenced by many factors, including the operating-room environment, the surgeon's technique, and the patient's recovery. Preservé likewise aims to protect the tissue and minimize unnecessary damage. U&U Plastic Surgery takes infection prevention seriously, employing a positive-pressure operating room, the dry pocket concept, the Keller Funnel, and ultrasound examinations before and after surgery.

  • Preservé is a surgical concept that places great importance on minimizing tissue trauma, so various methods of reducing bleeding and tissue irritation are considered throughout the operation. The dry pocket is a surgical principle aimed at keeping the implant pocket as clean and stable as possible. U&U Plastic Surgery shares this commitment to tissue preservation and surgical-environment management, practicing meticulous hemostasis and careful tissue handling.

  • The Keller Funnel is a medical device used during implant insertion to minimize direct contact between the implant and the skin. It is now used in many breast augmentation procedures worldwide. Because Preservé places such importance on protecting the tissue, tools like this play a meaningful role. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we likewise prioritize protecting both the tissue and the implant during insertion.

  • Because breast augmentation involves an implant, managing the surgical environment is critically important. A positive-pressure operating room helps maintain a cleaner environment by limiting the inflow of outside air. Preservé is about more than tissue preservation alone — it is a concept that values safety across the entire surgical process. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we regard operating-room environment management as an essential element of surgery.

  • Breast augmentation is not simply about adding size — it begins with an accurate understanding of your current breast condition. Ultrasound can help identify cysts, fibroadenomas, and the state of your breast tissue. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we assess each patient's breast health through a breast-specialist examination before surgery. This is one of the steps we take to build a safer surgical plan.

  • A successful operation does not mean the end of care. Because the condition of the implant and the surrounding tissue can change over time, regular check-ups are important. Ultrasound examinations in particular help monitor the tissue around the implant. At U&U Plastic Surgery, we place great importance on long-term follow-up after surgery.

  • Preservé can be considered for patients who want to ease the burden of recovery or who place a high value on tissue preservation. It also tends to attract patients for whom natural movement and feel are priorities. It is not applied identically to everyone, however; suitability varies with your body type and tissue condition.

  • Not every patient is a good candidate for Preservé. In cases of severe capsular contracture, extensive tissue damage, or complex revision situations, a different surgical strategy may be more appropriate. What matters is not insisting on a particular technique, but choosing the approach best suited to your condition — which is why an accurate diagnosis and consultation are essential.

  • Medicine today emphasizes not just surgical outcomes but the recovery process and the importance of tissue preservation. Minimally invasive surgery is advancing not only in plastic surgery but across orthopedics, general surgery, and other fields. Preservé is a tissue-preserving breast augmentation concept that emerged from this movement. It has drawn wide interest as a surgery that respects the tissue rather than simply enlarging the breast.

  • Once tissue is damaged, it is difficult to restore to its original state. Preserving as much tissue as possible from the very first surgery can therefore carry real significance over the long term. When you consider the possibility of future care or revision surgery, a tissue-friendly approach works in the patient's favor. This is why Preservé is often regarded less as a technique than as a surgical philosophy.

  • Rather than simply confirming the Preservé name, it is important to gauge how deeply the surgeon actually understands the tissue-preservation concept. It is also worth looking into their surgical experience, the operating-room environment, and the aftercare system. U&U Plastic Surgery continues to study these techniques through training at Motiva headquarters in Costa Rica, conference participation in Singapore, and Preservé training programs in Korea and abroad. We also operate the One-Flow system, breast-specialist ultrasound examinations, a positive-pressure operating room, and private recovery rooms, because we believe every stage before and after surgery matters.