Who Are Suitable For The New Trending Breast Augmentation Techniques Similar To Preserve?
Mia Femtech & Preserve Breast Augmentation Methods: Risks, Disadvantages, and What You Need to Know Beforehand
Minimally invasive and tissue-preserving techniques such as Mia Femtech™ and Preserve™, which have recently come to the forefront in aesthetic breast augmentation operations, have started to gain popularity with their advantages such as small incisions, shorter operation time, being able to be performed under local anesthesia or sedation, faster recovery, and less visible scars. However, as with every medical application, these methods also have certain limitations and potential risks. In a few decades, it will be necessary to highlight the advantages and disadvantages by comparing them.
Before diving deep into the subject, it is necessary to know the following:
Contrary to popular belief, breast augmentation surgery does not necessarily have to be performed under general anesthesia. Sedation may be sufficient, especially if the implant is to be placed in the over-muscle plane and under the breast tissue (subglandular plane). In places like the USA, this practice has been performed for many years in "outpatient clinics" (centers where day surgeries are performed).
While the scar length in classical methods is around 4 cm on average, it decreases to 2–2.5 cm in new techniques. When well planned, the scar is placed in the inframammary fold and is almost unnoticeable.
When unwanted but expected problems, namely complications, of every medical procedure develop, it may be necessary to revert to the classical method.
The most important point is that only local anesthesia and short surgical time are brought to the forefront before long-term results are seen.
High costs are involved. This method, which costs surgeons serious fees especially for training, leads to a chain (franchise) logic with the trainees providing training for similar fees later on. The support of this process by the manufacturing company is thought-provoking.
It will be beneficial to consider the following points before making a decision:
Disadvantages & Things to Consider
Patient Selection Limitations
These techniques have limitations depending on factors such as the condition of the breast tissue, skin elasticity, current sagging level, and anatomical structure. They may not give the expected results in very saggy breasts or in people who want a large volume.
In addition, it may not be suitable for patients who have had previous surgery, significant tissue damage, or dense scar tissue.
Prosthesis Size Limits
In methods like Mia Femtech, an enlargement of 1-2 cup sizes is generally targeted. Classical techniques may be required for larger volume implants.
In cases where very large volume is desired, the risk of skin stretching, deterioration of aesthetic harmony, and disproportionate appearance increases.
Variability in Naturalness and Aesthetic Results
In minimally invasive techniques, the scar is less and the wound is smaller; however, variables such as the implant placement angle, subcapsular position, and the structure of the breast tissue directly affect the natural appearance.
The expectation of a "fast recovery" can sometimes conflict with the time required for the result to settle and the shape to take place.
Complication Risk Continues
Classical complications such as capsular contracture (hardening around the prosthesis), implant displacement, rippling, and loss of sensation can also be seen in these techniques. Even if it is said to be "non-existent" so far, this is information obtained with only a limited number of cases and short-term follow-up. Observations of classical breast augmentation surgeries, on the other hand, date back approximately 60 years.
Even if local anesthesia is preferred, there may be postoperative edema, pain, and tenderness.
Long-Term Data is Yet Limited
These methods are relatively new. There are no follow-up studies of 10 years or more; existing ones are also limited in number.
Compared to classical techniques, there is less data on issues such as revision (re-operation) and implant lifespan.
Cost and Accessibility
Due to the special devices, patented implants, and techniques requiring training, costs are higher compared to classical operations.
Managing Expectations
Patients must have realistic expectations before surgery. Expectations such as "perfect", "exaggerated enlargement", "flawless symmetry" cannot always be met with this technique.
Candidates who want a smaller volume can generally be professional athletes or soldiers. However, the creation of the space where the prosthesis will be placed is done with a special tool; if a suitable space is not created, the classical method must be applied. In cases such as unexpected bleeding, this method cannot be used.
Post-Operative Care Period and Restrictions
Even if it is minimally invasive, it is necessary to avoid some physical activities during the recovery process. Although there is no clear information, this period is generally 2–4 weeks. In the classical method, if the submuscular plane is suitable, there is a 4-6 week restriction, and if the subglandular plane is suitable, there is a 2-4 week restriction.
As in every surgery, situations such as drainage, swelling, bruising, bandage/compression garments, and temporary discomfort may be encountered.
Although techniques such as Mia Femtech and Preserve offer important advantages in breast aesthetics such as smaller scars, shorter recovery time, and tissue preservation, they are not suitable for every patient. It is necessary to manage expectations realistically and remember that long-term results are not yet known.
If you think you are suitable for the over-muscle plane with a 1-2 cup enlargement, a lower projection implant, and relatively fewer scars, this can already be done with classical breast augmentation methods. Since long-term safety data are not yet clear, it may not be right to consider these techniques as the first option.