Preservation Breast Augmentation in Irvine, California
The revolutionary breast augmentation technique in Orange County that preserves your natural anatomy while delivering beautiful enhancement.
Preservation Breast Augmentation is a modern approach to breast augmentation that focuses on protecting your natural breast anatomy during surgery. Rather than disrupting breast tissue, nerves, and blood supply, this technique is designed to work with your body. The goal is a softer feel, natural movement, and a smoother recovery experience.
Procedure Quick Facts:
Preservation Breast Augmentation represents more than an advancement: it's a fundamental reimagining of breast surgery. By maintaining Cooper's ligaments—the breast's natural support system—this advanced breast enhancement technique gently elongates your natural tissues to create the perfect pocket, preserving the breast's natural architecture. During surgery, special techniques are used to avoid unnecessary trauma to breast tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
This approach differs from traditional breast augmentation by focusing on anatomical respect. By preserving existing structures whenever possible, many patients experience maintained sensation, natural movement, and a recovery that feels more manageable.
Our plastic surgeons at South Coast Plastic Surgery have mastered this revolutionary approach. Experience breasts that look, feel, and move naturally, with faster recovery, preserved sensation, and minimal scarring.
Preservation Breast Augmentation may be considered by patients who want breast enhancement while minimizing disruption to their natural breast anatomy. This approach is often discussed with patients whose goals extend beyond size alone and include how the breasts feel, move, and function after surgery.
You may consider Preservation Breast Augmentation if one or more of the following applies to you:
- You Want Natural Feel and Movement
This technique is often chosen by patients who prioritize how their breasts move and settle with the body. By limiting unnecessary tissue disruption, implants may integrate more smoothly with existing breast structures.
- You Are Concerned About Sensation Changes
Some patients are particularly mindful of nipple or breast sensitivity. Preservation-focused techniques aim to reduce interference with nerves when anatomy and surgical planning allow.
- You Prefer a Tissue-Conscious Surgical Approach
Patients who value protecting their existing breast tissue and blood supply may be drawn to this method, especially when long-term breast health is a priority.
- You Have Minimal Breast Sagging
Preservation Breast Augmentation is typically best suited for patients with good skin quality and minimal drooping. When significant sagging is present, a breast lift may be more appropriate.
- You Are Seeking Subtle, Proportionate Enhancement
This approach is often discussed with patients looking for balanced, natural-looking results rather than dramatic size changes.
- Thoughtful, Individualized Surgery
Preservation Breast Augmentation is not appropriate for everyone. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, skin elasticity, and goals to determine whether this technique is a safe and suitable option for you.
Watch our videos to see real patients results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.
See real results from our patients
At South Coast Plastic Surgery, our acclaimed plastic surgeons, Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein, will perform your breast procedure. Their artistry and skill in this delicate procedure have led to a reputation for outstanding outcomes. You can expect your procedure to be 100% customized, with a focus on achieving a beautifully balanced figure and natural-looking results.
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Beauty Inside-Out
We treat beyond the visible, caring for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every aesthetic treatment is provided with warm and exceptional care to elevate your well-being and confidence.
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Unmatched Predictability
Visualize your potential results with cutting-edge Crisalix 3D imaging, ensuring clarity and confidence from the start of your cosmetic journey. Our transparent planning process covers every detail, from realistic expectations to comprehensive pricing.
Expert Healing
Your personalized care plan doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Adoreal's automated recovery prompts guide you through a personalized healing journey, including 24/7 access to your surgical team to address questions or concerns. Track your aesthetic recovery progress in real-time, receive important reminders, and experience peace of mind knowing that expert support is always available.
Protected Investment
We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage that protects your aesthetic outcomes long after your final follow-up. Your care includes up to 5 years of medical complication protection, a 2-year satisfaction guarantee for minor adjustments, and lifetime implant monitoring for eligible cases. Combined with ongoing access to your complete medical records and continued support from our team, you can trust that your journey to confidence is backed by expertise, technology, and a genuine commitment to your long-term well-being.
A Customized Approach to Breast Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch
Preservation Breast Augmentation requires thoughtful planning. Not every patient is a candidate, and not every anatomy benefits from this approach. That’s why individualized evaluation is essential.
Before your consultation, you can complete a brief personalized assessment from home, helping us understand your specific goals, concerns, and timeline. During your visit, we'll use advanced 3D imaging to show you a realistic preview of your potential results, giving you confidence and clarity in your decision.
What to Expect During Your Preservation Breast Augmentation Consultation
Your consultation is a collaborative discussion focused on clarity and safety. Topics may include:
Your surgeon will also evaluate your tissue quality, chest anatomy, and skin elasticity to guide the safest and most natural plan.
See Your Future Self
With Crisalix 3D visualization, preview your potential aesthetic outcomes from home. This advanced technology shows personalized results, helping you feel confident and informed about your path forward.
Preservation Breast Augmentation is best suited for select patients. Ideal candidates are generally healthy, at a stable weight, and have adequate tissue characteristics for this approach.
You may be a good candidate if you:
This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.
Comprehensive Consultation & Evaluation
Your journey begins with an in-depth consultation where we:
- Assess your anatomy through precise measurements and imaging
- Discuss your aesthetic goals to understand your ideal outcome
- Explore implant options including size, profile, and material
- Create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your body and lifestyle
- Review incision techniques that minimize scarring while preserving tissue
During this consultation, we'll determine the optimal approach for your preservation augmentation.
The Preservation Procedure
On surgery day, you'll experience our meticulous preservation approach:
Pre-Surgery Preparation
- Administration of anesthesia for your complete comfort
- Final review of your surgical plan and implant selection
Advanced Surgical Techniques
- Hydrodissection - Specialized solutions gently separate tissue planes instead of cutting
- Blunt dissection - Instruments push tissues aside rather than cutting through them
- Balloon-assisted expansion - Controlled creation of the implant pocket
- Cooper's ligament preservation - Your natural support system remains completely intact
Recovery Timeline
Although each person's experience varies, preservation breast augmentation recovery generally progresses along the following timeline:
First 48-72 hours:
- Mild to moderate discomfort, often managed with over-the-counter pain relief
- Minimal swelling and bruising compared to traditional methods
Days 3-5:
- Most patients return to desk work and light daily activities
- Significantly reduced discomfort
- Ability to perform basic daily activities
1-2 weeks:
- Return to most normal activities
- Resume full work schedules
You’ll receive personalized recovery guidance and ongoing check-ins through your patient platform.
Your Results
What to Expect:
- Immediate - Enhanced curves visible right after surgery
- 2-4 weeks - Swelling begins to subside, revealing your new silhouette
- 3-6 months - Final results settle as tissues adapt to your enhanced contours
- Long-term - Preserved sensation and natural movement you can enjoy for years
Why Choose Preservation Breast Augmentation?
Based on extensive clinical experience, preservation techniques offer distinct advantages:
- Faster recovery - Return to work in 3-5 days vs 1-2 weeks with traditional methods
- Less pain - Minimal tissue trauma means less discomfort
- Natural movement - No muscle detachment means no animation deformity
- Preserved function - Maintains sensation and natural breast characteristics
- Superior longevity - Natural support system continues working over time
Our preservation technique ensures your results look and feel natural, maintaining the characteristics that make your body uniquely yours while achieving the enhancement you desire.
Month 2 - 3
Month 3 - 6:
Long Term
What kind of implants do we offer?
Plastic surgeons in the U.S. now have four main choices of manufacturers of silicone and saline breast implants with FDA approval. At South Coast Plastic Surgery we offer: Motiva, Sientra, Allergan, and Mentor, providing you with the broadest range of high-quality options to achieve your ideal outcome.
Achieving Natural-Looking Results
Natural-Looking Results Through Tissue Preservation
Preservation Breast Augmentation is designed around respecting your existing anatomy. By limiting disruption to breast tissue, nerves, and blood supply, implants may settle more smoothly and move more naturally with the body. For appropriately selected patients, this can support results that feel integrated rather than artificial, with a softer drape and balanced appearance over time.
Minimal Scarring
A key principle of Preservation Breast Augmentation is controlled, tissue-sparing pocket creation, which can play an important role in scar quality.
Instead of wide dissection, the implant pocket is formed using gradual tissue separation and precise surgical access. This controlled approach allows for smaller, more strategically placed incisions and reduced trauma to surrounding tissues, both important factors in how scars heal.
Scar Healing Timeline
Scar healing is gradual and varies by individual, but commonly follows this pattern:
- Weeks 1–2: Mild redness and firmness are normal
- Months 1–3: Scars typically soften and flatten
- 6 months and beyond: Continued fading and blending with surrounding skin
Careful adherence to post-operative instructions and scar care recommendations supports optimal healing.
Understanding Risks and Safety
All surgical procedures carry risk, including breast augmentation. Potential risks may include infection, bleeding, capsular contracture, implant rupture, and changes in breast or nipple sensation.
Preservation Breast Augmentation is designed to reduce unnecessary tissue trauma, which is an important factor in lowering complication risk when compared with more disruptive surgical techniques. Gentle tissue handling, controlled pocket formation, and no-touch implant placement are widely recognized strategies for supporting surgical safety.
That said, no technique eliminates risk entirely. Safety depends on proper patient selection, careful planning, and surgical expertise.
Having surgery performed by expert plastic surgeons in a fully accredited surgical facility, combined with appropriate implant selection and comprehensive aftercare, plays a central role in reducing risk and supporting healthy healing. All potential risks and benefits are reviewed in detail during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Starting from
Pricing for Preservation Breast Augmentation is customized to your unique needs and goals. Your final investment may vary based on your anatomy, the complexity of your procedure, implant type and size selection, and any additional techniques required to achieve your aesthetic goals.
During your consultation, we'll perform a thorough examination and create a personalized surgical plan with exact pricing tailored to deliver your desired results.
Financing options available through:
Trusted by Our Community
4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County
Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.
Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !
About the procedure
Preservation maintains your natural breast architecture instead of cutting through it. This means Cooper's ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves remain intact, delivering immediate natural feel, faster recovery, and long-term stability.
There isn’t one “best” implant for every patient. The right choice depends on:
- Your chest width and frame
- How much natural breast tissue you have
- Your desired size and shape
- Your lifestyle (including workouts, sports, and daily activity)
- Your comfort level with different implant materials
During your consultation, your surgeon will walk you through options (including saline and silicone) and recommend what fits your anatomy and goals—especially important when planning a preservation-focused approach.
Most patients think in cup sizes, but surgeons plan using measurements. Implant size selection usually considers:
- Your natural breast base width (the “footprint” of your breast)
- Your skin elasticity and how much stretch your tissue can safely support
- Your current breast volume and cleavage goals
- Your preferred profile (how much projection you want)
Many patients find it helpful to use in-office sizing and 3D visualization, because it turns “I think I want bigger” into a clearer, more realistic plan.
Preservation techniques work with all modern implant types, including Motiva breast implants, traditional silicone gel, and saline options. During consultation, we'll help you choose the best implant for your goals.
Recovery & Results
Most patients describe pressure, tightness, or soreness rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is typically most noticeable in the first few days and improves steadily. Pain medication, a supportive bra, and rest help you stay comfortable while your body heals.
If you feel sudden worsening pain, one-sided swelling, fever, or anything that doesn’t feel “normal,” you should contact your care team right away.
Preservation patients typically return to work in 3-5 days versus 1-2 weeks with traditional methods. Full exercise clearance often comes at 2-4 weeks instead of 6-8 weeks.
Preservation technique specifically protects nerve pathways, maintaining natural sensation in the vast majority of cases—a significant advantage over traditional methods.
That’s one of the most common goals with Preservation Breast Augmentation. Natural-looking results come from choosing:
- The right implant size for your frame
- The right implant shape/profile for your tissue
- A surgical plan that respects your anatomy and avoids over-stretching your skin
“Natural” can mean different things to different people. During your consult, you’ll talk through what natural looks like to you—subtle fullness, gentle cleavage, or a more defined silhouette—so your plan matches your vision.
Safety & Risks
Breast augmentation is widely performed, and safety is highest when it’s done by an expert plastic surgeon in an accredited facility, with appropriate screening and a clear surgical plan.
Risks vary by patient and procedure details. Commonly discussed risks include:
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Infection
- Capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant)
- Implant rupture or leakage
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Visible scarring or delayed scar maturation
- Asymmetry or implant position concerns
Your consultation should include a personalized risk discussion based on your health history and anatomy, plus a clear plan for how risks are reduced before, during, and after surgery.
In many cases, yes. Breastfeeding after implants is possible for many patients, but it depends on your anatomy, surgical plan, and individual physiology.
If future breastfeeding is important to you, bring it up early. Your surgeon can discuss incision location, implant placement, and what may help preserve breast tissue and ducts when appropriate.
Extensive research has shown that modern breast implants do not cause cancer or systemic illness. FDA-approved implants are rigorously tested for safety. There is a rare condition called BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) associated with certain textured implants, which we do not routinely use.
Cost & Insurance
If the procedure is cosmetic, insurance typically does not cover it. If implants are part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy or certain medically necessary situations, coverage may be possible.
Your team can help you understand what applies to your situation during your consultation.
Yes, we offer flexible financing options through Cherry, CareCredit and other providers to make your procedure more accessible.
Lifestyle & Long-Term Care
Implants are not lifetime devices, but many last 10-15 years or longer. Replacement is advised if:
- You have a complication (like rupture or capsular contracture)
- Your preferences change (size, shape, position)
- Your body changes over time (pregnancy, weight shifts, aging)
Your surgeon will explain how to monitor implants and what follow-up may look like long-term.
You’ll usually start with light walking early to support circulation. More strenuous activity—especially chest and upper-body workouts—needs a gradual return.
Many patients resume:
- Light activity within days
- Gentle exercise within a few weeks
- Full workouts around 4–6 weeks, once cleared
Your surgeon will give you a timeline based on your procedure details and how you’re healing.
Regular self-exams, annual clinical checkups, and MRI or ultrasound imaging as recommended ensure continued implant integrity.
Many patients can fly after they’re past the earliest recovery phase and feel comfortable doing so—often around 1–2 weeks—but only after clearance from their surgeon. If you’re traveling soon after surgery, planning matters (compression garments, hydration, movement during the flight, and access to care if needed).
Still have questions?
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Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein to discuss your goals and create a personalized surgical plan. At South Coast Plastic Surgery, you’re seen, valued, and celebrated.
