Motiva Breast Implants: FDA Approval and Technological Advancements
Motiva Breast Implants: A New Option in the U.S. for Natural-Looking Results
You may have seen the online chatter about a new implant that was just approved by the FDA for use in the United States. This new breast implant, Motiva by Establishment Labs, has been in use in Europe, South America, and many other countries for several years. The recent FDA approval of Motiva implants has introduced a highly advanced option to the U.S. market, quickly positioning itself as one of the best breast implants available today.
What Makes Motiva Breast Implants Different?
The surface of the implant: Motiva implants have a SmoothSilk® surface, which is designed “for enhanced biocompatibility and scientifically shown to promote low inflammation.”
The gel: This is what is inside the actual implant. Motiva has two types of gel: an Ergonomix® gel that is designed to feel and move like natural breast tissue (they maintain a round shape when lying and a teardrop shape when standing up) and a Round implant that provides increased upper breast fullness and keeps a round form regardless of position. Motiva implants have a 100% gel fill, compared to other implants, which have fill volumes in the mid-90s.
The gel-shell interaction: Motiva has incorporated TrueMonobloc® technology, which allows the gel and the implant shell to bond and exist as one single unit.
Optional Qid® Microchips: You can choose to include a transponder in your implant that contains information about the implant including serial number, manufacturer, and date of manufacture. This can help surgeons identify information about the implant, which is useful if medical records are lost or if the patient does not remember important details about the implant, such as implant size.
Improved immune response: Your body has an immune response to any permanent foreign body, including a knee replacement, pacemaker, or breast implant! The proprietary SmoothSilk® surface helps to optimize the body’s immune response and prevent hard, thick capsules from forming, which is called capsular contracture. Motiva implants have been shown to have low capsular contracture rates.
Lower rupture risk: The 6th generation gel composition, which is both cohesive and viscoelastic, results in fewer folds, or rippling, in the implant and a lower risk of rupture.
Lower overall complication rate: A less than 1% device-related complication rate! This includes rupture and capsular contracture.Shape options: You can choose between a softer, more natural pole with the Motiva Ergonomix® implant OR the Motiva Round implant for a more augmented, fuller-appearing upper pole.
The Motiva SmoothSilk® Round
The Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix®
FAQs About Breast Implants: Common Questions Answered
“Will the breast implants go under the muscle or over? Is there any difference with Motiva breast implants?”
The position of the implant depends on the patient’s anatomy and goals. I have an in-depth discussion with my patients about what is right for them. Motiva implants, because of their lower capsular contracture rate and more natural feel, are a great new option for patients who are good candidates for implant placement above the muscle in what is called the subfascial plane.“Has Motiva hit the market yet and will Dr. Kugar be using Motiva?”
Motiva will hit the US market at the end of October 2024. I am not yet positive when Motiva implants will be available at Meridian Plastic Surgery, but we are working hard to bring this option to our patients.
“What are the benefits of a round vs. anatomical breast implant?”
Anatomic implants are shaped like a tear-drop; I do not use these implants because they normally have a textured shell which has been linked to a type of cancer called BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). All the implants I use are round and have smooth shells. Motiva’s two implants, the Ergonomic and Round, are actually both round in their shape. The difference is in their gels. The Ergonomix gel moves and feels more like a natural breast, while the Round implant keeps its upper pole fullness.
“How do I know what breast implant size is right for me?”
We determine this at your consultation! I use both computer-generated 3D imaging and implant sizers to help determine the size that is right for your goals and your anatomy. Your anatomic measurements, specifically the width of your breast which is called “base diameter,” are very important for choosing the appropriate implant size.
“How often do breast implants have to get replaced to avoid illness or infection?”
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. But, they do not have to be replaced in the absence of any complications such as rupture or capsular contracture. I recommend that you monitor your implants for rupture with ultrasound, which I offer in our office, beginning at 5 years after placement of implants and then every 2 years.
“Which breast implants look the most natural?”
The Motiva Ergonomix implants behave more like natural breast tissue, and this will give you a more natural appearance than the Motiva Round implants which maintain their upper pole fullness. There are other factors that contribute to whether or not an implant looks natural, including how it fits your body and the base diameter of your breast.
“How long does it take for breast implants to heal? Is Motiva any different?”
I utilize a “rapid recovery” plan after breast implant surgery. Patients do stretches to help relax the chest muscle and improve any discomfort after surgery. I encourage patients to return to normal activity as soon as the night after surgery or the next morning. The first several weeks after breast implant surgery are important for healing. For the first two weeks, I do not recommend that you do any exercise that would cause your heart rate or blood pressure to be elevated as this can increase risk of bleeding after surgery. The implants will continue to drop over the several months after surgery, and should be fully settled 9-10 months after surgery.
TL;DR
Many plastic surgeons, myself included, are very excited about the technological advancements present in Motiva implants and excited about how these advancements will benefit patients. That being said, there are still other excellent implants on the market, so don’t feel like you need to wait for Motiva implants to become widely available. Have an in-depth discussion with your surgeon about your goals and what is right for you.
For more information: Motiva Implant Information
To learn more about personalized options for your aesthetic goals, book your consultation with Dr. Meredith Kugar, today.
