Lately, there has been a lot of interest in Motiva breast implants on social media. Part of this is advertising and part is from actual patients. Motiva is a relatively new manufacturer of breast implants. Let’s explore what they have to offer and compare them to other implant manufacturers.
Established Leaders in Breast Implant Manufacturing
For years, the big two manufacturers of breast implants have been Mentor and Allergan. They both produce implants used in elective breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. I have extensive experience with Mentor implants and will compare Motiva to their product.
Overview of Mentor Implants
Mentor began manufacturing implants shortly after its founding in 1969 and has gone through several types of implants as it strove to make an implant that had fewer complications and looked and felt natural. Presently, they manufacture both gel and saline filled implants with varying degrees of firmness. They have a long track record and are manufactured in Irving, Texas.
Introduction to Motiva Implants
Motiva is a newer company that began in 2010 and produces its implants in Costa Rica. They were initially used in Europe and were approved for use in the United States in 2024. They also make a variety of implant widths and projections and have a “micro” textured surface.
Understanding Implant Texturing and Safety
Aggressive texturing of implants, as seen in some Allergan implants, was done to decrease the chance of capsular contracture. This texturing has been associated with a very rare form of lymphoma, BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma), which is treated with removal of the implant and the capsule surrounding it. Motiva’s microtexturing has not been associated with BIA-ALCL. Mentor’s implants are smooth-walled.
Gel Firmness and Feel
Both implant companies offer varying ranges of gel firmness. The softest Motiva implants feel slightly firmer than the softest Mentor implants, according to most people who feel them side by side. Both companies’ implants are aimed at mimicking human breast tissue and feel soft to the touch when implanted.
Implant Placement: Over or Under the Muscle
Motiva has been touted as an implant that can be placed under the gland rather than under the muscle due to its microtexturing. In my experience, putting any implant under the gland is easier than going under the muscle, but results in a sagging breast over time, and is not worth doing. This is because you have to release Cooper’s ligaments, fibrous bands of connective tissue that provide structural support and shape to the breasts by connecting the breast tissue to the chest wall and skin. Also, in thin women, going over the muscle can lead to an implant that is more visible and can show wrinkling in the upper pole. (See my previous post about going over or under the muscle for implants that explores this further.)
Rupture Rates and Longevity
Another thing to consider is rupture rates. Mentor has been available and studied for years. Motiva has less history. Both implants show similar rupture rates at 3 years of 0..5% or one out of 200. A comparable 10-year rupture rate is not available. Mentor has a 24% rupture rate at ten years, which speaks to replacing the implants at 10 years. It should be noted that exposure to the gel has not been associated with any untoward event other than a slightly increased capsular contracture. In my experience, I have not seen this high a natural rupture rate in my patients.
Implant Pricing and Custom Fit
Mentor and Motiva implants are offered at Cosmetic Surgery Associates for the same price. All of our patients are measured for the best implant fit based on their anatomy.
Final Thoughts
I look forward to meeting you and discussing your desires for breast enhancement.
All the Best,
Article by Dr. Arthur Jabs, board-certified plastic surgeon in the Washington, D.C. metro area, specializing in deep plane facelift and natural facial rejuvenation.
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