Your Motiva Breast Implants Questions, Answered

You’ve heard about Motiva breast implants and you’re curious, or maybe your friend got them and won’t stop raving about how natural they feel. Either way, you’ve got questions, and San Diego breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Katerina Gallus is here with the answers.

Dr. Gallus recently covered everything you need to know about Motiva implants on her plastic surgery podcast, All the B’s, where she and her scrub tech Bri break down the real deal on these next-generation breast implants. Let’s get into it.

What makes Motiva implants different from other breast implants?

Motiva implants are the “new kids on the block” in the U.S. (they were FDA-approved in September 2024 for patients 20 and older—younger than the standard 22+ age requirement for most silicone implants), but they’ve been around internationally for about 14 years. Here’s what sets them apart:

The shell and gel are tightly bonded. Unlike traditional implants where the silicone shell and the gel inside can move independently, Motiva’s proprietary technology fuses these together. Think of it like the difference between a water balloon and a stress ball—everything moves as one cohesive unit. This tighter bond means less wear and tear over time, which translates to a lower rupture rate.

They’ve got a nano-textured surface. The surface is so microscopically textured that it feels silky-smooth to the touch (they call it SmoothSilk), but that tiny texture helps reduce bacterial adhesion. The FDA still classifies these as smooth implants because the texturing is only about four nanometers—basically invisible. This design is associated with an incredibly low capsular contracture (hardening) rate of around 1% at three years. For reference, traditional implants typically see rates of 10-15%.

No association with BIA-ALCL. In recent years, certain textured breast implants were pulled from the market due to their association with BIA-ALCL, a rare type of lymphoma. Motiva’s nano-textured surface has shown no cases of BIA-ALCL in clinical data to date.

Round or Ergonomix: Which Motiva implant should I choose?

Motiva offers two main styles, and choosing between them really comes down to the look you’re going for.

Round Implants

Round implants have a firmer gel that maintains that classic, round profile no matter what position you’re in. If you want consistent upper-pole fullness, that “push-up bra” look even when you’re braless, round is your friend. These are perfect if you’re after a bit more oomph up top.

Ergonomix Implants

Ergonomix (Ergo) implants contain a softer, more fluid gel that moves with gravity. When you’re lying down, they round out just like natural breast tissue would. When you stand up, they gently drop into a teardrop shape. Patients with very thin breast tissue often prefer Ergonomix because that softer gel mimics natural breast movement better and you’re less likely to see or feel any edges.

You really can feel the difference when you’re holding them. The Ergonomix is just softer and more wrinkly (in a good way) because it’s designed to move with your body.

Are Motiva implants better for thin women or people with less breast tissue?

Yes! This is actually one of the sweet spots for Motiva. Historically, women with very little natural breast tissue were often told they needed to go under the muscle (submuscular placement) to avoid visible rippling or that “implant look.”

With Motiva’s softer gel and the way the shell and gel work together, you can often place these above the muscle (subfascial) even in thinner patients and still get beautiful, natural results. Going subfascial means less muscle disruption, faster recovery, and no animation deformity (that party trick where you can flex your pecs and make your breasts dance—not everyone’s favorite feature).

Motiva also makes really small implants—we’re talking 140cc, 160cc—so if you’re looking for a subtle, natural enhancement and you don’t have much to work with, these are perfect options.

Read more: Do I need a breast lift with my augmentation? 

How Do Motiva Implants compare to Allergan Natrelle?

Allergan Natrelle (Inspira implants, specifically) have been the gold standard in the U.S. for years, and they’re still excellent implants. Here’s how they stack up:

Allergan Natrelle

• Wide size range (up to 800cc+)
• Multiple options for gel cohesivity
• Classic smooth shell
• Time-tested with decades of data
• Still Dr. Gallus’ go-to implant

Motiva

• Next-gen nano-textured shell
• Lower capsular contracture rates
• Dynamic gel that moves with you (Ergonomix)
• More comprehensive warranty options
• Smaller, more proportional size range (up to 625cc)

If you love the idea of cutting-edge technology, dynamic movement, and a killer warranty, Motiva edges out Natrelle. If you prefer a tried-and-true option with a bigger size range, Natrelle is still fantastic.

Both are great, it just comes down to your priorities.

What profiles do Motiva implants come in?

Motiva offers three profiles: mini (low profile), demi (moderate profile), and full (high profile).

For the same volume—let’s say 265cc—the profile determines how much the implant projects forward versus how wide it sits on your chest:

• Mini: 2.8 centimeters of projection (flatter, wider)
• Demi: 3.8 centimeters of projection (Goldilocks—most popular)
• Full: Maximum projection for that volume (narrower base, more forward projection)

Most patients go with demi because it gives you natural proportions. But if you have a narrow chest or you want that really perky, projected look, full profile might be your answer. The profile matters just as much as the volume when it comes to getting the shape you want.

Related: Dr. Gallus Breaks Down Kylie Jenner’s Implant Type + Profile

Do Motiva implants feel more natural than other implants?

Yes, especially during physical activity. Patients with Ergonomix implants report significantly less “implant awareness”—that sensation of being overly conscious of having implants. The softer gel moves more naturally, so whether you’re running, doing yoga, or being intimate with a partner, the implants move with your body rather than against it.

Does this mean traditional implants feel bad? Not at all! Plenty of women love their Allergan or Mentor implants. But if having something that mimics natural breast dynamics is a priority for you, Motiva Ergonomix delivers.

Can you tell someone has Motiva implants just by looking at them?

Nope! You usually can’t even tell if someone has any implants just by looking if they’re done well. Even during a breast revision surgery, sometimes Dr. Gallus and Bri can’t immediately tell if someone has saline or silicone implants until we actually see them. A well-done breast augmentation looks natural, period.

What people can tell is if you have a skilled plastic surgeon who chose the right size and placement for your body.

What’s the Motiva Preserve procedure?

Motiva has introduced something called Motiva Preservé, a minimally invasive, potentially awake breast augmentation technique. Instead of making a traditional incision and creating a pocket, the surgeon makes a tiny incision, inserts a small tube (trocar), inflates a balloon to create space, and then slides the implant in.

The procedure launched in late 2025 with select trained surgeons and is expected to become more widely available in the U.S. in 2026. It’s really geared toward women getting small implants (think 150-200cc range) who want to go above the muscle with minimal downtime.

Some patients can have this done under local anesthesia with light sedation. The technique involves using a tumescent solution to numb the area between the pec fascia and the breast tissue, then expanding a balloon to create the pocket. 

It’s not going to work for everyone, though. If you’re anxious about being awake during surgery, if you’re getting larger implants, or if you need any kind of breast lift, traditional surgery is still your best option.

Can I get smaller incisions with Motiva Implants?

Motiva markets this heavily, and technically, yes—the Ergonomix implants are designed to compress more easily, which theoretically lets you use a smaller incision.

Incision size is really more about the volume of the implant than the brand. If you’re getting a 160cc implant, sure, you can use a tiny incision. If you’re going for 400cc+, you’re going to need a standard-sized incision no matter what brand you use. Trying to squeeze a large implant through a too-small incision can cause what’s called “gel fracture”—which is when you damage the implant structure during insertion.

While Motiva’s technology is impressive, don’t choose them just because of the promise of a smaller scar. A skilled surgeon will give you the smallest appropriate incision for your implant size regardless of brand.

What are the downsides of Motiva implants?

As great as Motiva implants are, there are, of course, a few downsides—small considerations that might lead someone to choose a different brand of breast implant.

1. They’re more expensive. Motiva implants cost more than traditional brands. Some of that cost likely goes toward premium packaging—the boxes are admittedly gorgeous, but a fancy presentation isn’t necessary for an excellent result.
2. Limited long-term U.S. data. While Motiva has been used internationally for 14 years, they’re brand new to the American market. The three-year data looks incredible, but we don’t have 20-year longitudinal studies yet.
3. Smaller size range. If you want to go really big, you’ll need a different brand. Motiva maxes out at 625cc. (Dr. Gallus rarely places breast implants over 600cc, anyway.)
4. Not available everywhere. Not all surgeons carry Motiva yet. Our La Jolla office has them, but if you’re seeing a surgeon who doesn’t, you’ll need to decide if it’s worth potentially switching practices.

Want more Motiva? Listen to the full episode of All The B’s!

What’s so special about Motiva breast implants? 

Still have questions about Motiva breast implants?

Whether you’re leaning toward Motiva, Allergan, or you’re still figuring it all out, we’re here to walk you through it. No pressure, no judgment, just honest advice about what’s going to work best for your body and goals.

At your consultation, you’ll get to hold both the Round and Ergonomix implants, try on sizers, and use our VECTRA 3D imaging system to see what different sizes and profiles look like on your body.

Give us a call at 858-224-2281 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation at our La Jolla plastic surgery center. We of course welcome patients from both the greater San Diego area as well as those traveling from out of town!