Motiva Breast implants: Reducing the Risk of Capsular Contracture

In this video, Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez highlights how Motiva® implants use a unique nano-texture designed to behave like a textured implant, how they may help reduce capsular contractor, and why they’re a promising option for breast augmentation patients seeking long-term safety and natural results.

What Is Capsular Contracture?

After a breast implant is placed, your body naturally forms a thin scar tissue capsule around it. This is normal and expected as part of the healing process. But in some cases, that capsule tightens or contracts more than it should, putting pressure on the implant. That’s what we call capsular contracture.

Imagine holding a water balloon in your hands and slowly tighten your grip. At first, the balloon is soft and flexible. But as you squeeze, it starts to feel firm – even though the contents of the balloon hasn’t changed. That’s what capsular contracture feels like.

Mild cases may simply feel firmer to the touch but still look natural, while more advanced cases can cause discomfort or pain, visible changes to the shape of the breast, and may require revision surgery to correct.

Why implant surface matters

Different implant surfaces (smooth vs. textured) influence the rate of capsular contracture.

Traditional smooth implants have very low surface roughness, around 0.3 microns, which allows them to move freely within the pocket. But that same movement may increase the chance of capsular contracture over time.

To address this, manufacturers developed textured implants with more pronounced surface ripples. These have been found to reduce capsular contracture rates, but came with other issues like seromas and, in rare cases, cancer – leading to recalls and reduced use in the U.S.

How Motiva® is different

Motiva implants have a very small texture (approximately 3.2 microns), much smaller than older textured implants (which can be up to 79 microns). This small texture allows it to behave like a textured implant, helping reduce the risk of capsular contracture, but without the later complications that have affected some textured implants.

Implant Surface Textures Compared

In the video he references this chart, illustrating how different breast implants compare in terms of surface roughness, to show how Motiva compares to smooth and textured implants

The goal of referencing this chart is to show how Motiva provides gentle tissue integration, enough to help reduce capsular contracture, without the aggressive texture that has been associated with rare complications in other implants.

Motiva’s texture measures just 3.2 microns, placing it well within the “smooth” category. This is far lower than traditional textured implants, which range from 14.6 to 79 microns. Note: SmoothSilk®/SilkSurface® is the proprietary nano-textured surface used in Motiva® breast implants.

Average Surface Roughness of Breast Implants (in µm):

Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you’re considering breast augmentation and want to learn more about Motiva® implants, Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez can help you understand the safest, most natural-looking choices for your body.

With decades of experience and a reputation for beautiful, balanced results, Dr. Rodriguez is known for his commitment to surgical precision and patient safety. He’ll guide you through every aspect of the decision-making process — including how implant surface design may affect your long-term outcome.

Patient Tip: No matter who you consult with for breast augmentation, always ask about capsular contracture risks and what they do to reduce them, it’s an important part of making an informed decision.