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What Are Motiva Breast Implants?

Motiva breast implants are silicone gel implants available in two styles: Motiva SmoothSilk® Round and Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix®. Both are indicated for breast augmentation, including primary augmentation and revision-augmentation surgery, in women at least 22 years old (Motiva). Dr. Malphrus selects between the two styles based on each patient's anatomy and desired outcome.

The SmoothSilk® Difference

SmoothSilk® is a proprietary implant surface designed to improve the body's response to the implant. Compared with other implant surfaces studied, SmoothSilk® has been shown to produce less inflammation and lower bacterial attachment, helping the surrounding tissue remain soft over time.

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Benefits of Motiva Breast Implants

  • A soft, natural feel supported by the SmoothSilk® surface
  • Low capsular contracture rates, where the surrounding scar tissue tightens or hardens around the implant
  • No reported primary device-related incidence of BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma associated with breast implants
  • A built-in RFID chip (Qid®) that stores the implant's electronic serial number for device tracking, without a battery
  • Natural movement, since SmoothSilk Ergonomix® implants are designed to hold a round shape while lying down and shift to a sloped, natural silhouette while standing

Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix® vs. SmoothSilk® Round

SmoothSilk® Round implants hold a consistent round shape regardless of body position, which suits patients seeking fuller upper-pole volume. SmoothSilk Ergonomix® implants use a softer gel and fewer shell layers, allowing the implant to shift shape with gravity and body movement for a more natural silhouette in different positions. Dr. Malphrus discusses both styles during consultation to match your goals with the right implant.

Motiva Implants and the Preservé™ Technique

Motiva SmoothSilk Ergonomix® implants can also be placed using the Preservé™ technique, which uses the Motiva® Channel Separator and Inflatable Balloon to create the implant pocket with less tissue disruption. Learn more on our Preservé™ Breast Augmentation page to see if this approach fits your surgical plan.

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Schedule A Consultation

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Are You a Candidate for Motiva Implants?

Motiva SmoothSilk® implants are indicated for women at least 22 years old seeking primary breast augmentation or revision-augmentation surgery. Breast implant surgery is not appropriate for women with an active infection anywhere in the body, untreated breast cancer or pre-cancer, or those who are pregnant or nursing. Dr. Malphrus reviews your health history in full during your consultation to confirm candidacy.

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Why Choose Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery for Motiva Implants in Philadelphia?

Bloom Facial Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery is a state-of-the-art facility in Bryn Mawr, just outside Philadelphia, equipped for both surgical and non-surgical breast procedures under one roof. Patients choosing Motiva implants at Bloom receive a fully coordinated experience, from implant selection through postoperative care, without having to travel between separate facilities for consultation, surgery, and follow-up. Dr. Elizabeth Malphrus is an award-winning, Ivy League-trained plastic surgeon who completed her Integrated Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Her focus on proportion and anatomical alignment guides her in selecting and placing implants, aiming for results that celebrate each patient's natural frame rather than overpowering it. Dr. Malphrus stays closely connected to the latest research in her field. She sits on the Resident Advisory Board for the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and serves on The Aesthetic Society's Marketing Committee, and her work was recognized with the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons' Best Paper award in 2024.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Consultation

Dr. Malphrus reviews your goals, breast anatomy, and health history, then walks you through Motiva implant styles, sizes, and placement options.

Procedure

Motiva implants are placed under general anesthesia at our Bryn Mawr clinic, with incision placement chosen to minimize visible scarring.

Recovery

Most patients experience swelling and soreness that resolves within the first week, with strenuous exercise restricted for up to two months. Dr. Malphrus provides a tailored recovery plan and follow-up schedule to monitor healing.

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Discover Motiva Implants

Dr. Elizabeth Malphrus evaluates implant technology with the same rigor she brought to her earlier career in healthcare policy, including work at the National Academy of Sciences, where she authored a 300-page study on healthcare measurement before ever picking up a scalpel. She earned her medical degree from George Washington University, graduating at the top of her class and being inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. She then completed her plastic surgery training at the University of Pennsylvania.

That combination of policy-level scrutiny and surgical training shapes how she reviews implant safety data with patients rather than simply recommending a brand. Her work has appeared in more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications, including Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Annals of Plastic Surgery, giving her a close, ongoing view of how implant technologies like Motiva's SmoothSilk® surface perform over time. Schedule a consultation to find out whether Motiva breast implants are the right fit for your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions Motiva Breast Implants

Are Motiva implants silicone or saline?

Motiva SmoothSilk® Round and SmoothSilk Ergonomix® implants are silicone gel implants.

How long do Motiva implants last?

Breast implants, including Motiva implants, are not lifetime devices. Patients should follow up with their surgeon as recommended to monitor the condition of the implant over time.

Can Motiva implants be used for revision surgery?

Yes. Motiva SmoothSilk® implants are indicated for both primary breast augmentation and revision-augmentation surgery.

What are the risks of Motiva breast implants?

Key risks historically associated with silicone gel breast implants include capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, and the potential need for reoperation. In a five-year primary augmentation study, Motiva SmoothSilk implants showed a 0.5% capsular contracture rate, a 0.6% rupture rate, and a 0.9% infection rate (Motiva). Dr. Malphrus discusses these risks individually with every patient before surgery.

How much volume increase can I expect with Motiva implants?

As a general guideline, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that choosing a 200 cc implant typically results in approximately a 1-cup-size increase, though this varies depending on your frame and existing breast tissue (ASPS). Since bra sizing isn't standardized, Dr. Malphrus focuses your consultation on implant volume, profile, and your aesthetic goals rather than a promised cup size.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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