Breast implants: brands, shapes, surfaces

Modern silicone implants come in many varieties. Understanding the differences between brands (Motiva, Mentor, Polytech, Allergan), shapes (round vs anatomical), surfaces (smooth, textured, nano-surface, polyurethane), and profiles helps make an informed decision. Final selection happens in consultation based on your anatomy and goals.

Premium brands

Motiva — Innovation Leader

Motiva (Costa Rica, Establishment Labs) is preferred for technical innovation:

• Q-Inside Safety Technology: RFID microchip allows non-invasive checking of implant integrity
• Ergonomix series: Round when standing, drop-shaped when lying — mimics natural breast
• Nano-surface: Smaller than microtexture — smooth feel with anti-rotation benefit
• BluSeal indicator: Blue inner layer warns of rupture
• FDA approved 2018; CE-marked long before
• Lifetime warranty + 10-year free replacement

Mentor — Established American Brand

Mentor (Johnson & Johnson, USA) has the longest clinical track record:

• MemoryGel: Cohesive gel — doesn't leak even if shell ruptures
• FDA approved 2006 — longest data history
• 5 projection options: Low to ultra-high
• Round and CPG anatomical
• 100-800cc range
• Lifetime warranty + 10-year capsular contracture coverage

Polytech — German Engineering

• Microthane (polyurethane-coated): Lowest capsular contracture rate clinically (~1-2%)
• Microtexture surface
• B-Lite lightweight: 30% lighter for ergonomic advantage
• 4 in 2: Two cohesivities for natural anatomical profile
• SilkSurface: Smooth alternative

Allergan Natrelle — Premium American

• INSPIRA series 510 model: Dual-cohesivity gel for natural profile
• Soft Touch: Softer feel
• FDA and CE approved all current models
• Note: Biocell macrotextured series withdrawn 2019 due to BIA-ALCL; current INSPIRA is unaffected

Round vs anatomical

Feature	Round	Anatomical
Upper pole fullness	More fullness	Natural slope
Cleavage emphasis	Pronounced	Subtle
Natural look at rest	Less natural	More natural
Rotation concern	None	Must not rotate
Surface required	Smooth or textured	Textured
Patient preference (Turkey)	~70%	~30%

Surface technologies

Smooth: Softest feel. BIA-ALCL risk virtually zero. Higher capsular contracture in subglandular.

Textured: Tissue adhesion. Required for anatomical. Lower capsular contracture vs smooth.

Microtexture: Between smooth/textured. Polytech specialty. Low BIA-ALCL risk.

Nano-surface (Motiva): Patent technology. Smooth feel + anti-rotation. Lowest BIA-ALCL among textured.

Polyurethane (Polytech Microthane): Foam-coated. Lowest capsular contracture rate (~1-2%).

BIA-ALCL understanding the risk

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a rare T-cell lymphoma:

• Frequency: ~1 in 300,000 across all implants
• Highest historical risk: macrotextured (Allergan Biocell, withdrawn 2019)
• Modern nano-surface, microtexture, polyurethane: very low risk
• Average onset: 6-10 years post-surgery
• Treatment: implant + capsule removal — high success when caught early (>90%)