Motiva implants: complications and risks

Possible complications after surgery

To set realistic expectations and make a well-informed decision, you need to understand which complications can arise. After a breast augmentation with Motiva implants, complications such as capsular contracture and rupture can occur, or folds can form that make the implants visible from the outside.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around the implant contracts, which can make the breast hard or give it a changed shape. This can be caused by infection, bleeding or an excessive immune reaction. Treatment may involve medication or surgery to remove or release the scar tissue. Studies show that the risk of capsular contracture with Motiva implants is less than 1%.

Rupture / tear

In a rupture, a crack or hole forms in the implant’s outer shell, which leads to the contents leaking out. A tear can occur as a result of, for example, external trauma, the implant ageing, or a manufacturing fault. Some ruptures are symptom-free (so-called silent ruptures), while others can cause changes in the shape of the breast or discomfort. Surgery is usually required to remove or replace the implant. The risk of rupture in Motiva implants is less than 1%.

Visible implants

In people with a thin layer of breast tissue, or when the implant is placed in front of the chest muscle, the implant can form folds that can be felt or seen through the skin. By choosing the right size and placement of the implant, and ensuring there is enough of your own breast tissue to cover the implant, the risk is reduced considerably.

“Uniboob” and lateral displacement

Symmastia (or “uniboob”) occurs when the implants move towards the middle of the chest and create a continuous breast contour with no natural gap. In lateral displacement, the implant instead slides out towards the armpit. Both conditions can occur if the pocket created for the implant during surgery becomes too large, or if the size of the implants is too big for the chest. Corrective surgery is often required to adjust the position of the implants and the size of the pocket.

Asymmetry and changes in shape

If the implant is placed incorrectly, or if the natural tissues stretch, the implant can be affected in shape and appearance. The implant may sink too far down the chest, or a visible line may appear across the breast. To correct this, the implant pocket may need to be adjusted or the implant swapped for a different model. Asymmetry in shape or size affects fewer than 4% of patients with implants from Motiva.

Early haematoma and seroma

A haematoma is a collection of blood, while a seroma is a collection of clear fluid that can form around the implant after surgery. Both conditions can cause swelling, pain and an increased risk of infection. How great the risk is depends mainly on the surgical technique used, as well as the patient’s activity level and individual ability to heal. Treatment of haematoma and seroma can involve drainage and, in some cases, further surgery.

How complications can be prevented

Preventive measures can reduce the risk of complications after a breast augmentation with Motiva implants.

• Choose an experienced surgeon
  Make sure your plastic surgeon is certified and has long experience of breast augmentation.
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery
  Following your surgeon’s recommendations before and after the procedure contributes to a better healing process.
• Choose the right implant size and type
  The size and model of the implant should be adapted to your body and lifestyle.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
  A good diet and stopping smoking can improve healing and reduce the risks.
• Attend regular follow-ups
  Check-ups after surgery help to detect and manage any problems at an early stage.

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Book a consultation

With Adoreal you get access to experienced specialists who can give personalised advice about Motiva’s implants and potential complications, and draw up a treatment plan that suits you. Through Adoreal we put you in touch with a premium clinic and make sure you feel secure, with transparency and clarity throughout the process.