When patients visit me to talk about Motiva breast implants, the conversation almost always includes Mentor, Natrelle, and Sientra as well. These are all modern, next-generation silicone implants with excellent safety records and long-term outcomes. I use each of them in my practice because different implants are better suited to different bodies, goals, and surgical plans.
As a consultant and investigator for all four manufacturers, I’ve had a front-row seat to how breast implant technology has evolved. In many ways, Motiva builds on what Mentor, Natrelle, and Sientra already do well and pushes that technology a step further, particularly in how the implants feel, how they interact with your tissue, and how they can be placed.
In this post, I’ll walk through how Motiva compares with Mentor, Natrelle, and Sientra in the real-world setting of our Denver and Golden practices so you can start to see which option may best align with your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
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What Are Motiva Breast Implants?
Motiva implants are the newest generation of silicone gel breast implants approved by the FDA. They’re filled with a soft, form-stable gel and wrapped in a SmoothSilk® surface designed to promote a healthy tissue response. Key features include:
- Natural look and feel: The Ergonomix® line, in particular, is engineered to move more like natural breast tissue.
- Advanced shell design: The monobloc structure and BluSeal® indicator support low rupture rates and easier quality control.
- Versatile placement: In many patients, Motiva can safely be placed above the muscle, which can reduce animation deformity and preserve pectoral strength.
In that sense, Motiva reflects where breast implant technology is heading: more natural movement, more intelligent surfaces, and more ways to tailor the device to the patient.
Motiva vs. Mentor, Natrelle & Sientra: Key Differences
Here’s a simplified overview of how these implants tend to compare in my practice:
| Feature | Motiva | Mentor / Natrelle (Allergan) | Sientra |
| Overall category | Next-gen cohesive silicone | Next-gen cohesive silicone | Next-gen cohesive silicone |
| Feel | Very soft, adaptive (Ergonomix) | Range from soft to moderately firm | Typically on the “gummier” side |
| Incision size | Often allows smaller incisions | Standard silicone incision lengths | Standard silicone incision lengths |
| Common placement | Frequently above the muscle | Often below or dual-plane | Often below or dual-plane |
| Surface | SmoothSilk micro-engineered | Smooth; textured options largely retired | Smooth; limited textured offerings |
When we talk about your breast implant options, we’re really comparing design philosophies, not “good vs bad.” All of these are excellent implants and may suit certain patients more than others.
Motiva vs. Other Implants: What Really Changes
Once you understand what makes Motiva different on paper, the next step is seeing how it compares with Mentor, Natrelle, and Sientra in real-world results: how it feels, how it heals, and how long it lasts.
Feel & Movement
If your priority is the most natural, “living tissue” feel, Motiva Ergonomix is often very compelling. Some Natrelle and Mentor gels feel softer, others firmer; Sientra’s cohesive gels tend to hold shape a bit more and have more of a firm, “gummy bear” consistency. The right choice depends on how much support your tissue needs and how much upper-pole fullness you want.
Incision Size & Scars
Because of the way Motiva implants are engineered, I can often place them through smaller incisions, which may translate into shorter, more discreet scars. Traditional silicone implants from Mentor, Natrelle, and Sientra generally require a more standard incision length, but breast augmentation scars tend to be well-concealed and inconspicuous.
Longevity
How long do Motiva implants last, and how do they compare to other brands? All modern silicone implants, including Motiva, are designed for long-term use, but none are truly “lifetime devices.” With appropriate monitoring (ultrasound or MRI), many patients can expect to enjoy their results for 15 to 20+ years before considering elective replacement, regardless of manufacturer.
Note: Motiva’s TrueMonobloc shell and BluSeal barrier are engineered to support low rupture rates and precise quality control, as early clinical data reflect. TrueMonobloc improves the shell’s durability and flexibility, and BluSeal gives us a visual quality check on the barrier layer before the implant ever goes into the body. Even with these advantages, I still recommend the same regular screening I advise for other modern silicone implants.
How Implant Choice Shows Up in Your Results
On our website, you’ll find before-and-after photos from patients who chose Motiva as well as those who chose Mentor, Natrelle, or Sientra. Most people can’t tell which brand was used just by looking—and that’s a good thing! Your result should look like you, not like a particular manufacturer.
In the operating room, your outcome is shaped far more by your treatment plan than by the logo on the box. Factors that matter most include:
- Your starting anatomy and skin quality
- Whether we combine implants with a lift
- The implant’s size, profile, and placement
- The surgical technique used
- How your body heals over time
Motiva gives us additional flexibility with feel, incision size, and placement options, but the real value comes from matching the right implant to the right patient. That’s the focus of every consultation and every surgery we perform at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.
Featured Before-and-After Photos
Motiva Implants
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Mentor Implants
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Natrelle Implants
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Sientra Implants
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How We Help You Decide What’s “Better” for You
When someone asks me, “Why are Motiva implants better than other brands?”, my honest answer is that they are better for some patients, not all. The same is true for Mentor, Natrelle, and Sientra. To help you determine the right implant for you, my colleagues and I use:
- Detailed measurements and exam
- Vectra® 3D imaging to simulate different implant options
- In-bra sizers so you can feel the difference
- A discussion of long-term implications, warranties, and monitoring
From there, you and your surgeon will decide together whether Motiva or another high-quality implant is the best match for your goals and lifestyle.
One Patient’s Story
To give you a patient perspective, here’s how one of our patients explained her decision to move forward with Motiva over other options:
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Explore Your Breast Implant Options
Request a consultation using the online form or call The Center for Cosmetic Surgery at (303) 278-2600 to get started today.