Motiva® vs. Natrelle Implants: Which Are Right for You?

Both Motiva® and Natrelle® are high-quality breast implant options, but they are designed with different priorities in mind.

Motiva® implants are known for advanced biomaterial technology, natural movement, and innovative implant design. Natrelle® implants are known for their long clinical history, broad range of implant styles, and extensive FDA-approved data.

The best implant is not the same for every patient. The right choice depends on your anatomy, goals, lifestyle, and surgical plan.

At CARE Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian S. Coan evaluates every patient individually to determine which implant may best support a beautiful, natural, and long-lasting result.

Breast Implant Comparison at a Glance

Motiva®

• Manufactured by: Establishment Labs
• Implant feel: Designed for natural movement
• Surface technology: SmoothSilk® Surface
• Implant identification: Q Inside® Technology
• FDA status: Discuss current status during consultation
• Best known for: Innovation and natural feel
• Implant options: Silicone
• Available at CARE?: Yes

Natrelle®

• Manufactured by: Allergan / AbbVie
• Implant feel: Multiple firmness options
• Surface technology:  Multiple implant options
• Implant identification: Not available
• FDA status: FDA Approved
• Best known for: Long clinical track record
• Implant options: Silicone and saline
• Available at CARE?: Yes

What Are Motiva® Implants?

Motiva® implants are next-generation silicone breast implants developed by Establishment Labs.

They were designed to improve upon traditional implant technology by focusing on:

• Natural movement
• Advanced shell engineering
• Soft feel
• Tissue compatibility
• Long-term implant performance

Features may include SmoothSilk® surface technology, ProgressiveGel® silicone gel, BluSeal® barrier technology, and Q Inside® Safety Technology for implant identification.

Many patients are drawn to Motiva® because they prioritize a natural appearance and feel.

What Are Natrelle® Implants?

Natrelle® implants are manufactured by Allergan, now part of AbbVie.

They are among the most widely used breast implants in the United States and have decades of clinical experience supporting their use.

Natrelle® implants are available in:

• Round implants
• Anatomically shaped options
• Multiple projection profiles
• Silicone implants
• Saline implants

Because of the extensive range of implant styles, Natrelle® offers significant flexibility when tailoring a breast augmentation plan.

Which Implant Feels More Natural?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask.

Both implants can produce natural-looking results when selected appropriately and placed by an experienced plastic surgeon.

Many patients describe Motiva® implants as exceptionally soft with natural movement characteristics.

Natrelle® implants also offer a natural feel, particularly within their silicone implant collection, although different implant styles may vary slightly in firmness.

The final result depends not only on the implant itself, but also on:

• Implant size
• Implant placement
• Existing breast tissue
• Skin quality
• Surgical technique

Which Implant Looks More Natural?

Both systems can create beautiful outcomes.

Patients seeking subtle enhancement often gravitate toward Motiva® because of its emphasis on natural movement and contour.

Patients seeking greater upper-pole fullness or more implant customization may prefer certain Natrelle® options.

The best implant is the one that complements your anatomy rather than working against it.

This is why implant selection should always be personalized.

What Is the Preservé® Technique?

Preservé® is an advanced breast augmentation technique developed specifically for Motiva® implants.

The procedure focuses on:

• Tissue preservation
• Precise implant positioning
• Reduced disruption of surrounding structures
• Natural-looking outcomes

Dr. Brian S. Coan is among a select group of plastic surgeons in the United States trained to perform the Preservé® technique.

Not every surgeon offering Motiva® implants has completed this specialized training.

Which Implant Has More Clinical Data?

Natrelle® implants have a longer history in the United States and are supported by decades of clinical data.

Many patients find reassurance in that extensive track record.

Motiva® implants represent newer technology and have accumulated growing international clinical experience and research.

Both implant systems are supported by substantial scientific investigation and ongoing evaluation.

During consultation, Dr. Coan reviews the benefits and limitations of each option so patients can make informed decisions.

Which Implant Is Better After Pregnancy?

Many women seek breast augmentation after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss.

The best implant depends on:

• Existing breast tissue
• Degree of volume loss
• Skin elasticity
• Presence of sagging
• Desired outcome

Some patients may benefit from augmentation alone.

Others may benefit from combining breast augmentation with a breast lift.

Both Motiva® and Natrelle® implants may be appropriate depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals.

Which Implant Is Better for Thin Patients?

Patients with thinner tissue often require careful implant selection.

Factors including implant size, projection, gel characteristics, and tissue coverage become especially important.

Both implant systems can work well for thinner patients when selected thoughtfully.

Dr. Coan evaluates each patient’s body frame, tissue characteristics, and aesthetic goals before making recommendations.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Modern breast implants are designed to be long-lasting.

However, breast implants should not be considered lifetime devices.

Many patients enjoy their results for years or even decades without needing replacement.

Factors affecting longevity include:

• Implant type
• Age
• Pregnancy
• Weight changes
• Lifestyle factors
• Implant-related complications

Regular follow-up and monitoring are important regardless of implant choice.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery is generally similar regardless of implant brand.

Most patients experience:

• Mild to moderate soreness
• Swelling
• Temporary activity restrictions
• Gradual improvement over several weeks

Many patients return to desk-based work within one to two weeks.

More strenuous exercise is generally postponed for several weeks.

Dr. Coan provides detailed recovery guidance based on each patient’s procedure.

Why Choose CARE Plastic Surgery for Breast Augmentation?

Choosing your surgeon is often more important than choosing your implant.

Dr. Brian S. Coan is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with extensive experience in breast surgery.

Patients throughout Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill, and the Triangle region choose CARE Plastic Surgery because of:

• Personalized implant recommendations
• Advanced surgical techniques
• Access to both Motiva® and Natrelle®
• Specialized Preservé® training
• Natural-looking results
• Comprehensive patient support

Dr. Coan has been recognized by Cary Magazine as Best Plastic Surgeon for eight consecutive years, recognized by Durham Magazine readers every year since 2010, and received Gold for Best Plastic Surgeon in the 2026 5-West Diamond Awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Motiva® better than Natrelle®?

Neither implant is universally better. The ideal implant depends on your anatomy, goals, and surgeon recommendations.

Which implant feels softer?

Many patients describe Motiva® implants as exceptionally soft. However, implant feel varies depending on implant style, placement, and anatomy.

Can both implants be used with a breast lift?

Yes. Both Motiva® and Natrelle® implants can be combined with breast lift procedures when appropriate.

Which implant is more popular?

Both are highly respected implant systems. Popularity varies by surgeon preference, patient goals, and geographic region.

How do I choose the right implant?

The best way to choose is through a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers multiple implant options and can explain the advantages and limitations of each.

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Cary, NC

If you’re considering breast augmentation and would like expert guidance comparing Motiva® and Natrelle® implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian S. Coan.

CARE Plastic Surgery proudly serves patients from Cary, Raleigh, Durham, Apex, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, Morrisville, and throughout North Carolina.

We look forward to helping you choose the implant that best fits your body, your goals, and your lifestyle.

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