Motiva and Mentor are both well-established silicone gel breast implant brands used in the UK. The main differences lie in the shell surface, the gel and how it behaves, the range of shapes and profiles, and additional features such as Motiva’s optional implant identification technology. Neither is right for everyone: the best implant for you depends on your measurements, tissue thickness, goals and the surgical technique planned.
About the two manufacturers
Mentor is one of the longest-established implant manufacturers and is part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech. Its MemoryGel range has been used worldwide for many years, alongside shaped MemoryShape implants. Motiva is made by Establishment Labs, a newer company that has developed implants with a distinctive smooth, finely textured surface and a range designed to move more naturally with the body. Both brands are available in the UK and are recorded on the national Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry when used in surgery.
Side-by-side comparison
- Shell surface: Motiva uses a smooth, nano-scale surface (SmoothSilk); Mentor offers smooth implants and, in some ranges, a textured surface (Siltex).
- Gel: Motiva’s ProgressiveGel is designed to be soft yet shape-retaining; Mentor’s MemoryGel is a cohesive gel that aims to keep its shape if the shell is damaged.
- Shapes: both offer round implants in several profiles; Mentor also has anatomical (teardrop) options, while Motiva’s Ergonomix round implants are designed to take on a more teardrop shape when upright.
- Identification: some Motiva implants can include a small microtransponder that allows the implant details to be read with an external scanner; Mentor implants are traced through their documentation and the registry.
- Warranty: both manufacturers offer product warranties, but the terms change over time, so ask for the current details at consultation.
- Minimally invasive use: Motiva implants are used in the Motiva Preserve technique, which uses a small incision and minimal tissue disruption.
Why surface texture matters
The implant surface influences how the body’s tissues respond and how the implant sits. Textured surfaces were originally designed to grip the tissues and reduce rotation, particularly for anatomical implants. However, the rare lymphoma BIA-ALCL has mainly been associated with textured implants, which has led many surgeons to favour smooth or finely textured surfaces. Smooth implants can move more freely within the pocket, which is why accurate pocket creation is important. Mr Nassab will explain how surface choice relates to your anatomy.
Feel and appearance
How an implant looks and feels depends as much on your own tissues as on the brand. Patients with generous breast tissue may notice little difference between implant types, whereas slim patients with thin coverage may be more aware of implant edges and firmness. Softer gels can feel more natural but may show rippling in thin tissues; firmer gels hold their shape but may feel more defined. Handling sample implants at consultation can help, but the feel once in place is always softened by the tissue covering it.
Other factors that matter more than brand
- Measurements: breast width, skin stretch and nipple-to-fold distance guide implant width, projection and volume.
- Placement: over, under or partly under the muscle changes how any implant looks.
- Technique: incision site, pocket precision and handling of the implant affect outcome and complication risk.
- Surgeon familiarity: a surgeon who uses a system regularly understands its sizing and behaviour.
Comparing brands is useful, but it should not distract from choosing a suitably qualified surgeon. Our guide to choosing a breast augmentation surgeon covers the checks to make.
Which implant is right for you?
If you are seeking a subtle, natural change with a quick recovery and are suitable for a minimally invasive approach, a Motiva implant placed with the Preserve technique may be discussed. If you need a shaped implant for a particular chest wall or breast form, or a specific profile, a Mentor implant may be more appropriate. Many patients do well with either. Mr Nassab will recommend an implant based on your examination and goals, and explain the reasons clearly so you can make an informed choice.
Safety and follow-up
Whatever the brand, implants are not lifetime devices and may need replacing or removing in future. You should receive your implant card with brand, model, size and batch details, which is useful for future surgery or scans. Any new swelling, lump or change in shape should be assessed. Breast augmentation costs from £8,500 and the £150 consultation is separate. Cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over. Read more about breast augmentation risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Motiva implants better than Mentor?
Neither is universally better. Each has features that may suit particular patients, and the right choice depends on your anatomy and the technique planned.
Do both brands use silicone gel?
Yes. Both use cohesive silicone gel inside a silicone shell, although the gel formulation and surface differ.
Does brand affect the risk of capsular contracture?
Many factors influence capsular contracture, including surgical technique, placement and healing. Your surgeon can explain current evidence for your chosen implant.
Is it possible to choose the brand?
Your preferences are always discussed, but the recommendation should be based on what is most suitable for your body and goals.
What is a microtransponder?
It is a tiny device inside some Motiva implants that stores identification details and can be read by an external scanner.
Related Guides
- Breast Asymmetry Correction Recovery
- Breast Asymmetry Correction: Risks and Safety
- Breast Asymmetry Correction: Questions to Ask
- Is Breast Augmentation Painful?
- The Inframammary Fold Explained
- Breast Augmentation Risks and Safety
- Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
- Breast Augmentation: Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
