What I Learned About Motiva Implants in Costa Rica
Earlier this month, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with a group of fellow female plastic surgeons to visit Motiva's headquarters. As the only female surgeon in the Indianapolis area currently using Motiva implants, I was honored to be invited on this educational trip. What I experienced there completely reinforced why I'm so passionate about staying current with the latest innovations in our field, and why the science behind these implants is truly impressive.
An Unforgettable Learning Experience
Motiva invited a select group of female surgeons (and a few very brave male surgeons) from across the US who have been using their implants to see firsthand how their products are made and to learn about their latest innovations. What made this experience so special wasn't just the incredible science and intention behind Motiva's implant design, but getting to learn alongside such an amazing group of plastic surgeons. We were all united by the common thread of wanting to do the absolute best for our patients.
The group included plastic surgeons from around the country, both in private practice and academia. The vibe was fantastic: friendly, fun, collegial, and curious. It was really special spending time with this group of surgeons and with the wonderful Motiva representatives, including the company's founders, engineers, and team members who are just as passionate about advancing women's health as we are.
Moments That Stood Out
What surprised me most about the weekend was how we were welcomed by the Motiva team and just how committed to innovation their entire team is.
Early on in the trip, I had a conversation with founder Juan José Chacón that really stuck with me. He shared his guiding philosophy: "If everyone else is going north, we will go south." This idea has shaped his entire company's approach and allowed them to take an incredibly innovative path in designing implants.
I also loved spending time with Dr. Manuel Chacón (Juan José's brother) and one of my mentors, Dr. Jeyhan Wood. We totally geeked out over some plastic surgery legends that Dr. Chacón had trained with, including Dr. Françoise Firmin, a renowned French plastic surgeon. Learning about the Chacón family story was fascinating too: their dad was a plastic surgeon in Costa Rica, and both brothers grew up working at his practice. You could really feel how their family's legacy in plastic surgery has shaped Motiva's mission.
“If everyone else is going north, we will go south.”
The warmth of the Motiva team culminated on our last night there, when Juan José and his wife, Jennifer, welcomed us into their home for dinner and cooked traditional Costa Rican food for us.
The thoughtful details in every aspect of their approach, starting from Motiva’s foundation of wanting to make devices that better serve women, showed me this is a company with a truly fresh perspective and genuine goals.
The Manufacturing Process
Did you know implants don't just come out of a machine? Admittedly, that’s what I had pictured! The manufacturing process is actually done by hand across all implant manufacturers. The Motiva "clean room" where this happens was quite intense. Think heavy-duty sterility protocols and serious protective gear that all employees wear every single day. The attention to cleanliness and sterility in the manufacturing process is taken incredibly seriously.
It’s amazing to see how many steps there are and the many hands that touch implants throughout the process, with quality inspections happening at multiple points. Seeing this process firsthand really drove home how much care and precision goes into every single implant. Here’s what I got to witness in the manufacturing process:
A person "dips" the implant molds to create the shell (requiring multiple dips and including a barrier layer).
Hand inspection for quality and integrity.
A patch is applied by hand to the small open area in the shell.
Implant shell is then filled with gel, and the small fill hole is closed.
Gel is cured.
Implant is packaged and sterilized.
Implant Science That Caught My Attention
Incisions are hidden just behind the hairline in an endoscopic brow lift, one of which is pictured below. You have two incisions on each side of your head, and then an additional 1-2 vertical incisions in the midline. I work around your part to hide the incisions so they are as invisible as possible.
What really impressed me was all the work Motiva has done on optimizing the surface of their implants to work better with the body's immune response. They've even published research in Nature (one of the highest impact science journals out there) about their innovations. That's the kind of serious scientific backing I love to see.
Some of the coolest innovations include:
A barrier layer that actually tells the surgeon if an implant is ruptured
Advanced gel technology with 100% fill volume
The gel, shell, and patch working as a single unit, which reduces rupture risk
I also learned about a new technique called Preservé™ that will be available in the US in the next year or so. It involves placing the implant above the muscle using specialized techniques. While it's not right for every patient, it could be a great option for some.
What Makes Motiva Different
Motiva has a focus on what they call "femtech”: developing technology specifically to benefit women today. Women today live completely different lives than we used to. The first woman to run a marathon was in 1967, and now women are crushing it at the Olympics! We need implants designed for how women actually live their lives in today’s society—an ethos Motiva is strongly guided by.
Additionally, their work on surface technology and immune system compatibility is shaping how we think about foreign bodies and devices in plastic surgery. Having a more biocompatible, immune-system-friendly implant surface has huge implications for patients, especially those with a history of capsular contracture or breast implant illness and for patients with implants above the muscle.
My Main Takeaways
One of the many reasons I love learning opportunities like this is that it keeps me current on the latest science and treatment options available. Getting a firsthand look at how implants are made and having conversations with plastic surgeons from around the country helps elevate my own practice and the depth of care I can provide.
Motiva worked for years with renowned scientists (including Robert Langer) to study surface technology and optimize immune system response to implants. They are true innovators in this space, and I'm genuinely impressed with the science behind their work and their dedication to being a women's health company.
Finding the Right Option for You
While I'm impressed with many of Motiva's innovations, it’s worth noting that I also offer Allergan implants and truly love them as an option as well. I've been using Allergan for years and am very happy with how they perform for my patients and the results I’m able to achieve with them.
Every patient is different, and the best implant choice depends on your unique anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. I'd love to have you come in so we can chat about what's right for you. You can actually feel both implant options during your consultation, and together we'll determine the best approach for achieving your goals.
If you're considering breast augmentation and want to learn more about all your options, including the latest innovations in implant technology, let's set up a consultation. I'm here to help you make the most informed decision possible.
