Can my capsular contracture be treated by replacing my Mentor implants with Motiva?

Yes, as one of the lead surgeons in the FDA trial that lead to their approval, I can tell you that Motiva implants have the lowest rate of capsular contracture in the world compared to any other implant. From an aesthetic point of view, they also represent the most modern design in material physical characteristics; I believe they look and feel better than any Mentor device. However, your risk of recurrent capsular contracture is not just dependent on what implant your surgeon uses. What the surgeon does in the operating room is just as important. The surgery should be performed through an inframammary incision, and a total capsulectomy should be performed, preferably as an intact single piece. Antibiotic containing saline solution and full strength Betadine should be used as irrigant prior to the new implant being inserted. An implant delivery funnel should be used to reduce implant contamination. Finally, all these steps should be undertaken, but surgeon skill and experience is still very much important; the most difficult part is the capsulectomy, and meticulous electrocautery dissection is necessary to remove the capsule without unnecessary injury to muscle tissue, which would lead to oozing and bleeding.

Dear Christalent,

capsular contracture happens. In fact, every implant has a capsule form around it, its just a certain percentage develop thick capsules. There is a lot we don't know about it actually. Some think that bacteria that gets on the implant during insertion can increase the risk. Thats why we use a Keller Funnel in our practice to reduce that possibility. Our capsular contracture rate is less than 2% because we use a keller funnel as well as meticulous operating room techniques.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery