FAQ Breast Implants:Here you’ll find answersto the most frequently asked questions
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What are the potential benefits of breast augmentation using the PRESERVÉ™ method and MOTIVA implants?
The combination of the PRESERVÉ™ method and modern MOTIVA Ergonomix® 2 implants allows for breast augmentation that aims to preserve the surrounding tissue as much as possible, with the goal of achieving a natural-looking result.
Potential benefits include:
- Preservation of tissue structures and maintenance of natural breast stability as far as possible
- Preservation of the pectoral muscles
- Small surgical scars due to a limited incision
- Potentially less pain and discomfort following the procedure
- A comparatively short recovery period, depending on the individual healing process
- A greater visual volume effect, even with smaller implants
- A natural-looking breast shape and a soft feel
What makes MOTIVA Ergonomix® 2 implants special for breast augmentation?
MOTIVA Ergonomix® 2 implants are characterised by their soft, biocompatible gel and elastic shell. They can adapt to body movements. When lying down, they appear rounder, while in an upright position, they take on a teardrop-shaped, anatomical form that resembles the natural shape of the breast.
The specially designed SmoothSilk® surface is intended to promote good compatibility with the surrounding tissue and aims to help reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Combined with the tissue-preserving PRESERVÉ™ method, breast augmentation can be performed by our specialists in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Dr med. Andrea Wolff and Dr med. Isabel Edusei, with a high degree of precision and through a small surgical incision.
When will the final results of breast augmentation with MOTIVA implants be visible?
The initial results are usually visible shortly after surgery. The aesthetic outcome continues to develop throughout the healing process as swelling gradually subsides and the tissue adapts to the implants. Depending on individual anatomical factors and the ageing process, MOTIVA Ergonomix® 2 implants may continue to settle into a lower position for up to two years after breast augmentation.
How much does breast augmentation with MOTIVA® implants and the PRESERVÉ™ method cost in Berlin?
The cost of breast augmentation using the PRESERVÉ™ method depends on various factors, including your individual anatomy, the complexity of the procedure, the choice of implants and the extent of the planned treatment. It is therefore not advisable to provide a general price estimate.
During a personal consultation at Wolff & Edusei Clinic in Berlin, you will receive a transparent assessment of the expected costs and a clear overview of the services included.
It is also possible to finance medical treatment through external finance providers by paying in instalments. Dr Andrea Wolff and Dr Isabel Edusei will be happy to discuss the options available to you during your initial consultation.
Are long-term follow-up examinations advisable after breast augmentation with MOTIVA® implants?
Yes, regular follow-up examinations are advisable even after the initial healing phase. Breast implants should be monitored by a medical professional in the long term to identify and assess any changes at an early stage.
These examinations focus not only on the implants themselves but also on the surrounding tissue, breast shape and any individual symptoms that may develop over time. The recommended intervals between follow-up examinations depend on your personal circumstances.
At Wolff & Edusei Clinic, we therefore regard aftercare not merely as short-term wound monitoring, but as responsible, specialist medical care that extends well beyond the surgical procedure.
How long do MOTIVA® breast implants last?
Breast implants are high-quality medical devices, but they are not necessarily expected to remain unchanged for a lifetime. How long implants can remain in the body depends on various factors, including the condition of the implants, individual changes in the surrounding tissue and other factors that may arise over time.
Routine replacement after a fixed number of years is not necessary for every patient. At present, it is not possible to predict how average implant replacement rates will develop in the future. What matters most is regular medical monitoring and each patient’s individual clinical circumstances.
We recommend registering your implants with Establishment Labs (the manufacturer of the well-known Motiva® Implants) after your surgery. Registration confirms the authenticity of your implants and activates the warranty programmes. Registration is completely free of charge but must be completed within 90 days of your surgery for the extended warranty cover to be valid.
You will find all the necessary information on your Motiva ID Card (patient implant card), which you will receive from Wolff & Edusei Clinic after your surgery.
- Serial Number (SN): A unique 10-digit number (format: 00000000-00) for each implant.
- Validation Code (VC): The corresponding code provided on the card.
- Alternatively, for models equipped with a microchip (Qid® technology): The Electronic Serial Number (ESN).
At Wolff & Edusei Clinic, Dr Isabel Edusei and Dr Andrea Wolff will provide you with detailed information about appropriate long-term follow-up care and explain when breast implant replacement may need to be considered for medical reasons.
Can MOTIVA® implants shift after breast augmentation?
As with any breast augmentation procedure, changes in implant position cannot be completely ruled out following surgery with MOTIVA® implants. The risk depends on several factors, including the surgical technique used, tissue quality, the healing process and adherence to aftercare recommendations.
The PRESERVÉ™ method takes a gentle and precise approach to preparing the implant pocket. Nevertheless, long-term implant stability cannot be guaranteed in every case. Careful surgical planning, following aftercare recommendations and attending regular follow-up examinations are therefore particularly important.
Motiva Ergonomix2® implants may continue to settle into a lower position for up to two years after surgery.
Dr Wolff or Dr Edusei will explain which factors may be relevant to your individual circumstances during a personal consultation.
When can I wear an underwired bra again after breast augmentation with MOTIVA® implants?
An underwired bra should initially be avoided after breast augmentation to allow the tissue to heal without disruption or additional pressure. Instead, a special compression bra is worn for approximately six weeks to stabilise the breasts and support the healing process.
During your follow-up appointments at Wolff & Edusei Clinic, you can discuss with Dr Andrea Wolff and Dr Isabel Edusei, both specialists in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, when it is appropriate to switch to an underwired bra.
How long should a compression bra be worn after breast augmentation with MOTIVA® implants and the PRESERVÉ™ method?
After breast augmentation using the PRESERVÉ™ method, a specially fitted compression bra is worn for approximately six weeks. It supports the breasts during the early healing phase, stabilises the position of the implants and helps the tissue gradually adapt to the new breast shape.
During your follow-up appointments, Dr Isabel Edusei and Dr Andrea Wolff will discuss what you should bear in mind during this period and when it may be appropriate to gradually switch to other types of bras.
When can I go back into the sun or use a sunbed after breast augmentation with MOTIVA® implants and the PRESERVÉ™ method?
During the first three months after breast augmentation, intensive UV exposure should be avoided as far as possible. This includes both direct sunlight and the use of sunbeds.
Fresh scar tissue is particularly sensitive to UV radiation. Exposure may cause permanent discolouration that can be difficult to correct later. Heat can also affect the healing process and increase swelling. Even after three months, the scar area should be consistently protected with a high sun protection factor (SPF).
When can I shower, take a bath or use a sauna again after breast augmentation with MOTIVA® implants and the PRESERVÉ™ method?
Whether and when you can shower after surgery depends on your individual healing process and the condition of the wounds. In many cases, gentle showering is possible again after a short period (approximately five days), provided your surgeon has given approval. It is important to protect the fresh wound areas and follow the aftercare instructions.
Baths, saunas, steam rooms and swimming pools should be avoided during the first three months after breast augmentation. Heat and moisture can affect wound healing and contribute to swelling.
Is breastfeeding possible after breast augmentation with MOTIVA® implants and the PRESERVÉ™ method?
In principle, breastfeeding is possible after breast augmentation with MOTIVA® implants using the PRESERVÉ™ method. Whether the ability to breastfeed is preserved after breast augmentation depends on several factors, including the surgical technique, implant placement and individual anatomical characteristics. It is therefore not possible to make a general statement.
The PRESERVÉ™ method takes a tissue-preserving approach. However, even with tissue-sparing surgical techniques, it cannot be guaranteed that the ability to breastfeed will remain unaffected in every case. There are numerous factors unrelated to breast surgery that can impair or prevent breastfeeding, making it difficult to determine the underlying cause in individual cases.
If you are planning to have children in the future, it is important to raise this topic during your consultation. Dr Edusei and Dr Wolff carefully consider such matters when planning your individual treatment.
Which implant sizes are available for breast augmentation using the PRESERVÉ™ method?
Which implant size is suitable cannot be determined in general terms. It depends on several factors, including your body shape, the amount of tissue available to cover the implant, the width of the breast base and your desired outcome. In practice, small to medium-sized implants are primarily used. The maximum implant volume is 350 cc.
The same applies to the PRESERVÉ™ method: not every implant size is suitable for every anatomical situation. The aim is not simply to achieve a particular volume, but to obtain a result that is compatible with your breast shape, tissue characteristics and overall body proportions in the long term.
At Wolff & Edusei Clinic, Dr Isabel Edusei and Dr Andrea Wolff take the time to work with you to select an implant size that is medically appropriate and aesthetically harmonious.
What is the breast implant register and its recording about?
The Breast Implant Register is based on the Implant Register Act (IRegG), which was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Health and came into force on 1 January 2020. The registration of breast implants by healthcare facilities began in July 2024. The Implant Register Germany (IRD) is intended to give patients the opportunity to find out about the safety and quality of breast implants and medical care with implants. The register aims to improve the general provision of information and provide a transparent database.
What is meant by ‘waterfall deformity’?
Waterfall deformity is a potential complication that can occur after breast augmentation with breast implants, even in combination with a breast lift. With this deformity, sagging breast tissue slips over the firmly attached breast implant, causing the nipple to hang downwards. The name is derived from the side view, which resembles a waterfall. The cause is usually sagging connective tissue, and the ‘waterfall deformity’ can occur both immediately after breast augmentation with implants and for years afterwards. Prevention begins with the correct choice of surgical technique, such as the positioning of the implant or the combination of breast augmentation with a breast lift or the use of the ‘inner bra’ technique. Choosing the right implant in terms of shape, volume and material also plays a decisive role.
Our experienced specialists, Dr Andrea Wolff and Dr Isabel Edusei, will provide you with individual and competent advice to minimise the occurrence of this possible aesthetic complication. If you have a waterfall deformity, our plastic and aesthetic surgery specialists will be happy to advise you in detail on the various options for correction.
What is meant by ‘Bottoming Out’?
‘Bottoming out’ is a possible complication after breast augmentation with implants, in which the breast implant slips downwards due to gravity. This problem is characterised by the disappearance of the underbust crease or the downward movement of the implant, which often causes the areola to look upwards. If the scar has been placed in the underbust crease, it visually moves upwards. Bottoming out can be caused by material wear, especially with older saline or silicone implants. The choice of implants that are too large and too heavy or implant pockets that are too deep and large can also contribute to this. The implant then does not heal firmly in its implant site. For this reason, a competent consultation with a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery prior to breast surgery is of great importance in order to minimise the risks of a ‘bottoming out’ and to select the breast implant according to the physical conditions. If a ‘bottoming out’ is detected, correction is usually only possible through a new breast operation with the choice of lighter or smaller implants and/or an enlargement of the implant pocket upwards and fixation downwards to the side.
What is meant by ‘rippling’?
‘Rippling is an aesthetic complication following breast augmentation with implants and occurs when the implant surface appears as a visible, undulating structure under the skin. Rippling is more likely to occur if the implants are placed directly under the mammary gland. Particularly in the cleavage area, the breast implant is then not sufficiently covered by a delicate mantle of soft skin – for example in thin patients or after breast removal (mastectomy) for breast cancer. This visual complication can usually be prevented by positioning the implant under the pectoral muscle. The correction of ‘rippling’ usually requires breast surgery to be performed again. For example, the breast implant can then be moved to a new implant site under the muscle or autologous fat can be transplanted (‘lipofilling’) to improve soft tissue coverage.
Our plastic and aesthetic surgery specialists, Dr Andrea Wolff and Dr Isabel Edusei, will be happy to advise you personally on your options if you are concerned that you may have ‘rippling’.
Which breast implant is best for me?
Deciding on the right breast implant depends on various factors. These include personal wishes and expectations as well as physical requirements, such as the natural cup size, body type and the ‘pre-existing stress’ of the skin due to events such as pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight fluctuations. Our specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery will be happy to take the time to advise you in detail about which breast implant with which shape and volume could be suitable in your individual case. During the second consultation, we will simulate various implant sizes using an implant case in preparation for the operation so that you can get a better idea of how your breasts might look in your bra and under your clothes after breast augmentation. You will also have the opportunity to hold real implants in your hands and get a feel for which implant would be most comfortable for you.
At our practice clinic, we always pursue an aesthetic goal with natural results so that you can feel completely comfortable.
What is the difference between breast implants?
There are different types of breast implants that differ in terms of volume, shape and material. Anatomical implants have a teardrop shape, which is modelled on the natural breast shape and concentrates the main volume in the lower part of the breast. A distinction is made between anatomical implants with a round and oval base. Round implants, on the other hand, have a round base and their highest projection in the centre of the implant. They may be suitable for patients who want a more even fullness and more volume in the upper part of the breast.
The volume of breast implants is measured in cubic centimetres.
The dimensions of the implant, namely height, width and projection, are also decisive for the result of breast surgery. The height defines the vertical distance from the base to the tip, while the width describes the horizontal diameter. The projection indicates the extent to which the implant is orientated forwards, i.e. how far it protrudes from the chest wall.
The selection of the right breast implant always depends on the patient’s aesthetic wishes and physical requirements. For the Wolff&Edusei Practice Clinic, the natural appearance of a breast is the ideal.
Our specialists in plastic and aesthetic surgery, Dr Andrea Wolff and Dr Isabel Edusei, provide individual and detailed advice on this.
Do all breast implants have the same price?
The prices of breast implants may vary due to special shapes and materials, which we will inform you about during your consultation.
Which breast implants do we use?
We, the Praxisklinik Wolff&Edusei, offer a wide range of breast implants from established manufacturers for our plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive breast surgeries. These implants meet recognized quality standards and have been carefully selected by us to meet the individual anatomical requirements and wishes of our patients.
A breast implant should be as safe and durable as possible, and furthermore ensure high wearing comfort as well as an aesthetically harmonious effect.
The use of breast implants is documented in the German Implant Registry (IRG) of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), which records implant-related measures nationwide in order to improve the safety and quality of implants and medical care, thereby increasing patient safety.
It is important to us to preserve the structure of the breast tissue in the long term or to restore it as best as possible after previous breast interventions.
A harmonious and natural-looking appearance through breast implants that respect the anatomical boundaries of the chest is a key treatment goal.
For a good result, it is not so much the absolute volume of the breast implant that matters, but its dimensions such as height, width, base (e.g., round or oval), and projection (e.g., low, medium, or high profile), which must be individually matched.
Breast implants have highly differentiated shapes (e.g., round or teardrop-shaped), surfaces (e.g., textured, smooth, or micro-polyurethane), fillings (e.g., medical-grade silicone approved for long-term implantation), and other material properties.
The choice of implant placement – above the muscle (= subglandular, i.e., under the mammary gland), under the muscle-covering fascia (= subfascial), or under the muscle (= submuscular) – can also vary.
Likewise, the access route, e.g., via the nipple or in the inframammary fold. For various reasons, we do not perform transaxillary access, i.e., with an incision in the armpit.
A special feature in our range of implants is B-Lite® implants (so-called lightweight implants). These contain microspheres embedded in the silicone gel, which reduces the total weight compared to conventional silicone implants. They nevertheless exhibit high durability. Whether this implant shape is suitable in an individual case is checked individually during the consultation.
In addition, we use round breast implants whose structure is designed to integrate as harmoniously as possible into the existing tissue.
Depending on the individual anatomical situation, these implants can also be used in the context of tissue-sparing surgical procedures (see also breast augmentation with MOTIVA® & the PRESERVÉ™ method), as they are dimensionally stable and adaptable at the same time.
However, not every breast implant is equally suitable for every woman. We would be happy to advise you in detail on the various implant models in a personal conversation at our specialist practice for Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery in Berlin. You have the opportunity not only to look at various implants in our clinic but also to hold them in your hand to get a feel for the haptics, and even to place the implants in your bra.
Do breast implants last a lifetime?
Breast implants generally have a limited lifespan, although the newer generation of implants made from high-quality materials are theoretically designed to last forever. We cannot say with certainty how long the implants currently used by individual manufacturers will last.
All relevant data will only be recorded in the federal implant register from mid-2024.
Reasons for replacing breast implants can include wear and tear, ruptures (implants could burst or leak), physical changes due to weight changes, pregnancy or natural signs of ageing, for example, as well as complications such as capsular fibrosis or dissatisfaction with shape and size. In addition, technological advances in implant development could incentivise patients to replace their existing implants with more modern, improved models in a repeat breast operation.
In any case, regular medical examinations are important to monitor the condition of the implants and take action if necessary.