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Advanced Breast Augmentation at Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery

Drs. Burton and Reps Sundin are committed to offering Richmond patients the most advanced implant options available. Both board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the Sundin brothers continuously integrate cutting-edge technology into their practice. Dr. Reps Sundin trained as an Aesthetic Surgery Fellow at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat/Lenox Hill, working alongside some of the world's foremost breast surgery experts, bringing a depth of knowledge and artistry to every augmentation procedure performed at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery.

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What Are Motiva Breast Implants?

Motiva implants received U.S. FDA Pre-Market Approval (PMA) in September 2024, making them the first new breast implant to earn FDA approval in over a decade.

Before their U.S. approval, they had been used successfully in over 85 countries for more than 14 years, with nearly four million devices placed worldwide.

Several proprietary innovations set them apart, such as:

  • SmoothSilk® surface, a nano-textured shell designed to minimize inflammatory response and reduce the risk of capsular contracture
  • ProgressiveGel®, a viscoelastic silicone gel that adapts to body movement, feeling soft when lying down and maintaining shape when standing
  • TrueMonobloc® construction, a seamless shell design that improves elasticity, reduces rupture risk, and allows insertion through smaller incisions
  • BluSeal® barrier layer, a secondary containment system that minimizes silicone gel diffusion and provides visual confirmation of shell integrity
  • Q Inside Safety Technology™ (optional), an FDA-cleared RFID micro-transponder for non-invasive, external verification of implant data

Motiva Implant Options

Two FDA-approved styles are available for breast augmentation. They are:

  • Motiva Ergonomix®: Filled with ProgressiveGel Ultima® and naturally shifts between a round shape when lying down and a teardrop shape when standing. These implants are ideal for patients seeking the most natural, movement-responsive result.
  • Motiva Round: Provides consistent upper-pole fullness and projection in all positions, using ProgressiveGel PLUS for a slightly firmer feel.

Both are available in a range of sizes and profiles, and both styles have zero recorded cases of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) across millions of devices placed globally.

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Introducing the Preservé Technique

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery is introducing the Preservé technique, a tissue-preserving approach to breast augmentation developed by Establishment Labs and used exclusively with Motiva Ergonomix implants.

Key features of the Preservé approach include:

  • Subglandular placement (above the muscle) with minimal tissue disruption
  • A small incision of approximately 2.5 cm hidden in the breast crease
  • Often performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation rather than general anesthesia
  • A no-touch implant insertion sleeve that reduces contamination risk
  • Implant sizes of 150cc to 315cc, ideal for subtle, natural-looking enhancement of one to two cup sizes

The Preservé technique is an emerging approach developed and refined internationally. While Motiva implants are FDA-approved, the specialized Preservé technique and its proprietary instruments are not yet FDA-cleared as a complete system in the United States. 

Benefits of Motiva Breast Augmentation

  • Natural movement and feel, especially with the Ergonomix option
  • Less than 1% capsular contracture rate in clinical trials
  • No recorded cases of BIA-ALCL across millions of devices globally
  • Smaller incisions possible due to TrueMonobloc® shell flexibility
  • Optional RFID tracking for lifetime implant identification
  • Proven safety record spanning 14+ years internationally
  • 97% patient and physician satisfaction in clinical studies

Are You a Candidate for Motiva Breast Augmentation in Richmond?

You may be a good candidate for Motiva breast augmentation in Richmond if you:

  • Are at least 20 years of age (Motiva's FDA-approved minimum age)
  • Are in good overall health and a non-smoker
  • Have realistic expectations for your outcome
  • Desire a natural-looking, proportional breast enhancement
  • Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Want to minimize the risk of long-term complications like capsular contracture

For the Preservé technique specifically, ideal candidates are typically:

  • First-time augmentation patients
  • Those seeking a subtle, one-to-two cup size increase
  • Patients who do not require a concurrent breast lift
  • Individuals who prefer to avoid general anesthesia
  • Active patients who want a faster return to their routines

Why Choose Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery?

Drs. Burton and Reps Sundin have been recognized among Virginia's top plastic surgeons by Castle Connolly, Modern Luxury DC Top Medical Professionals, and Northern Virginia Magazine Best Doctors. The practice holds a 4.7-star patient rating across more than 540 reviews, reflecting a consistent standard of surgical excellence and personalized care.

What to Expect: Motiva Breast Augmentation

Consultation and Cost

  • We will review your goals, anatomy, and implant options in detail
  • 3D imaging simulation may be used to help visualize potential results
  • Cost varies based on implant type, technique, anesthesia, and any combination procedures
  • Financing options are available through the practice
    Virtual consultations are offered for traveling patients

Procedure Steps

  • Anesthesia is administered (general, or local with sedation for Preservé)
  • A small incision is made, typically in the breast crease
  • For traditional placement, a surgical pocket is created at the chosen plane (subglandular, subfascial, or submuscular)
  • For Preservé: specialized instruments create the pocket without cutting muscle or ligaments
  • The Motiva implant is placed using a no-touch insertion sleeve
  • Incisions are closed; a surgical bra or compression garment is applied

Recovery and Results Timeline

  • Days 1 to 3: Rest recommended; soreness and tightness are normal; compression garment worn
  • Days 4 to 7: Many patients resume light activity, especially with the Preservé technique
  • Weeks 2 to 3: Return to desk work and light daily activities
  • Weeks 4 to 6: Light exercise may resume; strenuous activity and heavy lifting remain restricted
  • 3 Months: Implants settle into final position; swelling fully resolves
  • 6 to 12 Months: Final results are fully visible; scars continue to fade
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Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Richmond

Ready to learn whether Motiva implants or the Preservé technique is right for you? We are ready to guide you through every option with honesty, expertise, and personalized care.

Call (804) 390-5660 or request a consultation online today.

FAQs: Motiva Breast Implants and Preservé Technique

What is the minimum age requirement for Motiva implants?

Do Motiva implants require MRI screening like other silicone implants?

How long is the warranty on Motiva implants?

Can Motiva implants be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy?

What sizes are available with Motiva implants?

Is the Preservé technique appropriate for patients who have already had breast augmentation?

Will Motiva implants interfere with mammograms?

What is the difference between the Motiva Ergonomix and Motiva Round in terms of how they feel?

What is the minimum age requirement for Motiva implants?

Motiva's FDA approval covers patients aged 20 and older for breast augmentation, which is younger than the standard 22-year minimum for most other silicone implants. Your overall health and readiness for surgery will also be assessed during your consultation.

Do Motiva implants require MRI screening like other silicone implants?

The FDA recommends MRI screening for all silicone gel breast implants to monitor for silent rupture, and Motiva implants are no exception to this general guidance. Patients with the optional Q Inside Safety Technology™ RFID transponder can have implant information verified non-invasively from outside the body.

How long is the warranty on Motiva implants?

Establishment Labs offers a warranty program for Motiva implants that covers device-related complications, including rupture, and patients should confirm the specific terms and enrollment process with the practice at the time of surgery. Warranty coverage details can vary, so Drs. Sundin's team will walk you through what is included.

Can Motiva implants be used for breast reconstruction after mastectomy?

Motiva implants have been submitted for FDA approval for reconstruction indications, though as of early 2026, the reconstruction approval is separate from and not yet finalized alongside the augmentation approval. Drs. Sundin will discuss the full range of reconstruction options available for patients who have undergone or are planning a mastectomy.

What sizes are available with Motiva implants?

Motiva implants offer a wide range of volumes, including very small sizes starting around 140cc, which makes them particularly well-suited for patients seeking subtle, natural-looking enhancement. For the Preservé technique specifically, available sizes are currently limited to 150cc through 315cc.

Is the Preservé technique appropriate for patients who have already had breast augmentation?

The Preservé technique is primarily designed for first-time breast augmentation patients, and its suitability for revision cases depends heavily on existing scar tissue and anatomy. Drs. Sundin will assess your individual surgical history during consultation to determine the best approach.

Will Motiva implants interfere with mammograms?

Breast implants of any type can obscure portions of breast tissue on a standard mammogram, which is why additional imaging views are typically taken for patients with implants. Patients should always inform their mammography technician of their implants so the appropriate imaging protocol is used.

What is the difference between the Motiva Ergonomix and Motiva Round in terms of how they feel?

The Ergonomix implant uses a softer, more adaptive gel that shifts subtly with body position, which many patients describe as feeling very close to natural breast tissue. The Round implant uses a slightly firmer gel that maintains a consistent shape in all positions, offering more predictable upper-pole fullness.

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Delivering premier plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures, our services extend to popular cosmetic procedures such as mommy makeover, facelift, and liposuction for clients in Richmond.

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