Materials and filling
The shell of every breast implant is made of silicone. The differences lie in the filling:
- Cohesive silicone gel is the standard today. The gel is cohesive and largely keeps its shape even if the shell is damaged. It feels soft and natural.
- Saline implants are filled during the operation. They feel less natural and can lose volume. They are only rarely used.
- Soy and hydrogel implants are no longer used.
Shape, profile and size
Round implants give more fullness in the upper part of the breast. Anatomical implants are teardrop-shaped and follow the natural shape of the breast. They also differ in profile (projection), diameter and volume. With a narrow upper body, higher profiles are often an option; with a broader chest, flatter ones. You make the choice together with your surgeon, usually with trial implants during the consultation.
Surface: smooth or textured
Implants are smooth, microtextured or macrotextured. A rough surface was once thought to protect against capsular contracture. It is now known that macrotextured implants have been linked to a rare lymphoma of the capsule (BIA-ALCL). From 2018/2019, certain products were withdrawn from the market, including Allergan's textured Biocell implants. Many surgeons therefore prefer smooth or finely structured surfaces. Ask about the surface of your implant during the consultation.
Recent developments
A number of innovations have appeared in recent years:
- Smooth and finely structured surfaces have largely replaced macrotextured implants.
- Identification by chip: Some implants (for example from Motiva) carry a small RFID chip from which the model and serial number can be read.
- Small incisions: Techniques such as Mia Femtech and Preservé insert the implant through a very small incision.
- Combination with autologous fat: The hybrid method shapes transitions using the body's own fat.
- Support meshes: With the internal bra a mesh holds tissue or implant in position.
New does not automatically mean better. Ask about approval, the evidence available and the doctor's experience with the product in question.
Placement and incision
Under the chest muscle: The implant is less visible and palpable, and capsular contracture tends to occur less often. Healing is somewhat more painful and takes a little longer.
Over the muscle (under the breast gland): Shorter healing and operating time; with little natural tissue, the implant may be visible.
Subfascial: The implant lies on the muscle beneath the muscle sheath, a compromise depending on the tissue.
Incisions are made in the inframammary fold, around the areola or in the armpit. The inframammary fold offers the best access, and the scar lies in the skin fold. An incision around the areola can have a greater effect on the ability to breastfeed, while access through the armpit is technically more demanding. You will discuss the approach before the operation.
Manufacturers at a glance (as of October 2026)
We use implants from the manufacturers Motiva, Polytech, Nagor, Arion and Mentor. We will tell you which brand is used at your clinic before the appointment confirmation, as the range differs depending on the clinic and doctor.
| Manufacturer | Origin | Well-known lines and features |
|---|---|---|
| Motiva (Establishment Labs) | Costa Rica | SmoothSilk, Ergonomix: smooth surface, RFID chip for identification. "Femtech" is a marketing term used by the manufacturer and not a manufacturer in its own right. Newer techniques: Mia Femtech and Preservé. |
| Polytech | Germany | SublimeLine, B-Lite (lighter implants), various surfaces. In 2026 there was a non-final interim injunction in Germany concerning polyurethane-coated products. |
| Mentor (Johnson & Johnson MedTech) | USA, manufactured in the Netherlands | MemoryGel, MemoryGel Xtra, smooth or microtextured; saline variant Spectrum. |
| Nagor | Scotland (now part of GC Aesthetics) | Silicone implants in round and anatomical shapes, various surfaces and profiles. |
| Arion | France | Silicone implants in various shapes and profiles, CE-certified. We will tell you the exact product line before the appointment confirmation. |
Information based on manufacturer information and market overviews, as of 2026, without guarantee. The market situation and approvals change, so please ask for the brand and product line to be named when you receive your appointment confirmation.
Warranty, implant passport and safety
Manufacturers offer different warranty programmes, some automatic, some after registration. Before the operation, ask which benefits apply to your implant and what they cover. After the operation you will receive an implant passport stating the manufacturer, type, size and serial number. Keep it safe. If you have problems or suspect a defect, contact your doctor. Incidents can also be reported to the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
Frequently asked questions
What size do I need to go up one cup size?
As a rough guide, 270 to 300 ml is often cited. What matters most is your breast width, your tissue and your proportions.
What does "Femtech" mean?
Femtech is short for "female technology" and is used by Motiva as a marketing term. It refers to implants with a smooth surface and an identification chip, not to a manufacturer in its own right.
Are textured implants unsafe?
Macrotextured implants have been linked to the rare lymphoma BIA-ALCL. The risk is low, but it is one reason why many doctors now prefer smooth or finely structured implants.
How long does it take until the result is final?
The implants settle during the first few weeks, and the result can be assessed well after about two months.
Keywords and downloads
Silicone implantsMotivaPolytechNagorArionMentorImplant passportCapsular contracture
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General information. It does not replace medical consultation or a personal advisory conversation. As of: October 2026. The results of an operation are individual and cannot be predicted; success cannot be guaranteed.