Do we need a new option for breast augmentations? According to The Aesthetic Society’s recent report, breast augmentations are down by 2.2% since the previous year. While this is a small dip, it reflects a decline in the desire to enhance breasts using traditional implants. As more patients seek alternatives, options like fat transfer, breast lift, and reduction are gaining popularity. Additionally, the Motiva brand, known for its innovative breast implant technology, is introducing a new contender: the Mia Femtech procedure. Unlike traditional breast implants, this procedure aims to “harmonize” the breasts and offers a modest boost in volume without leaving a scar.
Featured Experts
- Dr. M. Bradley Calobrace is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Louisville, KY
- Dr. Raman Mahabir is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Tucson, AZ
What Is an “Injectable” Breast Implant?
The term “injectable” can be a bit misleading. The Mia Femtech implants are not liquid fillers but are silicone implants with a flexible gel inside. Louisville, KY plastic surgeon M. Bradley Calobrace, MD explains, “Mia Femtech injectable breast implants use a new nanosurface on the shell, which allows for insertion through a small incision. An insertion device is used to keep the incision small, making it easier and less invasive.” Unlike traditional implants that often require larger incisions and more extensive surgery, Mia Femtech implants are designed to offer a faster recovery with minimal scarring.
How Does it Differ from Traditional Implants?
“The primary benefits include smaller incisions, low complication rates, faster recovery and more natural results,” says Dr. Calobrace. “Also, the implant is diamond-shaped, so it looks the same on both sides, even if it flips upside down.”
If you’re looking for a one to two cup-size boost without cutting breast tissue, then the Mia Femtech may be a good option. The procedure is said to yield faster recovery times, no visible incisions. “The implants are placed above the muscle,” he says.
Clinical Trials and Safety
Dr. Calobrace notes, “The potential risks or side effects are similar to any breast augmentation, but the rupture rates and capsular contracture rates are extremely low compared to other implants.” According to a two-year study conducted by the company with 100 subjects between December 2020 and April 2021, there were no reports of capsular contracture or ruptures. A sub-study of 33 subjects who underwent an MRI at 18 months also reported no ruptures, bleeding, hematoma, or seroma requiring intervention.
Not FDA Approved Yet
Despite its promising features, the Mia Femtech procedure is not yet FDA approved. It is approved and being launched in other countries, including Japan and parts of Europe. Tucson, AZ plastic surgeon Raman Mahabir, MD cautions, “It is a textured silicone gel breast implant with silicone gel fill. There are concerns about textured implants with risks of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, similar to issues seen with the Allergan recalls. While Mia Femtech has a slightly different texture, it may still pose risks, and I don’t see these being approved for some time.”
In light of Dr. Mahabir’s concerns, a spokesperson from the company reached out to clarify that the implant’s surface is not textured. “Mia FemTech features a SmoothSilk 4-micron surface, which is designed for enhanced biocompatibility,” said the spokesperson. “This advanced surface technology promotes low inflammation, reduces bacterial attachment and results in low capsular contracture rates. Additionally, there have been no reported cases of primary device-related proliferative diseases such as BIA-ALCL, BIA-SCC and B-cell lymphomas associated with SmoothSilk.”
Expectations and Cost
While Mia is still in the pipeline for the Motiva breast implant portfolio in the US, we are told it is likely not coming to the US for several years. While it’s still so new, the Mia Femtech offers a glimpse into the future of breast augmentation, promising less-invasive procedures, quicker recovery times and natural-looking results. However, patients should be aware of the current FDA status and consult with qualified, board-certified plastic surgeons to fully understand the risks and benefits.
