Are Motiva Implants Safe for MRI? 2026 Patient Guide
If you have or are considering Motiva® implants, you might have a very practical question on your mind: are Motiva implants safe for MRI scans? It’s a common and important concern. The short answer is yes, they are considered safe, but under specific guidelines. Because these advanced implants can include a tiny Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) microtransponder, they come with a special safety classification that’s essential to understand.
As a practice that prioritizes patient education and long term wellbeing, we believe in giving you clear, straightforward information—see our patient education videos. Understanding how your implants interact with medical imaging technology like an MRI can provide significant peace of mind for the years to come.
What “MR Conditional” Means for You
Motiva implants that contain an RFID chip are labeled MR Conditional. This is different from “MR Safe” (which applies to devices with no metal at all) or “MR Unsafe”.
MR Conditional simply means the device is safe for MRI scans as long as a specific set of conditions are met. These conditions have been rigorously tested to ensure nothing unexpected happens during the scan. For you as a patient, this means you can confidently undergo an MRI, knowing that the radiologist will use the correct settings for your safety.
The Key Safety Conditions for an MRI with Motiva Implants
The “conditions” for an MRI are technical settings that the imaging center staff will manage. You don’t have to memorize them, but knowing what they are can be reassuring.
Allowed MRI Machine Strength (1.5T and 3T)
The strength of an MRI magnet is measured in Teslas (T). Motiva implants with RFID are approved for scans in machines operating at 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla. These are the most common magnet strengths found in hospitals and imaging centers worldwide, so you will have no trouble finding a compatible scanner.
Maximum Spatial Gradient (40 T/m)
This technical term refers to how quickly the magnetic field changes strength. A high gradient can pull on metallic objects. Motiva implants have been tested and are safe with a maximum spatial gradient of 40 T/m. In simple terms, this ensures that even in the strongest parts of the magnetic field, the tiny RFID chip will not be pulled or twisted.
Energy Absorption Limit (SAR of 2 W/kg)
An MRI uses radiofrequency energy, which can be absorbed by the body and cause slight heating. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measures this. For your safety, the whole body SAR must be kept at or below 2 watts per kilogram (W/kg). This is a standard limit for most routine MRI scans and prevents any meaningful heating of the implant or your tissue.
Expected Temperature Rise (Around 1.5°C)
So, will the implant heat up? Testing showed that under the approved MRI conditions, the temperature of the implant may rise by about 1.5 degrees Celsius at most. This minimal increase is generally not noticeable and is well within safe limits. The silicone gel and implant shell are designed to dissipate heat effectively.
Understanding the RFID Artifact on Your MRI Images
Because the RFID chip contains a tiny ferrite component, it will show up on an MRI scan. This is normal and expected.
What is a Susceptibility Artifact?
The RFID chip creates a small distortion in the MRI image right around its location. This is called a susceptibility artifact. It typically looks like a small shadow or signal void, often described as butterfly shaped. The area of distortion is quite small, extending about 15 millimeters around the chip. This artifact is not a sign of a problem with your implant; it’s just a predictable imaging side effect.
How it Might Affect Breast Screening
The RFID chip is usually placed in the back of the implant, near your chest wall. This means the small artifact will also be located there. In some cases, this shadow could potentially obscure a very small portion of breast tissue right behind the implant, which could make it harder to detect an issue in that specific spot. However, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of your breast tissue remains perfectly clear and visible on the MRI.
How Your Medical Team Ensures a Complete Diagnosis
Radiologists are well aware of imaging artifacts and have proven strategies to ensure they get a complete and accurate picture of your health.
Using Ultrasound as a “Second Look”
If a radiologist needs to get a clearer view of the small area obscured by the RFID artifact, they can use another imaging tool. Most commonly, a targeted ultrasound is used to get a detailed look at that specific zone. Combining imaging methods like this is a standard and effective practice in medicine to ensure nothing is missed.
Smart MRI Techniques (Artifact Reduction)
Radiology teams can also adjust the MRI scan itself to minimize the artifact. This can involve:
Choosing a 1.5T Scanner: Scans performed on a 1.5T machine often produce a smaller artifact than those on a stronger 3T machine.
Optimizing Scan Sequences: Radiologists can select specific imaging protocols that are less sensitive to metal, which helps to reduce the size of the shadow.
With these strategies, radiologists can achieve excellent visualization of the breast and implant despite the presence of the RFID chip.
At our practice, we believe in a collaborative approach to your care. Dr. Leela Mundra works closely with imaging specialists to ensure they are aware of your implant details, so you always receive the most thorough screening possible. If you have questions, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leela Mundra, or review what to expect at a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, are Motiva implants safe for MRI scans?
Yes. Based on extensive testing, Motiva implants with RFID technology are considered MR Conditional. This means they are safe for MRI procedures when specific, standard conditions are met regarding the MRI scanner’s magnetic field strength, spatial gradient, and energy absorption rate.
Do I need to tell the MRI technician I have Motiva implants?
Absolutely. Always inform the radiologist and the MRI technologist that you have breast implants, specifically Motiva implants with an RFID chip if you have them. They will use this information to select the correct, safe settings for your scan.
Will the MRI damage my Motiva implant?
No. The safety testing for Motiva implants confirmed that the forces and energy inside a standard 1.5T or 3T MRI scanner will not cause harmful movement, twisting, or heating that could damage the implant. If you’re considering a size change or addressing issues with previous implants, explore revision breast augmentation.
Can the RFID chip be seen on the MRI?
Yes, the chip will create a small, predictable artifact, or shadow, on the MRI image. This is a known effect, and radiologists are trained to recognize it so it is not mistaken for a medical issue.
What happens if the MRI artifact hides something important?
If your radiologist has any concerns that the small artifact is obscuring an area they need to see, they will recommend follow up imaging. This typically involves a targeted ultrasound on the specific area to get a clear view, ensuring a complete and accurate diagnosis.
Your long term health and safety are the top priority. If you are exploring your options for breast augmentation or an augmentation with lift and want to understand every detail, please contact our office to learn more.