Dr Alex Turner specialises in breast augmentation. She has extensive experience helping women choose the best breast implants to achieve their goals.

You probably have an idea of how you want your breasts to look and feel. However, there are many things to consider when choosing breast implants, and Dr Alex Turner is here to guide you through the process.

Breast implant consultation

Successful breast implant surgery begins with meticulous planning. The first step in your breast implant journey will be a consultation with Dr Turner to discuss your goals and reasons for seeking breast implants. She will take you through the most suitable options, including the type, shape, and size of your breast implants. Dr Turner will also talk to you about the risks of the procedure and what life might be like after surgery while you are recovering.

Dr Turner will assess your chest frame and breast tissue characteristics during your consultation to determine your most suitable options. Together, you will decide which breast implant and placement will yield the best results for you.

Round vs anatomical breast implants

Breast implants come in two different shapes - round and anatomical (teardrop). As the name implies, round breast implants are round in shape. Teardrop shape implants are similar to the anatomy of a normal breast, with most of the volume in the lower part of the implant.

Which shape is right for you will largely be determined by your current breast shape, implant placement method and the outcome you are seeking from the breast augmentation. Both shapes can produce natural-looking results when selected correctly.

Both round and anatomical implants come in different profiles, which will also impact the final look.

Choosing the right breast implant

Implant selection is a critical part of breast implant surgery. Choosing the right breast implant is not just about size. There are three important characteristics to consider when choosing your breast implants.

Profile

The breast implant profile refers to how much an implant projects forward from the chest. Breast implants come in several different profiles, the most common being moderate, moderate plus, high and ultra-high. Implants with the same filler volume can look very different in various profiles. Implants with a lower profile have a broader base width; as the profile height increases, the base width narrows.

Fullness

Fullness refers to the shape of the upper breast above the nipple. Round implants are designed to show more fullness above the nipple. In contrast, teardrop implants display a gradual increase in fullness from top to bottom.

Firmness

Firmness determines how your breasts feel to the touch. Generally, saline implants result in a firmer feel, while silicone gel implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue.

Implant Placement

The placement of your breast implant influences the results and length of recovery from your surgery. Dr Turner will discuss your options in depth with you at your consultation appointment. There are three common placement options for breast implants.

Subglandular placement

The implant is placed behind the breast tissue and above the pectoral muscle. This approach works best for women with a higher amount of existing breast tissue. It is usually associated with quicker, less painful recovery, and it is easier to access if reoperation is required.

Women with a small amount or lesser quality natural breast tissue may find this approach results in a more artificial look. Where there is insufficient breast tissue, the implant can also appear to ripple.

Submuscular placement

The implant is partially placed below the pectoral muscle for a submuscular placement. This is a good option for women with less natural breast tissue as the muscle provides greater implant coverage for a more natural look.

The submuscular placement technique is generally associated with more discomfort, longer recovery, and temporary loss of strength in the chest muscles due to the incisions in the muscles. In addition, swelling typically lasts longer following this type of breast implant placement, so it can take longer for the breasts to settle into their natural form and shape.

Dual plane implant placement

A dual plane implant placement involves placing the upper portion of the implant under the pectoral muscle while allowing the lower half of the implant to sit directly under the breast tissue. It is widely considered the best placement technique for teardrop implants.

Dual plane placement is a popular technique, as it gives a natural look for patients with a small to moderate breast tissue volume. Women with a reasonable amount of breast tissue though often need subglandular placement in order to prevent the ‘waterfall effect’

Every patient has a unique anatomy. Dr Turner will tailor every aspect of your breast implant procedure, including the recommended placement technique and implant positioning.

Silicone vs saline breast implants

All breast implants have a silicone outer shell; where they differ is what they are filled with. You can choose between silicone gel-filled implants or saline-filled implants. In Australia, almost 99% of breast augmentations use silicone gel implants.

Silicone breast implants are filled with a silicone gel chosen for its durability and slightly viscous characteristics. In addition, silicone implants are considered to provide a more natural look and feel because they are designed to mimic the fat in your body.

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, that can be absorbed into the body if the implant ruptures or leaks. However, they are firmer to the touch, there is a far greater incidence of rippling and rupture, and they have a tendency to deflate with time. For these reasons, saline implants are rarely, if at all, used in Australia.

Breast implants by Dr Turner

Dr Alexandra Turner is a renowned reconstructive and plastic surgeon, having trained in both Australia and the United Kingdom. Alex has worked in some of the most prestigious plastic surgery units, including Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, Canniesburn Hospital in Glasgow, and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

At her private practice in Adelaide, Dr Alex Turner specialises in breast augmentation and breast implant surgery. She has an exceptional reputation for achieving natural-looking results for all her breast implant patients.

Dr Alex Turner is a member of FRACS, the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, and ASAPS, Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.