According to the **American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2023 Statistics Report**, breast augmentation has been the most performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States for over a decade, with approximately 300,000 procedures performed annually. Las Vegas is home to numerous board-certified plastic surgeons who perform breast augmentation, and the city is increasingly a destination for medical tourists considering the procedure. This guide provides an educational overview of what the research, the FDA, and professional medical organizations say about breast augmentation — to help prospective patients ask better questions during consultations.
Implant Types: Saline vs. Silicone vs. Structured
According to the FDA's guidance on breast implants, three types of breast implants are currently FDA-approved for augmentation:
Saline Implants: Filled with sterile saltwater. If they rupture, the saline is safely absorbed by the body and the deflation is immediately visible. FDA-approved for augmentation in patients 18 and older.
Silicone Gel Implants: Filled with cohesive silicone gel. According to the FDA, silicone implants feel more like natural breast tissue than saline. If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel may remain within the implant shell or leak into surrounding tissue — a "silent rupture" that may not be immediately detectable. The FDA recommends MRI screening every 2–3 years to detect silent ruptures. FDA-approved for augmentation in patients 22 and older.
Structured Saline Implants (IDEAL IMPLANT): A newer design with internal structure that provides a more natural feel than traditional saline while maintaining the safety advantage of a saline fill. FDA-approved for augmentation in patients 18 and older.
According to a large-scale outcomes study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2022), patient satisfaction rates are high for both saline and silicone implants, with silicone implants generally receiving higher satisfaction scores related to feel and natural appearance.
FDA Safety Communications and BIA-ALCL
The FDA has issued several important safety communications regarding breast implants that all prospective patients should be aware of:
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): According to the FDA's 2019 safety communication, BIA-ALCL is a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (a cancer of the immune system, not breast cancer) that has been associated primarily with textured breast implants. The FDA has recalled certain textured implants (Allergan BIOCELL) from the market. According to the FDA, BIA-ALCL is most commonly found in the fluid or scar tissue surrounding the implant and is usually treatable when caught early. Patients with textured implants should discuss monitoring with their surgeon.
Breast Implant Illness (BII): According to the FDA, some patients with breast implants report a variety of systemic symptoms — including fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and joint pain — that they attribute to their implants, a condition sometimes called Breast Implant Illness. The FDA acknowledges these reports and notes that research is ongoing. The FDA updated implant labeling in 2021 to include a boxed warning and a patient decision checklist.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that all patients considering breast augmentation review the FDA's patient decision checklist and discuss these risks explicitly with their surgeon before consenting to the procedure.
Implant Placement: Subglandular vs. Submuscular
According to the American Board of Plastic Surgery, breast implants can be placed either above the pectoral muscle (subglandular) or below it (submuscular/dual-plane). Each approach has advantages and disadvantages:
Subglandular (above the muscle): Generally associated with less post-operative pain and faster recovery. However, it may be associated with higher rates of capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant) and may make mammography screening more difficult.
Submuscular/Dual-Plane (below the muscle): Generally associated with a more natural appearance in patients with less natural breast tissue, lower rates of capsular contracture, and less interference with mammography. However, recovery is typically more painful and longer.
The appropriate placement is determined by the surgeon based on the patient's anatomy, existing breast tissue, and aesthetic goals — not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Recovery Planning for Medical Tourists
For medical tourists considering breast augmentation in Las Vegas, recovery planning is critical. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:
- Patients should plan to stay in Las Vegas for a minimum of 1–2 weeks before flying home - Drains (if used) are typically removed within the first week - Patients should avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 pounds for 4–6 weeks - Sleeping on your back (not your side or stomach) is required for several weeks - Strenuous upper body exercise should be avoided for 4–6 weeks - Flying may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — consult your surgeon about compression garments and mobility during travel
Arrange follow-up care with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your home city before your procedure. Ensure your Las Vegas surgeon provides a complete post-operative care plan and emergency contact information.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends consulting with at least two to three board-certified plastic surgeons before making a decision about breast augmentation. During each consultation, consider asking:
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? - How many breast augmentations do you perform per year? - What implant type, size, profile, and placement approach do you recommend for my anatomy, and why? - What is your capsular contracture rate, and how do you manage it? - Do you use textured or smooth implants? (Given BIA-ALCL concerns, many surgeons now use only smooth implants) - What is your policy on implant replacement if I experience a complication? - How will you coordinate my post-operative care after I return home?
Verify board certification at certificationmatters.org and Nevada medical license at medboard.nv.gov.
Research Sources & Citations
The following peer-reviewed studies and professional organization guidelines were referenced in this article. Links open external sources in a new tab.
- 1.2023 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report
American Society of Plastic Surgeons · 2023
- 2.Breast Implants — Patient Information
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) · 2024
- 3.BIA-ALCL Safety Communication
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) · 2019
- 4.Long-Term Patient Satisfaction with Breast Augmentation
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery · 2022
- 5.Verify a Physician's Board Certification
American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) · 2024
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Important Disclaimer
This article is published by VegasMedicalTourism.com for educational and informational purposes only. Surgical procedures carry inherent risks including anesthesia complications, infection, scarring, and unsatisfactory results. The information in this article is drawn from peer-reviewed research and professional medical organizations and is not a substitute for a formal consultation with a board-certified surgeon. VegasMedicalTourism.com strongly encourages you to consult with at least two to three board-certified surgeons before making any decision. Verify credentials through the Nevada State Medical Board (medboard.nv.gov) and the American Board of Medical Specialties (certificationmatters.org). We are a business directory only — provider listings do not constitute endorsements.