Breast augmentation, augmentation mammoplasty or breast enlargement, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. A breast implant is a silastic plastic shell filled with a salt water (IV) solution, also known as saline, or a gelatinous form of silicone gel, known as memory gel. Breast Augmentations are done on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes approximately one and one half hours. You will usually feel tired and sore for a few days following the surgery. The swelling in the breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear. You will likely be able to return to work one week after surgery.