Breast augmentation, AKA augmentation mammoplasty, is when the size and shape of the breasts are enhanced by placing implants behind breast tissue or under the chest muscle. An implant is filled with either sterile salt water (saline) or silicone. After the implant has been placed, the incision is carefully sutured. Most women receive general anesthesia for this surgery. Breast augmentation is generally performed for cosmetic purposes to add volume to disproportionately small breasts, restore balance to asymmetrical breasts or simply create a more voluptuous figure.