That was the condensed version of an email I received today. The rest of the email focused on specific questions related to augmentation surgery, such as:

1. How large an implant can a surgeon insert?
2. Is it true that the bigger the implant, the more pain you will experience after surgery?
3. How long will implants last?
4. If an implant leaks, will it do me harm?
5. Can I stay overnight in the hospital after the surgery?
6. Can the doctor give me pain pills to take at home?
7. Does getting implants increase my risk of breast cancer?

Well, as you can imagine, my response was brief. I answered with one statement: Your husband may want them, but it's not his body. Only consider getting breast implants if that is what you want. Period.

I may never understand the rationale behind someone going through such a painful body change - one that may require further surgery for replacements in the future - on the off chance that someone else might be happier with the way she looks. Good grief!

But I do want to answer the questions contained in that misguided email. Here they are:

1. Your surgeon will evaluate your body type and shape and then will determine what a realistic size is for you. In any case, you want an implant that looks proportional to the rest of your body, not something so outrageously big that it transforms you into a public spectacle.
   
2. Yes, the bigger the implant, the more pain you can expect because of the increased stretching of skin and muscle.
   
3. On average, implants last 7 to 10 years. Then you must repeat the procedure.
   
4. No, studies have shown that a leaking implant, even the silicone type, will not do harm. These days, however, only breast-cancer survivors are eligible to get the silicone models.
   
5. Maybe. Remember, however, that this procedure isn't covered by insurance, so the more time you spend in the hospital, the bigger your bill will be.
   
6. Yes, your doctor will give you a prescription for pain medication.
   
7. No, having implants doesn't increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, you want to be sure that the mammography technicians doing your future mammograms use a special positioning of your breast called a "push back," which prevents the implant from blocking the view of any potential abnormalities in the breast.