Young Israeli Women Opt for Breast Reduction Before IDF Service

An increasing number of young Israeli women are undergoing breast reduction surgery before enlisting in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with some even delaying their service to allow for recovery. The Israeli Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeons estimates that the number of young women seeking this procedure has risen by approximately 47% over the past five years. The peak period for these surgeries is between July and October, coinciding with IDF enlistment dates.

Doctors explain that the trend is driven by both physical and social factors. Dr. Meir Cohen, chairman of the association, notes that large, heavy breasts can be a significant physical impediment during military service, hindering activities like running, affecting posture, and making it difficult to carry heavy equipment. He also points out that large breasts can cause skin irritation and infections, exacerbated by field conditions and heat.

Beyond the physical challenges, the perceived ideal of an athletic body, often promoted on social media, may also influence young women's decisions. Dr. Eran Milt reports that some patients request the surgery specifically to be ready for military service, and a few opt to postpone their enlistment for this purpose.

However, the association recommends that breast reduction surgery be performed after the age of 18, and ideally closer to 21, as breast development may still be ongoing. While acknowledging that performing the surgery before enlistment can be logical in some cases, even at 17 and a half, they emphasize that it is a major surgical procedure. The decision should be made after thorough medical consultation and assessment of the individual patient's condition. The association advises that the surgery be performed in Israel within a regulated medical framework that allows for post-operative monitoring, and notes that it may be covered by public healthcare in certain circumstances.