The surgery Israeli women choose to undergo - just before enlisting in the army

A wave of young Israeli women are turning to breast reduction surgery before enlisting in the IDF, with some delaying their service to recover. The Israeli Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeons reports an annual increase of about 8% in the number of surgeries, with a cumulative rise of about 47% over five years. Doctors cite physical considerations alongside the influence of body image, but recommend waiting until age 21.

In the months before the summer and holiday enlistments, girls aged 17–19 undergo breast reduction surgery to recover before military service. According to the Israeli Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeons, the number of young women undergoing the surgery rises by about 8% annually, with a cumulative increase of about 47% over five years. The peak of surgeries occurs between July and October, aligning with enlistment dates. Dr. Meir Cohen, chairman of the association, explains that large, heavy breasts pose a real physical obstacle to running, posture, and carrying combat equipment, and are not merely an aesthetic issue. Dr. Eran Milte adds that some girls delay their enlistment to recover from the surgery. Alongside the physical consideration, the association points to the influence of body image and the athletic appearance prevalent in social media. However, the clinical recommendation is to perform the surgery after age 18, and preferably to wait until age 21, due to breast development. The association emphasizes that this is a significant surgical procedure that should be performed after medical consultation, in an organized framework in Israel, sometimes through health maintenance organizations.