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After decades in which large breasts were seen as the ultimate symbol of femininity, a new trend is taking shape: growing numbers of women around the world are choosing to reduce their breast size.
As comfort and quality of life take priority, the popularity of breast reduction reflects a broader cultural shift — away from flashiness and toward proportion, function and a healthy, active lifestyle. Israel is no exception.
Just last week, social media influencer Daniel Greenberg announced she'd undergone breast reduction surgery, opting for a smaller size. She's far from alone. According to the Israeli Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, 14,000 women in Israel underwent breast reduction surgery in the past year alone, accounting for 26% of all cosmetic breast procedures in the country.
Dr. Eran Millet, a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery who operated on Greenberg, says breast reduction has become more than just a trend —it's a declaration by women choosing improved quality of life over aesthetics.
Health, comfort and confidence
“There’s a growing desire among women to have smaller breasts, and the reasons are varied,” Dr. Millet explained. “One of the most prominent is comfort — women want full freedom of movement.
“Breast reduction makes it easier to work out, whether it’s CrossFit, Pilates or running. Fashion also plays a major role — patients say it’s much easier to find flattering clothes and swimsuits after the surgery.”
Health considerations are also key. “Large breasts can affect posture, cause back and neck pain, and lead to conditions like fungal infections beneath the breasts due to friction and moisture. For many, the surgery significantly improves their quality of life.”
While breast reduction has long been common among younger women, Millet says many older women are now opting in as well. “Some felt pressure not to undergo the procedure in the past, but social attitudes are changing.
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“We’re also seeing menopausal women whose breasts have grown over time and want to reduce them, as well as women who previously had large implants and now want to go smaller or have them removed entirely.”
This shift isn’t limited to women who’ve never had breast surgery. Millet noted that many patients are returning to correct earlier choices, choosing smaller implants or none at all. “In general, the bigger the implant, the more likely the woman will eventually be dissatisfied and want to reduce the size. This has become a major trend in recent years.”
The procedure
According to Millet, breast reduction surgery has the highest satisfaction rate among all plastic procedures. “Every woman I’ve treated reports a dramatic improvement in her quality of life and regrets not doing it sooner. It’s not just cosmetic — it’s functional. Suddenly, she can wear a button-up shirt or buy a regular bra instead of shopping at specialty stores.”
Millet clarifies common misconceptions about the operation: “Contrary to popular belief, the nipple isn’t removed and reattached. It remains connected to the breast tissue while we remove excess skin to reshape the breast. Most tissue is removed from the lower and outer parts of the breast, and if needed, we also perform liposuction on the sides or near the underarm area.”
After the tissue is removed, the nipple and areola are lifted and the incision is closed with stitches. “We cover the area with medical dressings that look like a bra, which are removed after about two and a half weeks. That’s when the anchor-shaped scar becomes visible — around the areola, downward and beneath the breast.”
At this point, the breast is still swollen, Millet explained, but that’s temporary. “Initially, it may look a bit upside down — swollen on top and flat on the bottom, with the nipple pointing forward or downward. But within a few weeks and at most two to three months, the nipple rises and the breast takes on a natural, attractive shape.”
Recovery
Recovery, he shared, is typically manageable. “Pain is minimal and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen. Within two weeks, patients can resume light exercise like walking and by six weeks, they can return to full activity, including lifting weights.”
Most women are candidates for the procedure, he adds — even those with implants and minimal natural breast tissue. “We can still reshape the remaining tissue into a smaller, aesthetically pleasing breast.”
As for pre-surgical requirements, women may need to undergo a breast ultrasound or mammogram, depending on their age. Those who’ve had prior reductions should bring documentation of the previous surgery.
“It’s important because breast reduction relies on maintaining the blood and nerve supply to the areola, which depends on the surgical technique used the first time.” Millet also noted that insurance plans often reimburse the cost if the patient meets specific criteria.
Long-term results
Will the results last?
“Hormonal changes or significant weight fluctuation can affect the outcome. If someone is planning to lose weight, it’s better to wait until they reach their target.”
So is smaller the new standard — or just a passing trend?
Millet believes the former. “This trend is at its peak and as awareness spreads and society grows more accepting of smaller breasts, I think we’ll see even more women opting for reductions. For them, the improvement in quality of life is just too significant to ignore.”