For years, breast reduction surgery has been considered one of the most common aesthetic procedures among women. However, a new study conducted at the Hadassah University Medical Center reveals that behind the cosmetic procedure lies a significant medical effect – one that can protect patients’ health in the long term.
The study, conducted by researchers Dr. Mor Rittblat, Dr. Neta Ophir Shilo, Dr. Natan Lishansky-Fisher, Dr. Dmitry Kotovich, Dr. Dalit Amar Lisha, Prof. Alexander Margulis, and Dr. Tomer Tzur, found that women who underwent breast reduction surgery are at a reduced risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic diseases – compared to women who did not undergo the procedure.
The researchers used an international medical database (TriNetX), which includes information from more than 170 million patients worldwide. From this database, over 17,000 women aged 18–50 were selected, all without a history of metabolic diseases, who underwent breast reduction surgery.
The women were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI): Women with normal weight, overweight women, and women with obesity. The data for each group were compared to a matched control group – women with similar medical characteristics who had not undergone the surgery.
The Results: Less Diabetes, Fewer Heart and Kidney Diseases
The findings clearly showed that breast reduction surgery is associated with a significant decrease in the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which includes, among other things, diabetes and insulin resistance, hypertension, lipid disorders (dyslipidemia), and chronic kidney disease.
The positive effect was observed across all weight groups but was particularly prominent among women with normal weight or slight overweight. However, even among women with obesity, a statistically significant improvement in metabolic health was observed after surgery.
According to the researchers, the possible explanation for this phenomenon lies in the improvement in physical ability after the operation, the reduction of strain on the spine and the endocrine system, and hormonal changes that occur following the reduction of fatty tissue mass.
“The new data strengthen the understanding that certain plastic surgeries can affect not only the body’s appearance but also its metabolic function,” said Dr. Mor Rittblat, one of the lead researchers. “This is an important change in perception that requires us to examine the health value of aesthetic surgeries beyond the external consideration.”
The Lesser-Known Link Between Aesthetics and Health
In recent decades, breast reduction surgery has become especially popular in Israel and worldwide – not only for aesthetic reasons but also to relieve back and neck pain, posture problems, and breathing difficulties.
The new study adds a significant medical dimension: The surgery may protect patients from future metabolic diseases – and become an additional tool in preventing diabetes and heart disease.
According to the researchers, the study’s findings are expected to spark a new discussion about defining aesthetic surgeries as procedures with clear medical value and may influence health policy regarding the funding of certain surgeries within the public healthcare system.
The research findings will be presented at the annual conference of the Israeli Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, which will take place between November 4–5, 2025, and this year will focus on the theme of “Resilience and Renewal.”
Hundreds of experts from Israel and around the world will participate in the conference, which will address not only the medical aspects of plastic surgery but also ethical and social questions – including the impact of artificial intelligence on surgery planning and clinic management, and the challenges of dealing with medical overloads in times of security tension.
“The research illustrates what we are already seeing in practice – aesthetic and plastic medicine are merging with preventive medicine,” said Dr. Tomer Tzur, Head of the Breast Surgery Division at Hadassah. “It’s not just a change in appearance – it’s a change in life.”