Case 15 2026: The Goldilocks mastectomy

Nanja Gotland Sundstrup; Pia Cajsa Leth Andersen

Journal of Plastic, Breast & Reconstructive Surgery·Rapports de cas chirurgicaux en libre accès, évalués par les pairsÉvalué par les pairs · Libre accès

Case 15 2026: The Goldilocks mastectomy · JPBRS

Rapport de cas

Case 15 2026: The Goldilocks mastectomy

Nanja Gotland Sundstrup¹, Pia Cajsa Leth Andersen¹

¹Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark

Publié 28 mai 2026157 vues5 min de lecture

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Résumé

This case report describes the “Goldilocks procedure” as a technique used for primary breast reconstruction in a patient with prior bilateral c. mamma, treated with lumpectomy and radiotherapy. An implant-based reconstruction was not advised due to the radiotherapy, and she was reluctant to undergo larger scale autologous reconstruction. She was suggested the “goldielocks procedure” as an upgrade to the simple mastectomy which was her alternative consideration. the Goldilocks procedure has the advantage of achieving immediate formation of a small breast, while simultaneously establishing a favorable platform for potential delayed reconstruction with autologous fat grafting. Patient medical history The patient, a 67-year-old woman had a history of bilateral breast cancer: left-sided in 2016 and right-sided in 2023, treated with lumpectomy, and radiotherapy, with additional chemotherapy for the right-sided cancer. Further she was found to carry a pathogenic CHEK2 mutation. The patient underwent bilateral risk reducing mastectomy using the Goldilocks technique, with maximal preservation of the skin envelope and subcutaneous tissue (1). Compared with a simple mastectomy, this approach preserved a good shape and projection resulting in the formation of a small breast. Furthermore, the result provided a more favorable foundation for potential delayed breast reconstruction. The patient was planned for a reconstruction in terms of lipofilling, and mastopexy as well as nipple reconstruction. Before and After Patient examination The patient generally presented with good skin quality. Clinical examination revealed sequelae of prior br

Points clés à retenir

Conseils pratiques

• This technique is straightforward and well-suited for patients desiring a smaller autologous reconstruction and prefer to avoid extensive reconstruction, The best results are obtained in women with preoperative larger breasts, but can be considered for all breast sizes, if the patient is well informed of the expected result with a smaller breast.

• This technique can easily be combined with secondary autologous fat grafting to increase breast volume and improve shape.

• Additionally, the technique can be relevant in cases where it is unknown at the time for mastectomy if the patient would need postoperative radiation. In such a case the preservation of the skin envelope, and no need for postoperative radiation, would create the possibility for delayed implant-based reconstruction.

Écueils

• Communication with the patient is vital. She must be thoroughly informed about the result after a goldielock procedure, meaning that the result is a smaller and deflated breast, not necessarily pleasing to the eye. The Goldilocks mastectomy alone is insufficient for patients desiring a moderate-large size breast. It is an option that provides more than a mastectomy, and less than any other reconstruction. But in the right situations – it is just right for the patient.

Patient history

The patient, a 67-year-old woman had a history of bilateral breast cancer: left-sided in 2016 and right-sided in 2023, treated with lumpectomy, and radiotherapy, with additional chemotherapy for the right-sided cancer. Further she was found to carry a pathogenic CHEK2 mutation. The patient underwent bilateral risk reducing mastectomy using the Goldilocks technique, with maximal preservation of the skin envelope and subcutaneous tissue (1). Compared with a simple mastectomy, this approach preserved a good shape and projection resulting in the formation of a small breast. Furthermore, the result provided a more favorable foundation for potential delayed breast reconstruction. The patient was planned for a reconstruction in terms of lipofilling, and mastopexy as well as nipple reconstruction.

Examination

The patient generally presented with good skin quality. Clinical examination revealed sequelae of prior breast surgery, including lumpectomy scars bilaterally; on the left side laterally, on the right side periareolar accompanied by skin retraction in the inferomedial quadrant of the breast.

Pre-operative considerations

To minimize the risk of breast cancer, a bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy was indicated. Several surgical techniques were considered, including simple mastectomy; however, the patient expressed a desire to retain a small breast volume without undergoing major reconstructive procedures such as free flap reconstruction. Furthermore, given the patient’s history of prior radiotherapy, implant-based reconstruction was deemed undesirable. Consequently, the Goldilocks mastectomy technique was selected. This approach allowed reconstruction of the cutaneous envelope to form a small breast mound while preserving maximal skin, thereby providing an optimal foundation for subsequent reconstruction with autologous fat grafting.

Étape 1 — Pre-operative markings

Preoperative markings were performed with the patient upright. The upper breast border, breast footprint, and the inframammary fold (IMF) were delineated, and the median marked from the upper breast boarder extending inferiorly. The planned neo-papilla position was placed on the meridian 8 cm inferior to the upper breast border, with an additional reference point 10 cm lateral to the thoracic midline beneath the breast. As the mastectomy included excision of the native NAC, periareolar incision lines were used.