The Goldilocks procedure is a skin-sparing mastectomy (or skin & nipple-sparing mastectomy) that reshapes the breast envelope itself into a smaller, natural-looking breast — immediately, at the time of mastectomy.
The Oncological Surgeon removes the glandular breast tissue completely, while healthy fatty tissue and skin — the breast envelope — are preserved. Rather than being discarded, this remaining tissue is folded upon itself to re-create a smaller breast.
Where the preserved breast envelope isn’t enough to create an adequately sized or contoured breast, tissue from beneath the original breast — on the thorax — is used to supplement shape and volume. This additional tissue is called a thoraco-epigastric flap.
Often, as a delayed or staged procedure, fat transfers can further refine the contour or appearance of the newly created breast. This is usually done 4–6 months later, once all tissue has settled and the final outcome can be properly assessed.
The Goldilocks procedure is best suited to women with larger or more ptotic breasts who have had a mastectomy and are looking for an alternative to traditional reconstruction, such as an implant-based or fat/muscle flap approach. Adding a thoraco-epigastric flap requires sufficient volume in that donor area.
The procedure must also be warranted from an oncological perspective. Dr van den Bergh will discuss the indications, contra-indications, and future expectations of this surgery with you in detail before it’s considered.
Every case is discussed in detail before any decision is made. Send a quick enquiry and the practice will be in touch to arrange a consultation.
Quick enquiry — The Goldilocks Procedure