Article Details

Background: The Goldilocks mastectomy was first described in 2012 as an alternative option for those patients who may not be suitable for implant or autologous reconstruction due to obesity, advanced age, smoking history and ptosis. The principles are to perform a skin reducing mastectomy through a Wise pattern incision with preservation of the de-epithelialised inferior lipodermal flap which is then folded to create a breast mound. It is a single step procedure with a shorter operative time and lower complication rate. There have been relatively few studies in the literature reviewing application and outcomes.

Case Description: We performed 4 Goldilocks mastectomies over a 12 month period, with the indications including obesity, significant ptosis and patient preference. Favourable cosmetic outcomes were observed with a low complication rate, noting only with only minor wound problems.

Conclusion: This case study adds to the literature by demonstrating that the Goldilocks mastectomy is a safe and cosmetically pleasing option to consider in patients who prefer a breast reconstruction but may not be suitable for the more traditional methods. We also extended its use to a younger patient as a staged procedure in a patient who is not currently suitable for a deep inferior perforator flap (DIEP) reconstruction due to her weight.