Goldilocks Mastectomy

Some breast cancer patients we see at our Los Angeles center are hesitant about getting breast reconstruction surgery because they do not want breast implants. For them, we offer the option of a Goldilocks mastectomy, a breast conserving technique co-developed by Bedford Breast Center’s Dr. Heather Richardson, that removes unhealthy breast gland tissue without the patient having to “go flat.”

What Is a Goldilocks Mastectomy?

A Goldilocks mastectomy is a treatment option at our Beverly Hills practice for women diagnosed with breast cancer or healthy women concerned about having an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Unlike a traditional mastectomy, which removes all the breast tissue, a Goldilocks mastectomy is a skin-sparing technique that preserves healthy fatty tissue and skin and uses it to shape the appearance of a smaller breast.

Similar to breast reduction surgery in that it removes some breast tissue, a Goldilocks mastectomy provides the best possible outcome with the least amount of downtime and without having to undergo multiple procedures.

Unparalleled Expertise With a Compassionate Touch
Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic

Dr. Richardson and Dr. Memsic are two of the top breast surgeons in Los Angeles, using innovative techniques to create excellent clinical and aesthetic outcomes.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for a Goldilocks Mastectomy?

A Goldilocks mastectomy is an option if you’re planning to have a mastectomy but either do not want or cannot have breast reconstruction surgery using implants. You may consider the technique if you have cancer or are healthy but concerned about future disease due to increased breast cancer risk.

What’s the Difference Between Traditional and Goldilocks Mastectomy?

The most notable difference between a traditional mastectomy with breast reconstruction and a Goldilocks mastectomy is that the Goldilocks technique does not require the use of implanted devices or transferred tissue to create the fullness of a breast after the surgeon removes unhealthy glandular tissue.

Another difference is that the Goldilocks mastectomy results in patients having smaller breasts after the procedure. During a consultation, our physicians thoroughly discuss the details of what happens during the procedure and what to expect.

“Dr Memsic is an outstanding surgeon. She is took a rather difficult situation and walked me through the whole process from the diagnosis to post surgery. She is warm and caring. Her staff is lovely to deal with.”

Monica – Google

What Are the Advantages of Goldilocks Mastectomy?

The benefits of choosing a Goldilocks mastectomy include:

  • Can be performed on one or both breasts
  • Is an option for prophylactic mastectomy
  • Requires only a single surgery
  • Doesn’t involve implants or other artificial devices
  • Causes less pain and shorter recovery compared to traditional breast reconstruction
  • Is an excellent option for patients who don’t want or who are poor candidates for traditional breast reconstruction
  • Produces the best results if you have extremely large or sagging breasts

Additionally, surgically removing breast gland tissue from below the skin means screening mammograms aren’t required, and most patients don’t need radiation therapy (depending on the breast cancer status).

Goldilocks Mastectomy with SWIM Flap Breast Reconstruction
Featured Before & After Photos

Case: 1 of 4
This 47-year-old woman from Miami, FL carries the BRCA1 gene mutation and took preventative measures to reduce her risk of breast cancer. She did not want breast implants and sought out Dr. Lisa Cassileth for implant-free breast reconstruction. Dr. Heather Richardson performed a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, and Dr. Cassileth performed S... Read More
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This before & after gallery contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.

Before & After Goldilocks Mastectomy with SWIM Flap Breast Reconstruction Case 20 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 2 of 4
From Pacific Palisades, CA, this breast cancer patient had a Goldilocks mastectomy performed by Dr. Richardson. Dr. Cassileth then performed SWIM breast reconstruction, resulting in an implant-free breast reconstruction using the patient’s native breast tissue to create smaller, natural breasts. Read More
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Before & After Goldilocks Mastectomy with SWIM Flap Breast Reconstruction Case 17 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 3 of 4
From San Diego, CA. After testing positive for BRCA gene mutation, this patient sought to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer. She did not want to have breast implants, so she opted for Goldilocks mastectomy by Dr. Richardson and SWIM Flap breast reconstruction by Dr. Cassileth. The patient loves her smaller... Read More
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Before & After Goldilocks Mastectomy with SWIM Flap Breast Reconstruction Case 16 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
Case: 4 of 4
From Los Angeles, CA, with a strong family history of breast cancer, this patient opted to have a prophylactic mastectomy. Wanting a natural, implant-free look, she underwent a bilateral mastectomy performed by Dr. Leslie Memsic, followed by SWIM Breast Reconstruction by Dr. Elise Min. Read More
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Before & After Goldilocks Mastectomy with SWIM Flap Breast Reconstruction Case 15 Front View in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Glendale, and Malibu, CA
Before
After
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Case: 1 of 5
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Trust Our Breast Surgery Experts

Our breast surgeons at Bedford Breast Center in Beverly Hills are innovative physicians who provide compassionate, personalized patient care. Dr. Richardson, who developed the Goldilocks procedure with Dr. Grace Ma, is considered among the top mastectomy surgeons in Los Angeles. Our world-class facility serves patients from Los Angeles from throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, and across the country. To learn more about our center and if the Goldilocks mastectomy is a good option for you, call us at (310) 278-8590 or contact us using the online form to schedule an appointment.

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