Single-stage

Goldilocks Reconstruction

A single-stage option that uses your own existing breast skin to create a smaller mound.

How does Goldilocks Reconstruction work?

The Goldilocks mastectomy uses the patient's own existing breast skin to create a smaller reconstructed mound in a single stage, for selected patients. Dr. Li has trained other surgeons on this procedure.

The path

1Consult & plan
2Skin-sparing mastectomy + same-day Goldilocks
3Recovery
4Finishing touches

Consult & plan

For selected patients who want a smaller breast in a single stage, Dr. Li plans the procedure around your goals and coordinates with your breast surgeon.

Skin-sparing mastectomy + same-day Goldilocks

Your own existing breast skin is used to create a smaller reconstructed mound in the same surgery — a single stage, without an implant or a separate tissue flap.

Recovery

You heal from the single combined surgery with the team's support.

Finishing touches

If desired, nipple reconstruction and 3D areola tattooing can complete the result later.

Recovery timeline

Surgery day
Early recovery
Back to daily life
Final result

A real result from Dr. Li

A 63-year-old woman with a CHEK2 mutation chose risk-reducing double mastectomy. With longstanding neck and back pain from 42DD breasts, she wanted to go much smaller without being left concave. Dr. Li performed a skin-sparing double mastectomy with same-day Goldilocks reconstruction.

A 68-year-old woman with left breast cancer and very large breasts wanted to avoid radiation and relieve lifelong back, neck, and shoulder pain. Dr. Li performed a skin-sparing double mastectomy with immediate bilateral Goldilocks reconstruction, going much smaller.

A 35-year-old woman had a double mastectomy near her home and travelled to Dr. Li for reconstruction. Two months later she underwent a delayed bilateral Goldilocks procedure for a much-improved breast shape.

See more goldilocks procedureresults ›

Every plan is personal — Dr. Li will walk you through yours.

Request a consultation

Frequently asked questions

Does Goldilocks use an implant?

No — it uses your own existing breast skin to form a smaller mound, in a single stage.

Is it one surgery?

The reconstruction is done in the same surgery as the mastectomy. Optional finishing steps such as nipple-areola reconstruction can follow later.

Who performs it?

Dr. Li performs the Goldilocks procedure and has trained other surgeons on it.

Want the full picture?

Read the full Goldilocks Mastectomy guide ›

Meet your surgeon

Dr. Wai-Yee Li,
MD PhD FACS

A female board-certified plastic surgeon in Arcadia, Los Angeles, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery — with a focus on the best surgical outcomes, less pain and minimal scarring.

Meet Dr. Wai-Yee Li ›