You may know the “Goldilocks” fairytale, but you are probably not familiar with the groundbreaking surgical procedure of the same name. The Goldilocks Mastectomy is a type of oncoplastic surgery that’s the “just right” option between complex reconstruction and leaving the chest completely flat for individuals needing a total mastectomy. Dr. June Lee is the only surgeon in South Florida with extensive experience performing this procedure, offering women an innovative alternative that combines oncologic safety with natural-looking aesthetic outcomes. 

To help possible patients better understand this unique approach, we sat down with Dr. Lee to answer some common questions about the Goldilocks Mastectomy, including what it is, how it works, and who may be a candidate.

1. You are one of only a handful of surgeons in the United States performing the Goldilocks Mastectomy. What first inspired you to devote your career to helping women affected by this often-devastating disease? What makes this procedure so transformative for the right patient?

 My inspiration is deeply rooted in my upbringing. My parents were ministers who devoted their entire lives to helping heal people spiritually, and growing up, I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps by bringing that same level of profound healing to people medically. Watching women navigate the heavy, overwhelming burden of a cancer diagnosis made me realize that my calling wasn't just to cure an illness, but to restore the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. The Goldilocks Mastectomy is an absolute masterpiece of a procedure for the right candidate - typically women with larger, heavy breasts who require a mastectomy but may not want, or be medical candidates for, traditional prosthetic implants or complex reconstructions. Instead of leaving a completely flat chest or a tight scar, the Goldilocks technique utilizes the patient’s own remaining healthy skin and fat to recreate a soft, natural, clothing-filling breast mound without a single foreign implant. It avoids the complications of implants entirely, heals beautifully, and transforms a devastating surgical loss into an empowering, deeply restorative victory.

2. Many women facing a breast cancer diagnosis have never heard the term “oncoplastic surgery.” Can you briefly explain this procedure and how it came about? How does this approach differ from traditional breast cancer surgery, and why is it changing the standard of care?

Traditionally, breast cancer surgery focused almost entirely on removing the disease, often leaving behind significant cosmetic deformities that served as a daily, painful reminder of cancer. Oncoplastic surgery completely flips that script. It stands as one of the single greatest breakthroughs in modern breast surgery. This revolutionary approach seamlessly blends the rigorous oncological principles of cancer clearance with the meticulous artistry of plastic surgery techniques during the very same operation. Instead of just removing the tumor and closing the skin, we actively rearrange the remaining healthy tissue to reconstruct a natural, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing breast. It is changing the standard of care because we are no longer asking women to choose between treating their cancer and maintaining their physical wholeness. We treat the disease while fiercely preserving their dignity and body image from day one.

3. Having specialized in oncoplastic breast surgery since 2006, what advances in technology and surgical techniques have had the greatest impact on patient outcomes?

Over the last two decades, the introduction of oncoplastic surgery as a major breakthrough has fundamentally elevated our baseline for patient outcomes. Alongside this approach, advanced hidden-scar techniques allow us to make incisions in discrete area - like the crease under the breast or around the areola - so the physical reminders of surgery are practically invisible. Additionally, the evolution of high-definition surgical imaging, advanced wireless radar breast seeds that precisely target non-palpable tumors, and superior biomaterials have drastically reduced operative times and complication rates. We are now achieving incredibly high cure rates with vastly minimized physical trauma, allowing women to recover faster and get back to their lives.

4. If this is something our readers are interested in exploring, what’s the first step to getting connected? How would someone go about finding treatment? Any other resources you suggest?

The absolute first step is advocacy and asking questions. If you receive a diagnosis, remember that you have the right to a second opinion and to ask your surgeon: "Am I a candidate for oncoplastic surgery?" To find a qualified specialist, look for fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologists or comprehensive breast centers affiliated with major accredited networks (like the American Society of Breast Surgeons). Exceptional online educational platforms like Breastcancer.org or the American Cancer Society are phenomenal, trustworthy places to research options and empower yourself with knowledge before your appointments.

5. When you're not in the operating room, what is your favorite way to recharge and spend time outside of medicine?

As much as I love operating, surgery does require intense, hyper-focused mental and physical energy, so recharging completely is vital. Outside of the OR, I love staying active and expressive by taking dance classes, and I love traveling to experience the beautiful, refreshing energy of new cultures and cities.Most importantly, on Sunday mornings after service, I serve by taking care of the preschoolers at my church. Engaging with those innocent young children is a profound experience for me—it serves as a beautiful, grounding reminder of the pure beauty and absolute importance of human life. Sharing that time, grounding myself in my faith, and connecting with close friends and family over a great meal are my ultimate ways to reset and keep my spirit nourished.

6. Say you wake up and it’s a packed day. You are seeing patients back-to-back. What scrubs are you reaching for?

On a grueling, back-to-back clinic day, I need a uniform that works just as hard as I do. I need scrubs that offer a flawless athletic fit, incredible four-way stretch, and a fabric that stays perfectly crisp and wrinkle-free from the morning coffee to the final patient discharge. Above all, they have to feel completely weightless and breathable. I love reaching for Grey's Anatomy Evolve by Barco. When you feel comfortable, sophisticated, and unrestricted in your uniform, it gives you that extra wave of confidence to deliver the absolute best care possible.

For those facing a mastectomy, reconstruction is not a one-size-fits-all decision. The Goldilocks Mastectomy offers another option – one that can provide natural shape and contour without the added complexity of traditional breast construction.

Understanding all the choices available can help patients feel more informed and confident as they decide what is right for their body, health, and recovery. We’re grateful to Dr. Lee for sharing her expertise and offering valuable insight into a procedure that gives patients another meaningful option to consider.