Do I have a Snoopy /Waterfall Deformity? Can this be fixed? (Photo)

Question

I had my breast lift (donut) and augmentation last year with a 255 cc high profile implant. This is how I look. Is this a snoopy deformity?

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

@Courageous137808 Thank you for including photos for review. Based on the photo you provided it looks like you have a combination of waterfall deformity (breast tissue is falling off the implant) and capsular contracture (implant appears high and tight compared to contralateral side) on the Left breast. Your Right breast does not appear to have these photos (however evaluation is limited by 1 photo). Both of these issues could be addressed with repeat surgery. I recommend discussing your concerns and goals with a Plastic Surgeon.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Courageous137808,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mehmet Ozdemir, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
From your photo and description, it looks like there may be some “Snoopy” or waterfall deformity, which can happen after a breast lift and augmentation.
This can often be corrected with a revision breast implant procedure tailored to your individual anatomy and goals.
A consultation would help determine the best plan to achieve the results you want. I hope this helps.

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
From your photo and description, it does appear there may be some degree of “Snoopy” or waterfall deformity, which can occur after breast lift and augmentation.
This can often be improved with a revision breast implant procedure tailored to your anatomy and goals.
A detailed consultation would help determine the best approach to achieve the result you want. I hope this helps.

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

From your description and photos after donut lift with 255 cc high-profile implants, this appearance is more consistent with a waterfall deformity (sometimes called snoopy deformity). In this situation, the implant remains relatively high while your natural breast tissue settles downward over time, creating lower pole fullness with downward-pointing nipples and a mismatch between implant and breast tissue position. This is a known limitation of donut (periareolar) lifts, which often do not provide enough long-term support, particularly when combined with implants.The most reliable solution in this situation is a revision mastopexy using an anchor (reverse-T) technique, which allows proper reshaping of the breast tissue, repositioning of the nipple, and redistribution of volume to the upper pole. Unlike a donut lift, an anchor mastopexy provides stronger structural support and is much more effective at correcting waterfall deformity and preventing recurrence. Implant exchange is not always necessary unless there are additional concerns with size, projection, or position.

Oliver Chang, MD · Answer

Based off your photo - you have one side that has bottomed out into a snoopy deformity / waterfall deformity and likely secondary to the donut lift. The implant on the deformity side seems to be higher as well - maybe did not fully come down as it could be from not enough muscle release or scar formation around the implant (capsule). Try to revisit with the surgeon who did the original work and see if they can try to fix that one side at a reduced cost or maybe just facility / anesthesia fee. Ideally, they would be willing to help or if you visit with new surgeons see what options you have and costs to make a better decision. Good luck.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Waterfall deformity occurs when the native breast falls off the implant mound. Also known as a "snoopy" deformity...a complication in which the breast implant sits higher, and the tissue drops below it, creating a drooping, "sad Snoopy dog" appearance.

Based on your photos, you may have a capsular contracture on the left. The implant appears to be riding high which creates the illusion that the native breast has slipped off the implant. However, in this case the implant is the likely culprit. In the case of waterfall deformity, the breast mound is at issue.

You would likely benefit from revision and release of contracture to allow the implant to fall into position behind the native breast mound.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! It looks like that implant may be encapsulated which is why it's sitting so high and giving the illusion of waterfall deformity. I would suggest an in person evaluation to determine the exact problem. Good luck!

Muge Sevindik, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your questıon.yes you have a snoopy deformity. Your implant stays higher place but your own tissue becomes pitotic by the time.You had a donut lifting, ı thınk thıs ıs inadequate lifting.ı think you have sub pectoral implant this give us stability. so you have a snoopy deformity and you need revision surgery. I recommend you change your implant pocket to the subfacial plan and perform reverse T mastopexy.This will be more stable and long lasting result.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the limited photo it appears one of the implants has dropped into the pocket and has healed normally.  The other implant is being held higher which may indicate capsular contracture.  At one year post op you will likely need a revision to correct this.  Visit with your surgeon for an evaluation.

Do I have a Snoopy /Waterfall Deformity? Can this be fixed? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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