How can snoopy deformity be treated? (Photo)

Question

I asked this question a while back but was told pics would be more helpful so reposting with pics. I had my breasts done last year- I am super Unhappy with size and would like to go a little bigger but my surgeon says we can't because I will have snoopy deformity if we go bigger and there's nothing that can be done. Thank you.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, it appears that you would likely be able to have larger implants. A Snoopy deformity occurs in women who have a breast augmentation alone, but actually need an augmentation AND a breast lift. The sagging breast hangs off the front of the implant and looks like Snoopy's nose. I do not see a Snoopy deformity in your photos. There is another important factor when determining if you can have larger implants. With every breast augmentation it's important to make sure that the breast has enough skin at the bottom to hold the implant and keep the nipple pointing forward. If there is too little skin between the nipple and the crease, increasing the implant size can make the nipples point down at an angle. The nipple will end up on the downslope of the implant, instead of on the front. By stretching the skin on your lower breast, and then measuring the distance between your nipple and fold, the implant size that your breast can hold can be determined. If you're running into communication issues with your surgeon, consider second opinions from board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!I think you can safely go a little larger and have a MUCH nicer result without risk of developing a snoopy deformity- you're not really the type of patient it develops in.

Stephen M. Krant, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree that a larger implant might increase the “snoopy” dog
appearance . . . but doing a mastopexy with the secondary augmentation will
correct the “snoopy” look by raising the nipple complex to the apex of the
mound. Check with your plastic surgeon. 
Good luck!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Although your nipple position looks a little bit low, I think it is more likely that going larger will help rather than the other way around. I would suggest going with added projection more than width.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are low on the chest wall and widely separated with very little cleavage.  You may benefit from a breast lift to reposition your native breast tissue more than going to a larger implant.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

How can snoopy deformity be treated? (Photo)

Answers (5)