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How Do I Reduce the Appearance of the Bags Across my Cheeks?

asked 3 years ago by Anon
Latest answer by Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Question viewed 12,991 times
Tags: baggy, malar bags

I don't have eye bags, but bags across the top of my cheeks. From numerous google searches, I think these could be known as Malar Festoons? I am confused about whether they are caused by fluid retention or are simply part of the aging process (although I am only 30 and don't have any other signes of aging). They began appearing a couple of years ago, but would only show when I was stressed or had not slept well, now they are a permanent fixture.

7 answers to How Do I Reduce the Appearance of the Bags Across my Cheeks?

+2

Malar bags

There is a septum (ligaments) in the cheek that tether the cheeks. Swelling or sagging of skin tethers exactly at that point and, in some patients, results in malar festoons. Malar festoons are very difficult to eliminate. They can often be improved by a well-supported superficial cheeklift procedure. This surgery is technically complex because it essentially involves tightening of the skin below the lower eyelid. This is a risky maneuver because the lower eyelid can pull down, becoming... more
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+1

How do I reduce bags across my chhek?

What you are desribing are called Malar bags which are hereditrary and are caused by scarring due to chronic fluid retention within the upper cheek tissues. This is a very difficult thing to treat and IMHO, your choices are either: a thin filler like Restylane, Juvederm or Perlane to feather in the edges of the malar bags or cheek implants, where the cheeks are also flat, to re-shape the cheek area. This camoflauges the malar... more
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

drfrancispalmer.com

+2

Malar Festoons: Treatment Options

At your age and the sudden appearance, I would make sure that there is no underlying condition which could explain the early onset. You may want to evaluate any thyroid or metabolic disorders which could contribute to localized swelling or fluid retention. Most likely you will be in good health. OPTIONS: From a non-surgical standpoint, you can consider: options which are purported to tighten the skin such as radiofrequency modalities or chemical peels. But these will not likely provide... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Upper cheek bags and swelling.

Since you are only 30, they are probably not really malar festoons, but may potentially develop into some. Usually they are caused by fluid accumulation in the superficial layers of your skin. If you know what makes them worse, try to minimize these factors. Frequently, the appearance may by much improved by Restylane or Perlane injections. Make sure your doctor does these procedures for this particular indication on a regular basis, as it can be somewhat tricky.
Stella Desyatnikova, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Festoons

It sounds like you have more swelling than anything else. Festoons can be from muscle and skin laxity, but yours sounds like fluid. This is edema like people get in their legs. It is very difficult to treat. Sometimes a cheek lift can soften it, also sometimes injectable fillers can camouflage it.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

A Difficult Problem

You are probably right. By the information you provided, these are most likely malar festoons. These can be very difficult to fully eradicate. I recommend patients try a low salt diet and even antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, etc.) as occasionally this will improve their appearance. I have injected a steroid solution under the skin in this area and have had some patients respond to this treatment. Otherwise, surgery would be indicated. At your age, direct excision would not be recommended... more
Andrew Campbell, MD

Milwaukee Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Direct excision versus full cheek lift

Malar festoons are very difficult to treat. It is a situation similar to having a localized swelling in one area. A good knowledge of the anatomy is very important to be able to get rid of this problem. Different surgical options: 1-Direct surgical excision: Works well for older patients (males) with large festoons. 2-A full cheek lift with redraping of the orbicularis muscle is a key technical detail in achieving the best possible result. It is important to discuss expectation with your... more
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

www.drseify.com

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