Malar bags (Cheek bags) treatment options

I am only 27 years old but have had malar bags forever. They seem to be getting worse over the past 4 years, especially on the right side. I have had two surgeries on my levator muscle in my right eyelid (one at 3 and one at 25) to repair ptosis - so this may explain why my right cheek is more puffy. Is there anything that may be causing this besides heredity? Also, what can I do to lessen their appearance? I feel as though I am way too young to have such prominent malar bags. :) Michelle

5 answers to “Malar bags (Cheek bags) treatment...”

A: Malar bags have many causes

Nancy Swartz, MD

Michelle, there are many causes of malar bags, and finding the correct treatment depends on the cause.  Sometimes malar bags are caused by fluid collection.  Fluid collection usually varies a little over time--often a little worse in the morning than at night. The fluid usually comes from allergies,... more

A: Greetings Michelle, Malar bags are a difficult problem...

D.J. Verret, MD

Greetings Michelle, Malar bags are a difficult problem to treat. Options that I have found useful include laser resurfacing with lower eyelid surgery and in some cases directly excising the malar bags. Direct excision seems to work the best but may not be a good option in someone your age. It does leave a scar... more

A: Malar bags difficult to correct

Fred Suess, MD

Malar bags can be difficult to correct.  Laser resurfacing combined with a lower lid blepharoplasty can greatly reduce the appearance of malar bags.  It may be necessary to perform laser resurfacing twice – six months apart. The cause of "malar bags" can be localized edema fluid, poor... more

A: Malar bags are usually due to swelling. It is like...

Steven Wallach, MD

Malar bags are usually due to swelling. It is like having swelling in your legs. Unfortunately there is not a lot that can be done for malar bags except to camouflage them.

A: Check your thyroid hormone levels

Michael A. Persky, MD

Hi Michelle, Definitely have your thyroid hormone levels tested. If normal, then I would recommend a consult with Robert Goldberg, MD at UCLA. Dr. Goldberg has a technique where he treats malar bags with radiofrequency with success. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Comments

DDCNGA
16 posts
28 Apr 2009

I had a consult with Dr. Goldberg last November to see if his technique would help my malar bags. He's an excellent doctor and was very honest that his procedure does not work for all malar bag types--including my own. He will be honest and let you know if his technique would be useful in your particular situation or not. He's extremely kind and a great doctor.

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