Do you recommend festoon excision?

Question

My plastic surgeon used deep laser for my festoons with no results. She is recommending excision. I am concerned about scars. I would like to see photos of patients who have had this performed. Thanks

Adam Scheiner, MD · Answer

Dear JK, Festoons are a medical condition in which swelling and skin folds can form in the lower eyelid and cheek region. They often occur as we age and usually have a connection to sun damage in the past.I've had great results using resurfacing to improve festoons. Not knowing your surgeons experience with treating festoons, its hard to comment on their care. Speak to your surgeon about considering a 2nd treatment if you have seen some results with the initial treatment. I hope this was helpful.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Festoons are particularly difficult to treat. Most of the time if laser skin resurfacing does not work well, they will be hard to manage. Excision typically leaves a significant scar. There is no great solution. You will probably have to decide between having the festoon or a scar. Consider your options carefully. Good luck,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If laser didn't work the only option is surgery.  Sometimes fillers can help.  Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Generally direct excision is not a wonderful option for most festoons.  Even when it heals beautifully, it leaves a visible scar.  The scar can be acceptable for the unfussy or it can be horribly unacceptable.  The problem is that your surgeon does not know which category you will end up in.  For more specific comments, consider posting your photographs.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Festoons can be very difficult to treat.  Laser is one way we try to tighten the skin and flatten them out, but it doesn't always work.  The last option is to surgically excise them.  This will produce a scar.  Some people heal beautifully and you see very little.  If you don't you may see the scar and no one can promise you no visible scar.  So you have to decide:  festoon or possible scar.

Do you recommend festoon excision?

Answers (5)

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