How do I minimize the appearance of malar bags? (Photos)

Question

During quarantine, I developed these large bags under my eyes (after some googling, I believe they are malar bags but correct me if I'm wrong). For some reason, the one on my right side is much worse than the left. Are there any treatment options for reducing their appearance or eliminating them entirely?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @Affectionate637565! Malar bags can sometimes be difficult to treat. Morpheus 8 is a great option.  Morpheus8 is a non-surgical treatment for full body skin resurfacing, skin tightening, and fat reduction of stubborn areas. It uses minimally invasive fractional radiofrequency energy (RF) to penetrate the skin deeper than other microneedling devices, triggering the skin’s natural healing response to promote skin tightening and lifting.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The photos suggest volume deficit in the medial portion of the face to the sides of the nose. When the volume support to the under eye area  is diminished in this way, bags, tear troughs and hollows inevitably develop. Fillers to restore the volume therefore are typically can be used in these cases with gratifying results. Topical creams are unlikely to do much, as you probably have already discovered on your own. And skin tightening devices, such as radiofrequency machines, have little hard science (and a whole lot of device manufacturer marketing hype and advertising) to support their use. And besides, since volume deficit is the basic underlying issue here, even if such machines really worked as promised, the primary cause of volume deficit would still be left untreated. So, it would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist with experience and expertise in nonsurgical filler ("liquid") facelifts. Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The eye area needs significant combinations to get improvement. Lasers like erbium, co2, halo, profractional/contour, or Fraxel can all be used to build collagen long term. Plasma pen is a newer less invasive option but will take many treatments and require proper skincare. Plasma Pen is focused electrical plasma energy to tighten skin, producing small columns of energy just above the skin, allowing the skin to tighten to help improve wrinkles. This area will have 3-5 days of small “dots” that will then scab and peel, then the skin will tighter and brighter after. Numerous treatments are needed over lasers where only one or two give a bigger result, but more downtime. After plasma pen you NEED peels 2 weeks like later Cosmelan, enlighten or aerify, see emeragecosmetics (link). At home derma rolling should be started weekly even after plasma pen or lasers to further increase collagen, see emeragecosmetics AERIFY x anteagemd stem cell ampules. To properly heal you need light Stim red LED, EmerageSkin refit face, refit eye; AnteageMD serum, silagen silicone gel, jan Marini bioshield, EmerageSkin enzymatic polish, and EmerageSkin hyla b and AOX, and Sente dermal repair. Otherwise there is EXTREME risk of pigmentation issues and “dots” in the treatment area. at home peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify along with dermarolling (AERIFY emerageskin roller with Anteage MD ampules) should be started now regardless for antiaging, sun damage, and wrinkle prevention. There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles. A surgical option to remove skin and/or fat will such as eyelid blepharoplasty with or without fat pad repositioning (if doing lower eyelid surgery) will be the best long term. There are many things you can do to treat under eye hollows and dark circles without surgery. Non invasive less downtime options such as fillers, lasers, microneedling/PRP, cosmelan peels, and microneedling RF like Fractora, PiXel8 or morpheus can all help give some improvement. Accutite can often be used or stronger lasers like erbium or co2 spot treatment can tighten the skin and give very quick improvement in wrinkles and texture. I suggest you get a formal consultation to see what is best for you and your goals. Best, Dr. Emer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Malar bags can be difficult to treat.  Morpheus8 is one option that may give you some improvement.  This treatment target the subdermal layers of the skin and remodels the tissue.  We also recommend using medical grade skin care products and wearing sunscreen every day.

Onir Spiegel, DDS, PhD · Answer

Under eye bags referred as tear troughs or malar bags can be easily corrected with hyaluronic acid fillers and sometimes some skin tightening procedures like Morpheus or accutite. The results are fantastic and can make you look years younger. 
All the best from Boston, Dr. Onir

How do I minimize the appearance of malar bags? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Malar Bags

Answer: Malar Bags

Answer: Treatment for Under eye bags is simple and quick!

Answer: Treatment for Under eye bags is simple and quick!

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How do I minimize the appearance of malar bags? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Malar Bags

Answer: Malar Bags

Answer: Treatment for Under eye bags is simple and quick!

Answer: Treatment for Under eye bags is simple and quick!

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.