Is ThermiTight an option to treat malar bags?

Question

I am a 29 year old male with malar bags. I have had these bags for as long as I can remember, but they didn't become very noticeable to others until I spent 5 years in the military, which sent my malar bag aging into overdrive. Now that I am out of the military, I would like to address this issue. I've been researching this for quite some time and know there is not a single way to get rid of these things without excising them. Due to my age, I want a minimally invasive procedure, if available.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Malar bags are often used as a term to describe festoons, which are areas of water retention below the crease (tear trough) of the skin below the eyelid and situated over the cheek bone. These must not be confused with herniated fat pads. Malar bags are not water baloons that can be "popped" to express the water.  Surgery may not be curative and in some cases could cause lymphedema or more swelling. There has been mention of improvement of festoons with ThermiTight. The radiofrequency delivered through a small cannula under the skin to the swollen area creates heat which may help  collapse the swelling.  No one is certain as to the cause of the festoon so no one can be certain as to why the ThermiTight actually helps.  This is a relatively new treatment and one should tread cautiously. less is  more. One can always go back and do more but with newer treatments it is wise to be gentle at first.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

An exam by a board certified physician with experience with this technology is in your best interest. Malar Bags also called festoons are a difficult area to treat by any method. Laser treatment may offer the best result, but TheriSmooth (topical RF energy to tighten the skin) may also  be a safe and effective option. I do not know of anyone with significant experience or any articles written about ThermiTight treatment of this area - I would proceed with caution regarding placing a RF heating probe in this area.

Richard D. Gentile, MD · Answer

The term malar bags or swelling below the rim of the orbit refers to the little pocket of tissue over the cheek also termed a malar crescent. This early crescent when left untreated will turn into a festoon. We have developed a protocol utilizing Thermi that is effective for contracting this swollen tissue. It is interesting that the full results may not be evident for up to 6 months after treatment. Thermi usually shows improvements in treated tissue at 3-4 months? These types of thermoplastic treatments are an exciting new option for patients and surgeons.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

True malar bags have been a challenge for surgeons to treat.  Over the years, a number of methods have been described - which tells you that we haven't found the perfect answer yet!The ThermiRF machine is very versatile.  Some surgeons have tried it on the malar bag area, and have anecdotally reported good results.  So - it's promising, but "still under investigation", at this stage.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

Thermitight is not the appropriate procedure to treat malar bags. Instead, Thermismooth has much more potential to treat this region of the face. It is a handpiece that heats the skin and underlying tissues from the surface and can cause great results for skin tightening around the eyes.

Is ThermiTight an option to treat malar bags?

Answers (8)

Answer: Malar bags & Thermi

Answer: Malar bags & Thermi

Answer: Thermismooth for malar bags

Answer: Thermismooth for malar bags

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Is ThermiTight an option to treat malar bags?

Answers (8)

Answer: Malar bags & Thermi

Answer: Malar bags & Thermi

Answer: Thermismooth for malar bags

Answer: Thermismooth for malar bags

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about ThermiTight

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