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Am I too young to have festoons? (Photo)

I am 18 years old and just a couple of days ago I noticed the festoon. It only appears on my right cheek. Could there be a specific cause to this such as pms, stress, not enough sleep, etc.? I have read that it is high uncommon for younger people to have this so I'm a bit confused.

Doctor Answers 3

Am I too young to have festoons?

May 4th, 2014
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Yes, at 18 years of age it would be very unusual to have festoons.

It appears that you have some isolated swelling within your malar (upper cheek) area.  You may have noticed that the area will have some better days than others. That is, some days it will look more prominent (or worse) than other days.  This is typically secondary to sodium intake the day or night before.  Alcohol and allergies can also worsen the area.  Typically limiting your sodium intake (if you have no health issues) to 1500 milligrams a day often helps.

I would recommend trying diet changes first, and for an extended period of time (months).  If these changes do not improve the condition lasering the skin and/or fillers can sometimes improve the area.  But, fillers can also worsen the area if not performed correctly or if the wrong filler is used.  A consultation with a facial plastic surgeon would be helpful for you in the future.

I hope this helps.
Timothy R. Miller, MD


Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 58 reviews

Festoon

May 3rd, 2014
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You have a little bit of puffiness in the malar fat pad. When this gets larger it is called a festoon.  Looks pretty minimal at this point.  If it gets worse, you could try a little laser to tighten the skin on top.  Or put some filler around it to blend it in.  
John J. Martin, Jr., MD

John J. Martin, Jr., MD
Coral Gables Oculoplastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

These are baby festoons.

May 3rd, 2014
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Please do not drive yourself crazy.  You had to get very creative to demonstrate these.  The punishment should fit the crime.  If you are having no success with eye concealer and moisturizers, the next step  might be a little filler.  Try to stay out of the surgeon's hand as long as you can.

Web reference: http://www.lidlift.com

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

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