Malar bag treatment
Malar bags, those unsightly swellings located under the dark circle at the top of the cheekbone, represent an aesthetic challenge for many people. “Has he been drinking a bit ?” is a comment sometimes heard when someone presents what specialists call malar bags. How can they be treated effectively ?
Summary
Duration
Between 1 and 3 hours
Hospital stay
Outpatient
Anesthesia
Local
Social downtime
7 to 10 days
Time off work
Around 1 week
Scars
Depending on the technique internal or discreet
Summary
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General information
Malar bags are swellings or accumulations of fat and fluid located under the eyes, on the cheekbones. Unlike dark circles or classic under eye bags that sit below the lower eyelids, malar bags are positioned higher on the face, often due to fluid retention or the proliferation of adipose tissue.
The main causes of malar bags include :
- Genetics : a familial predisposition to fat retention in this area
- Aging : loss of skin elasticity and reduced muscle tone contribute to their appearance
- Water retention : fluid accumulation can worsen their visibility
- Lifestyle : a diet high in salt, lack of sleep, and stress can accentuate the problem
Very often, treating the lower eyelids alone is not sufficient to fully correct malar bags.
Indications
Treatment of malar bags is most often performed at the same time as lower eyelid surgery or in combination with a facelift, a mid facial lift, or a global facial rejuvenation. In some cases, it can be performed as a standalone procedure, particularly when malar bags are very pronounced, most often in men.
Ideal candidates for malar bag treatment include :
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If you wish to benefit from a personalised consultation with Dr Marianne Prevot.
Technique
Malar bag treatment is often carried out at the same time as eyelid surgery. This surgical approach aims to remove excess skin and fat from the eyelids. To specifically address malar bags, it may include repositioning or removing excess fat in the malar area.
When performed alone, treatment consists of a small procedure under local anesthesia that removes the malar bag as a whole, leaving a very fine and almost invisible scar.
It is in the smallest details that the excellence of a well mastered surgical result truly appears.
Procedure
An initial consultation is always essential to confirm the indication, rule out contraindications, and explain the available treatment options.
On the day of the procedure, markings are made to define the area to be treated. Local anesthesia is administered by injection. The malar bag is removed, along with a small amount of skin and the underlying tissues responsible for the swollen appearance.
Very fine sutures close the incision, which is then covered with adhesive strips for a few days. The procedure usually lasts about an hour.
Postoperative care
Swelling is unavoidable in the days following surgery, sometimes accompanied by mild bruising, but the improvement is immediately visible.
To manage postoperative discomfort, analgesics are prescribed along with a period of rest. It is essential to strictly follow follow up appointments to monitor healing and scar evolution.
Results
Results of malar bag treatment can provide a significant aesthetic improvement. Patients can expect a clear reduction of malar bags, giving the face a more rested and rejuvenated appearance. It is important to maintain realistic expectations regarding final outcomes.
Although surgical treatments can deliver long lasting results, they do not stop the natural aging process. Final results are usually visible immediately and stabilize over the following months, once swelling and bruising have completely resolved. Outcomes may vary from one individual to another depending on facial structure and personal healing response.
FAQ
To reduce malar bags, you can apply cold compresses to limit inflammation, use targeted creams containing caffeine or anti inflammatory ingredients, drink enough water to eliminate toxins, and ensure adequate sleep. For more advanced and long lasting results, surgical treatment can be considered.
Malar bags may be caused by genetic factors, fluid retention due to poor circulation or kidney disorders, allergies, aging which reduces skin elasticity, and lifestyle habits such as a high salt diet, stress, and lack of sleep.
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, with small incisions to remove excess fat and skin. After surgery, specific postoperative care is required to support healing.
To date, there is no truly effective non-surgical treatment for permanently correcting malar bags. Some techniques can sometimes slightly improve the appearance of the skin or reduce swelling, but only surgery offers a significant and lasting correction.
Recovery generally lasts one to two weeks. During this period, patients must follow postoperative instructions and avoid intense physical activity.
Malar bags may return after non surgical treatments, especially if contributing factors such as allergies, fluid retention, or aging persist. Surgical treatments, however, offer more durable results over time.
As with any surgical procedure, risks exist, including infection, bleeding, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. These risks should be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon before proceeding.
DR marianne prevot
Dr Marianne prevot is a plastic surgeon in Geneva specializing in aesthetic reconstructive pediatric and dermatologic surgery. With more than 20 years of experience she combines medical expertise scientific commitment and a human centered approach.
Her practice is based on harmony between body and mind with an ethical and balanced vision of surgery.
