Malar festoons, often called cheek mounds or cheek bags, can significantly impact facial aesthetics, causing a tired or aged appearance even when you feel youthful and energetic.
At New York Eye and Face, led by award-winning and ASOPRS-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Anaïs Carniciu, we specialize in expertly addressing these concerns through customized festoon treatment options tailored precisely to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals. Let’s take a closer look at what festoons are and how we can help.
What Are Festoons?
Malar festoons are prominent mounds located at the upper cheek area, just beneath the lower eyelids.
Unlike typical under-eye bags, which are caused by protruding orbital fat, festoons are formed due to changes in the malar pads—fat pads located at the top of your cheeks.
These pads become more noticeable due to:
- Aging
- Genetics
- Sun damage
- Other environmental factors
Festoons may appear more pronounced if under-eye fullness is surgically removed without addressing the underlying cheek mounds.
Why Treating Festoons Requires Specialized Care
Festoons are complex structures that demand meticulous attention from an experienced oculofacial plastic surgeon.
For example:
- Unlike standard lower eyelid bags, festoons involve both the skin and underlying malar tissues, making them particularly challenging to treat
- Traditional blepharoplasty or lower eyelid surgery, if performed incorrectly or without addressing the underlying cheek structures, can inadvertently worsen the appearance of festoons by creating an unnatural transition between the eyelids and cheeks
- Successfully addressing festoons often involves a nuanced combination of treatments that target not just superficial concerns but also deeper tissue layers
Your best bet is to work with a specialist who intimately understands the delicate interplay of facial anatomy and has proven experience with these specialized procedures.
Dr. Anaïs Carniciu leverages her elite training, extensive experience in complex eyelid and facial rejuvenation, and nuanced approach to ensure outcomes that balance restored youthful contours with your natural facial expressions.
Festoon Treatment Options at New York Eye and Face
CO₂ Laser Resurfacing
By precisely removing superficial layers of skin, the laser promotes new collagen production, resulting in firmer, tighter skin over the cheeks. This advanced procedure smooths festoons, enhances skin texture, and revitalizes the overall complexion.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can significantly improve festoons by carefully repositioning or removing excess skin and fat under the eyes. Dr. Carniciu meticulously performs this procedure to ensure a harmonious transition between the lower eyelids and cheeks.
Doxycycline Injections
For some patients, doxycycline injections offer a nonsurgical approach to managing festoons. By targeting inflammation and fluid retention within the malar area, doxycycline injections can effectively reduce festoons' prominence.
Fighting Festoons? We’re Here to Help.
If festoons have been affecting your confidence or appearance, you're not alone—and New York Eye and Face is here to help. Led by Dr. Anaïs Carniciu, a respected educator and researcher on advanced facial rejuvenation techniques, our practice consistently achieves results that beautifully blend aesthetics with functional improvements. Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Carniciu to explore customized festoon treatment options today!
