Malar bag

What is a malar bag?

They often form as a result of sagging of the orbicularis muscle, which may be associated with a loss of fat in the cheekbone, which no longer supports the muscle.

It is important to know that a malar bag is not made up of fat, but of lymph.

Causes of malar bags

Treatment of malar bags by Dr Hayot

Medical treatment of moderate malar bags

In moderate forms, Dr Hayot recommends medical treatment to reduce the bags:

• A delayed-release cortisone injection on the periosteum can act on the inflammatory component of the malar bag.
• A hyaluronidase injection can significantly reduce the oedema.

Surgery for the treatment of pronounced malar bags

The surgical procedure is more extensive than the removal of fatty bags. It combines a sub-eyelid lift to reattach the muscle with a lipostructure to fill the submalar hollow, which often contributes to the malar bag.

The incision is made along the lash line. The submuscular lift tightens the area by reattaching the excess muscle to the bone. Dr Hayot also performs cheekbone lipofilling (injection of fat taken from the patient’s knee or abdomen) to restore volume and ensure good tissue support.

Results of malar bag treatment

The sub-eyelid muscle lift performed to remove malar bags is a delicate procedure. The orbicularis muscle must be perfectly re-tensioned to avoid damaging the nerve endings and the muscle, and to avoid postoperative ectropion (slackening of the lower eyelid). The surgeon must master the laser scalpel in order to make precise incisions along the ciliary margin. The excess skin must be removed in a measured way to avoid deforming the eye and causing a round-eye appearance.

Because of its complexity, this lift must be performed by an experienced surgeon. Ask Dr Hayot, a specialist in eyelid surgery in Paris.