Festoon Treatment in Westchester, NY

Festoons, or malar mounds, are fluid-filled pockets that form beneath the eyes, causing puffiness and swelling that can detract from your natural beauty.

Compassionate, Experienced Festoon Treatment Surgeon

At New York Eye & Face, our empathetic surgeon offers concierge care in a state-of-the-art practice setting. Patients struggling with festoons in the eye area receive personalized treatment plans to address their concerns and restore their quality of life. Our award-winning, board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Anaïs Carniciu, is a Fellowship-trained specialist who delivers outstanding results for your peace of mind.

Dr. Carniciu is professional, accessible, and an excellent doctor. I’m glad she was recommended to me.

A.H.

What Are Festoons?

Festoons refer to the triangular areas of excess tissue in the cheeks where fluid develops. Other terms for festoons include malar mounds or malar bags. Festoons are not the same as “eye bags”, which manifest as semi-circular regions directly under the eyes and are related to herniated orbital fat. Eye bags are primarily fat, while festoons are primarily fluid and non-fatty soft tissue.

Why Do Festoons Look The Way They Do?

Festoons always appear as different variations of a triangular shape. They are always in the lateral cheek region. The consistent shape and location of the festoon has to do with anatomy. Simply, there are ligaments that support the facial structures. The triangular borders of the festoon are due to ligaments that support the facial structures near the festoon. As facial tissue descends and volume loss progresses with time, the ligaments become more visible and reveal the festoons.

What Causes Festoons?

Hereditary reasons – Festoons can be inherited and may appear at a young age.
Thyroid disorders – Thyroid imbalance or a history of autoimmune disease can result in festoons.
Rosacea – This skin inflammation disorder can lead to improper eye drainage, causing festoons along with swelling.
Sleep apnea – Festoons may occur in those who suffer from sleep apnea. Treatment masks may exert pressure on the cheeks, increasing swelling and worsening festoons.
HA-based fillers – Under-eye or cheek fillers that remain in place for years may eventually migrate, causing festoons to be more noticeable.
Lifestyle factors – Habits such as smoking and the overuse of salt in one’s diet can exacerbate festoons.

How Can I Treat My Festoons?

First, your doctor may ask about other causes for fluid retention, such as salt intake, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. After ruling out factors that may be worsening the festoon, a variety of treatments can be considered. Some treatment options include direct festoon excision, doxycycline or tetracycline injections, CO2 laser treatment, and lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

Doxycycline or Tetracycline Injections

Doxycycline or Tetracycline injections are one treatment option. These injections are given in the office setting. This is a straightforward solution that allows for a quick procedure without incisions. For mild or moderate festoons, this may be an ideal option.

CO2 Laser Treatment

CO2 laser treatment is an alternative solution that has an intermediate amount of downtime between injections and surgery. Treatment can both help reduce the appearance of festoons, as well as improve skin quality and texture.

Direct Festoon Excision

Direct Festoon Excision is the most reliable way to successfully remove a festoon. The skin is first marked around the festoon and then excised. The skin is closed with sutures, which are removed at a later point. There is the risk of a potentially visible scar, though often the incision heals well.