Quick Overview

• What we treat: Festoons (malar bags/malar mounds), puffy “ballooning” over the cheekbone, crepey lower-lid skin, tear-trough grooves, lingering swelling after fillers or surgery
• Approach: Cause-based mix of surgical (skin–muscle redraping, malar septum release, SOOF/midface support, direct festoon excision) and non-surgical (hyaluronidase for old filler, RF microneedling/fractional laser, PRP/skin boosters)
• Anesthesia: Local with sedation (case-by-case)
• Time: ~60–150 minutes (scope dependent)
• Downtime: Social downtime ~10–14 days (non-surgical 0–3 days)
• Goal: Smoother lid–cheek transition with natural, long-lasting improvement—not hollow

Why Choose Sinsa L

• Periorbital specialists: We treat eyelids, canthi, and midface as one unit—key for festoons, which live on the cheek (not just the eyelid).
• Cause-first planning: We identify the mix of skin laxity, orbicularis muscle laxity, malar septum looseness, lymphatic stasis, sun damage, and prior filler before choosing a technique.
• Natural outcomes: Preference for fat preservation/repositioning and proper support over aggressive removal that can look hollow or tight.
• International-friendly: Clear English consults, photo reviews, transparent quotes, travel-aware scheduling near Sinsa Station (Exit 3).

What Are Festoons (Malar Bags)?

Festoons are puffy folds or “balloons” that sit on the cheekbone beneath the lower eyelid. They’re different from eye bags (which are lower-lid fat) and often involve skin–muscle laxity and fluid/lymph accumulation. Sun exposure, aging, genetics, and prior procedures (including filler) can contribute.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

• Persistent “ballooning” or water-bag look over the cheekbone that doesn’t improve with sleep
• Crepey skin and a visible lid–cheek step-off or groove
• Past tear-trough filler with chronic swelling (suspect retained HA)
• Willing to follow aftercare and allow ~1–2 weeks of social downtime for surgery

Treatment Options (Customized Mix)

Non-Surgical (Adjuncts & Prep)

• Hyaluronidase for old/retained tear-trough filler that worsens malar edema
• RF microneedling / Fractional laser to firm crepey skin (settings tailored to skin type)
• PRP / Skin boosters for dermal quality
• Lifestyle guidance: salt/alcohol moderation, allergy care, sun protection (supportive, not curative)

Surgical (Definitive for Structural Festoons)

• Subciliary Skin–Muscle Redraping
  Fine incision under lashes; releases scar bands, tightens/reshapes the orbicularis; often combined with malar septum release to reduce fluid trapping.
• SOOF/Midface Support (Lift/Suspension)
  Elevates the sub-orbicularis oculi fat and midface to smooth the lid–cheek junction and support the festoon region.
• Fat Repositioning (if eye bags co-exist)
  Moves protruding lower-lid fat to fill grooves while preserving volume—prevents a scooped look.
• Lid Support (Canthopexy / Lateral Tarsal Strip)
  Adds corner support to maintain shape and avoid rounding or retraction after tightening.
• Direct Festoon Excision (Selected Cases)
  Precisely removes redundant festoon skin along natural lines on the malar mound; powerful for severe festoons with careful scar planning.

Your plan may combine several steps for the best contour and durability.

Your Treatment Journey

1. Consultation & Imaging – Assess skin quality, muscle tone, malar septum, midface, lid laxity (snap-back), prior fillers/surgeries; photos for planning.
2. Plan & Quote – Non-surgical prep (e.g., hyaluronidase) vs. surgical correction; whether to add fat repositioning and lid support.
3. Procedure Day – Precise release, redraping, support, and (when indicated) direct festoon excision; same-day discharge in most cases.
4. Aftercare & Checks – Cooling, head elevation; stitches out ~5–7 days; structured follow-ups for swelling, scar care, and symmetry.

Recovery Timeline (Typical)

• Days 1–3: Peak swelling; tightness/heaviness; cool compresses as advised
• Days 4–7: Stitches out (if applicable); light makeup after clearance
• Week 2: Bruising improves; comfortable socially
• Weeks 3–8: Contour refines; skin texture continues to improve (with energy-based adjuncts)
• Months 3–6: Final definition; scars mature and blend

Aftercare Tips

• Sleep with head elevated 1–2 weeks
• Avoid heavy exercise, saunas, alcohol for ~2 weeks
• Follow ointment/silicone/UV protection exactly as directed
• Gentle lymphatic care (no hard massage) if advised
• Report increasing redness, pain, or sudden asymmetry promptly

Risks & Considerations

Swelling/bruising, dryness, temporary numbness/tightness, visible scarring (especially with direct excision—we plan to hide it), asymmetry, contour irregularity, prolonged edema/seroma, pigment change after lasers/peels (risk tailored by skin type), lower-lid malposition if support is insufficient (mitigated with canthopexy/tarsal strip), and possible staged refinement.

Pricing (Guide)

• Subciliary Skin–Muscle Redraping ± Malar Septum Release: ₩2.8M–₩5.5M
• SOOF/Midface Support (add-on): ₩1.5M–₩3.0M
• Direct Festoon Excision (selected): ₩2.5M–₩4.5M
• Fat Repositioning with Lower Bleph: ₩1.8M–₩4.8M (approach-dependent)
• Canthopexy / Lateral Tarsal Strip (add-on): ₩0.8M–₩2.0M
• Hyaluronidase (per session): ₩150K–₩300K
• RF Microneedling / Fractional Laser (per session): ₩300K–₩800K
  Final quote depends on anatomy and scope; provided after in-person evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are festoons the same as eye bags?
No. Eye bags are lower-lid fat bulges; festoons sit on the cheekbone (malar area) and often involve skin–muscle laxity and fluid.

Will filler help festoons?
Usually no—and it can worsen swelling. We may first dissolve old HA in the tear trough before definitive festoon repair.

Will there be scars?
Subciliary incisions hide under lashes. Direct excision can leave a fine malar line; we plan along natural creases and guide scar care to blend it.

Can this be combined with eye-bag surgery?
Yes—combining fat repositioning, festoon tightening/redraping, and lid support often gives the smoothest, most durable result.

How long should overseas patients stay?
Plan 10–14 days for stitch removal and early checks; complex cases may benefit from an additional follow-up.

Visit Sinsa L Plastic Surgery (Sinsa, Gangnam)

• Address: 3F–4F, 598 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Road name)
  Lot address: 17-4 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu
• Subway: Line 3 Sinsa Station, Exit 3 → ~1 minute walk
• Hours: Weekdays 10:00–19:00 | Saturday 10:00–17:00 | Sun/Holidays Closed
• Tel: 02-517-7410

Book a Consultation

Send front/45°/side photos (relaxed and smiling) and note any prior fillers or surgeries. We’ll map the drivers of your festoons and design a targeted, natural repair—non-surgical prep when needed, and surgical redraping/support for lasting smoothness.