Contours and Confusions: A Review of Malar Mounds, Malar Edema, and Festoons
Abstract
Malar bags, including malar mounds, malar edema, and festoons, represent a spectrum of conditions which pose both aesthetic and therapeutic challenges. Their overlapping anatomy and multifactorial etiology complicate diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to evaluate the current understanding of these terms, propose their clinical characteristics and pathophysiology, and evaluate approaches to management. While a range of treatment options have been suggested, the supporting evidence remains limited, and treatment must be tailored to each individual case.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Body Contouring and Surgery
Facial Rejuvenation and Surgery Techniques
Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
- Publisher
- Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
- Volume
- 37
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 2524–2533
- Publication date
- 21 May 2026
- Language
- EN