Malar bags — also known as festoons — are bulging swellings located beneath the eyes. Unlike tear troughs or under-eye bags, which appear directly under the lower eyelid, malar bags sit lower and often follow a curved path toward the cheekbone.
Their causes are multifactorial and include excess fat, weakened connective tissue, reduced skin elasticity, and impaired lymphatic drainage. Malar bags often give the appearance of tiredness, heaviness, or chronic fatigue — even in otherwise healthy individuals.
At Swiss Derma Clinic Zurich, we offer gentle and effective treatment options for malar bags — without surgery. Schedule a consultation with our experienced medical team to learn more.
Understanding the Cause, Choosing the Right Treatment
Some people develop malar bags at a younger age, while for others they appear gradually with age. Contributing factors include:
- Degeneration of elastic fibers in the connective tissue
- Chronic UV exposure
- Skin laxity and weakening of structural support
- Impaired lymphatic flow
- Chronic irritation (e.g. allergies)
A precise diagnosis is crucial. Conventional approaches like dermal fillers are often ineffective and may even worsen the swelling. Instead, we use non-invasive and energy-based technologies such as high-intensity ultrasound, medical-grade radiofrequency, and laser therapy.
Our Treatment Options at a Glance
Sofwave (High-Intensity Ultrasound)
Sofwave delivers thermal stimulation deep into the dermis to activate collagen production. It firms the tissue and improves lymphatic drainage. Depending on the case, malar bags can be significantly reduced without damaging the skin or requiring downtime.
Genius (Radiofrequency Microneedling)
This treatment combines microneedling with fractional radiofrequency energy to target deeper skin layers, stimulate regeneration, and improve skin texture and metabolism — with a visible tightening effect.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment also stimulates skin renewal and firming. At Swiss Derma Clinic, laser procedures are a core focus. Depending on your skin type and the severity of the festoons, we use various laser systems to achieve optimal results.
Lymphatic Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage with lymph-activating creams can be provided as a follow-up treatment in our Zurich clinic.
Use of Fillers — With Caution
In most cases, fillers are not recommended for treating malar bags, as they may increase pressure in the tissue and worsen the swelling. In very specific cases, filler use may be considered depending on the patient’s skin condition.
Effective Combination Treatments
The best outcomes are often achieved by combining modalities — for example, Sofwave for tightening and Genius for deep collagen stimulation. Depending on your skin’s condition, combining these with medical microneedling may be beneficial.
Your Consultation at Swiss Derma Clinic Zurich
Together, we determine the treatment best suited to your needs. Our focus is always on natural-looking results, minimal downtime, and noticeable improvement in skin structure.
