Age-related type
Involves progressive degradation of the skin’s structural protein, collagen. The natural process of ageing brings it about, which affects how the tissue moves and accumulates fluid in the cheeks.
Malar Bags
Malar bags, also known as malar mounds, are distinct soft tissue swellings that develop on the upper cheekbones, just below the delicate under-eye area. They can create heavy shadows on the mid-face, sometimes causing an unintentionally tired or aged appearance that may affect your self-confidence. At Abela Medical in Leeds, our doctor-led team provides thorough clinical assessments and a range of considered treatment options to help manage these swellings and restore a naturally refreshed look.
Performed by qualified medical professionals · Trusted & Personalised Care
Understanding the condition
What are Malar Bags?
This is a common facial condition. It occurs when skin and underlying supportive structures lose their elasticity. That is why this structural shift leads to fat descending and fluid accumulating over the cheekbones, often due to sluggish lymphatic drainage.
This condition is usually found on the malar prominence, located lower than under-eye bags. You should therefore visit us for a professional assessment of your specific facial structure and skin type.
There are various kinds of this problem:
Hereditary type
Refers to an early form of tissue puffiness or descent. It happens when genes dictate malar prominence in younger people, causing their cheeks to swell.
Root factors
What Causes Malar Bags?
Ageing and Structural Degeneration
With age, the body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin decreases. As this degeneration progresses, the skin loses its structure and elasticity, along with supportive tissue, causing sagging fat pads beneath the skin.
Lymphatic Dysfunction
Due to the area’s physiology above the cheekbones, fluid tends to flow poorly through this region. Fluid retention in the skin tissue increases the puffiness associated with this condition.
Genetic and Bone Makeup
How your mid-face ages depends largely on your bone composition and genetics. You are at greater risk of this problem if it runs in your family, as your genes increase the likelihood of it developing.
Sun Damage
Exposure to sunlight impairs the body’s ability to produce healthy proteins in the skin. This thins the skin in the eye and cheek areas, making the underlying fat pads and fluids more prominent.
Other Lifestyle Factors
Factors that cause fluid retention in the body, such as smoking, sodium-heavy diets and insufficient sleep, may contribute to the appearance of malar mounds.
Signs to look for
Symptoms of Malar Bags
Malar bags are a cosmetic concern rather than a medical issue. They are typically identified by the following characteristics:
- Puffy swellingsOn the upper cheekbones.
- Lower positionBelow standard eye bags.
- Fluctuating puffinessWorse in the morning.
- Visible boundaryA crease at the mound edge.
How to Prevent Malar Bags?
You cannot alter your genetics or stop ageing, but you can support your skin’s health and manage fluid retention with these practical steps:
Protect from the sun
Use a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen to prevent UV damage to the skin’s collagen and elastin.
Watch your salt intake
Maintain a healthy, well-rounded diet with controlled salt to minimise water retention.
Elevate your head at night
Use an additional pillow to promote adequate lymphatic drainage while you sleep.
Avoid smoking
Smoking impairs circulation and accelerates the degradation of the skin’s structural support.
Gentle facial massage
Incorporate light massage to encourage fluid movement away from the cheekbones.
Contact Us Today
If malar bags affect your self-confidence or leave you feeling perpetually tired, please contact our all-female medical team. You will be offered professional advice to help you find the most appropriate treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the details about this condition at Abela Medical. If your query is not listed below, please contact our clinic directly.
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Abela Medical
1 Sizers Ct, Yeadon
Leeds LS19 7DP, United Kingdom
Free parking on-site
1 Sizers Ct, Yeadon
Leeds LS19 7DP, United Kingdom
Free parking on-site
Opening hours
Mon to Fri 09:00 to 17:00
Saturday 09:00 to 16:00
Sunday Open on selected days (please enquire)
Saturday 09:00 to 16:00
Sunday Open on selected days (please enquire)
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Serving
Leeds · Bradford
Harrogate · Wakefield
Shipley · Ilkley
Harrogate · Wakefield
Shipley · Ilkley