Quadruple board-certified surgeon Dr. Harvey "Chip" Cole III highlights how specialized surgical techniques outperform non-invasive "quick fixes" for complex malar mounds.
-- As patients increasingly seek "tweakments" over traditional surgery, clinical data reveals that for festoons—or malar mounds—surgical intervention remains the gold standard for treatment. Dr. Harvey "Chip" Cole III, MD, FACS, an Atlanta festoon specialist, is highlighting the medical necessity of corrective surgery for these complex facial structures.
Festoons are often misdiagnosed as lower eyelid fat bags. However, research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows that malar edema and mounds contribute to 32% and 13%, respectively, of all lower eyelid aesthetic complaints. Unlike standard bags, festoons involve muscle laxity and fluid trapped by the malar septum, making them resistant to traditional cosmetic fixes.
"Festoons are a structural failure of the mid-face," says Dr. Cole. "The anatomy involves the degeneration of the orbicularis muscle and weakening of the malar septum. Because of this, superficial treatments like fillers often backfire by attracting more water to the area, significantly worsening the swelling."
Pointing to the body of evidence for surgical intervention, Dr. Cole states that while non-invasive lasers offer mild improvement for early-stage cases, clinical studies in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal indicate that surgical correction provides the most durable results. A long-term study on direct excision techniques reported a recurrence rate as low as 3.7%, a figure that far outperforms energy-based or injectable alternatives.
Dr. Cole notes that many of his patients arrive seeking "revisions" after unsuccessful lower blepharoplasties performed elsewhere. Standard eyelid surgery that removes fat without addressing the malar mound can leave a "hollow" that actually highlights the festoon.
"Precision in the mid-face is the difference between a successful rejuvenation and a surgical failure," Dr. Cole explains. "By utilizing a SOOF lift or direct excision, we address the root cause—the 'swag' of the skin and muscle—rather than just masking the symptoms." He urges patients with persistent cheek puffiness to schedule a consultation, as identifying the specific anatomy of the mound is the only way to ensure a safe, predictable, long-lasting, and aesthetically wholesome result.
About
Dr. Harvey "Chip" Cole III, MD, FACS is a quadruple board-certified surgeon in Atlanta, specializing in oculoplastic and facial cosmetic surgery. With over 35,000 surgeries performed, "The Eye and Face Specialist" is a recognized authority on complex facial rejuvenation and the author of the best-seller Face Change. He founded Oculus Plastic Surgery in 1994 and leads the Face Change Foundation, providing reconstructive surgery to survivors of domestic violence.
For more information on festoon correction, visit https://oculusplasticsurgery.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Harvey "Chip" Cole, III, MD, FACS
Email: Send Email
Organization: Oculus Plastic Surgery
Address: 56 E Andrews Dr NW suite 11, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, United States
Website: https://oculusplasticsurgery.com/
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89183902
In the event of detecting errors, concerns, or irregularities in the content shared in this press release that require attention or if there is a need for a press release takedown, we kindly request that you inform us promptly by contacting error@releasecontact.com (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will promptly address your feedback within 8 hours and take necessary actions to resolve any identified issues diligently or guide you through the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is our utmost priority.
