The malar bone, also known as the zygomatic bone, is the part of the skull that forms the cheek. Popularly known as the cheekbone, it is situated below the eyes and forms the underlying bony structure that gives the cheeks their convex contour.
The malar eminence is the most prominent portion of this bone, or the center of the convex curve. A youthful appearance is characterized by prominent cheekbones, which are formed by the malar eminence. On top of this bone, soft tissue and skin form a smooth, gentle contour between the lower eyelid and the malar bone. This soft tissue is known as the malar fat pad. It is shaped as a triangle, with the lower portion ending at the nasolabial fold (the skin crease extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth) and its center at the malar eminence.
As we age, characteristic changes occur in this portion of the face. The soft tissues begin to sag and wrinkle. The malar fat pad loses definition and slides downward due to gravity. Many people find that this gives them a tired, aged appearance. Surgical repairs to enhance this area of the face can restore the appearance of the original anatomy, giving the patient a younger-looking appearance. Options include a facelift, which lifts the malar fat pad and other soft tissues to a higher position on the face, or malar implants, which use synthetic materials to build up the malar bone and make the malar eminence more prominent.
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