Temple filler aims to support a temple area that has hollowed with time or is naturally flat. The temple is rarely the first place people look in the mirror, yet it frames the upper face. When volume drops here the tail of the brow loses its support, the outer corner of the eye can look drawn in, and the face narrows at the top and reads as more tired.
What changes at the temple
The temple holds a thin layer of fat over muscle. Over the years these tissues lose volume, the underlying bone becomes more apparent and the area sinks. In some people the hollowing is not related to age at all but is simply structural. Rapid weight loss can also affect this region noticeably. Filler replaces part of the lost volume in order to soften the transition between the forehead, the brow and the eye area.
Which area is targeted
- The hollowed temple between the outer corner of the eye and the hairline
- The area just above and outside the tail of the brow
- The transition between the temple and the lateral wall of the forehead
This region is assessed together with the cheek and the forehead. Filling the temple in isolation can upset the harmony between the upper and mid face, so the plan is made by looking at the face as a whole.
Who it suits, and who needs closer assessment
It is considered for people with visible hollowing or flattening at the temples who want a more balanced upper face. The temple deserves particular care because of its vessels and nerves, which makes candidate selection and technique especially important. It may not be appropriate during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with an active infection in the area, in bleeding disorders or uncontrolled autoimmune disease. Suitability is determined by a medical examination.
How the session proceeds
During the examination the depth of the hollowing, the position of the brow and the relationship with the cheek are all assessed. The skin is cleaned and the injection points and depth are marked carefully. A topical anaesthetic can be applied for comfort. The filler is usually placed with a cannula or another technique suited to the region, at the planned depth and balanced on both sides. Because small amounts can make a visible difference here, the application proceeds slowly and under control. It is completed in an outpatient setting.
Onset and duration of the effect
The effect begins to show right after the application, and the look becomes clearer once the mild swelling of the first days settles. Duration depends on the product, the amount and the person's metabolism, and is usually described in months. Because the temple moves relatively little, the effect is known to last comparatively well here; even so, results vary from person to person.
Aftercare
- Avoid pressing or rubbing the area on the first day.
- Watch out for tight hats, glasses arms and headphones that press on the region in the first days.
- Stay away from saunas, steam rooms and intense exercise for a few days.
- Mild swelling, tenderness or small bruises can occur and are usually temporary.
- Contact the clinic if you notice unusual pain or a colour change.
Points that are often confused
Temple filler is not a brow lift. Supporting the temple can contribute when the tail of the brow looks low, but it is not a lifting method and is not always sufficient on its own. It is also worth knowing that excess product is immediately obvious in this region; a puffy temple does not look natural. A measured approach, completed in a second session if needed, is preferred.
What it is often planned alongside
The temple is rarely treated in isolation. Where coherence across the upper face is the goal, cheek support, botox around the brow and work on the forehead can all belong to the same plan. Sequence matters in that kind of planning: which area comes first and what can wait for a second session is decided together at the visit. Nothing has to be done in a single sitting, and working in stages often gives a more controlled result.
Useful things to know before the visit
It matters that you tell us about the medications you take, especially blood thinning drugs and supplements, any known allergies and any aesthetic treatments you have had before. If your weight is still changing noticeably, mention that too, since it can affect the result. If you have an important event coming up, arranging the treatment at least a week beforehand makes for a more comfortable process.