At A Glance Temple Fillers
- Best Results1-2 sessions
- Treatment RecoveryImmediate
- Procedure Time30 minutes
- Skin SpecialistDermatologist, Nurse Injector
- Duration of Results24 months+
- AnaestheticNumbing in the filler
- Back to WorkImmediately
- Cost$$- $$$
Temple Fillers
Volume over time can deepen shadows in the temple resulting in an aged hollow appearance. Volumization with fillers not only restores contours, it can potentially lift brows & most importantly, tie in the orbital area to the cheek. Facial balance is the key to looking natural.
FactsTemple fillers: The facts
- The temple forms a visual continuation of the orbit & cheek
- As we age, the temple becomes hollow & ‘volume depleted’
- Volume replacement can reduce shadows
- Most importantly, volume fillers in this area can influence the shape & height of the eyebrow
- The temple area forms a ‘C’ shaped curve from the cheeks, cheek bone to the outer brow
- Facial harmony gives the most natural results
Why temples & what can fillers achieve?
Improving temple shadows & hollowing; fillers replace loss volume in this area. This is especially important if the contours of the upper third is ‘pinched’. (In the industry we refer to this contour as ‘peanut silhouette -head.’ The description is self-explanatory. Pinched is a termed given by injector nurse Rachel Hornbuckle, which I think is more appropriate.)
Lifting the outer eyebrow; especially important if the tail of the lateral (outer) brow is weak. Subtle filling restores the curves, & in most cases can give a brow lift to the outer brow.
The ‘C’ Contour of the brows & cheek & the S Ogee curve that ties in the upper cheeks, temples & outer brow. Contours are best seen from an oblique angle. The gentle convex curved temple & brow area is rounded in youth. As we age & lose volume, these natural curves collapse resulting in loss of the attractive facial aesthetics of the Ogee curve.
What causes temporal hollowing - sunken temples?
Most cases are due to age related decrease in temporal fat in addition to less bone & muscle in the temples. A lean body mass index (especially in females) can lead to temporal hollowing. This is common amongst high level athletes & long-distance runners.
As a comparison, refer to photographs of your temples in your early 20s. Most people will have ‘full’ temples. As we age, temples become deflated & curves are lost.
What types of fillers do I use to treat this area?
I employ both hyaluronic acid fillers as well as collagen stimulating filler. The advantage of HA fillers is that the results are instant, giving a one-to-one correction. (Realistically I do expect volume to be multiplied by 1.1-1.2 over time, as hyaluronic acid fillers do absorb water. This can balance the slight swelling after the procedure).
Collagen stimulating fillers such as Poly-L-Lactic Acid & calcium hydroxyl apatite offer longer lasting improvement with slower initial results. These fillers rely on your immune system to stimulate collagen (takes 3-6 months for optimal results).
How long do temple fillers last?
Temple fillers typically last 18 to 36 months, depending on the type of dermal filler and your metabolism.
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Do I use a cannula or a needle for temple fillers?
I use both techniques in this area, largely depending on the anatomy of the patient, & any associated areas to be addressed during the filling session.
Needle technique is colloquially termed the ‘shotgun technique’. Vertical entry behind and above the lateral eyebrow. The tip of the needle is placed directly on the bone. The filler treks behind the temporalis muscle. In the majority of cases I only use ONE injection point
I also employ cannulas, especially when I am using collagen stimulating dermal fillers. My preference is calcium hydroxyl apatite as this filler has a very high lifting potential.
Do I use fat transfer or fat grafting in the temples?
Yes. There are advantages & disadvantages of fat. The main advantages of fat is the amount of VOLUME it generates, additionally we use your own body’s supply – hence no concerns over allergies. The disadvantage of fat is that we don’t know how much will be reabsorbed. Most cases of fat transfer will last upwards of 10+ years or longer (depending on metabolism & weight).
What are the risks of treating this area?
All injectable carry some form of risks, however the aim is to mitigate potential side effects. This is especially important in the vessel rich area of the temples.
- Swelling (often mild, less than 24 to 48 hours)
- Bruising
- Prominent veins (these veins are superficial, filler deep to these vessels can potentially ‘push’ them to the surface. Can be corrected with long pulse 1064 Nd Yag vascular laser, if required
- There have been cases of arterial injection in the temple area. This phenomenon is exceptionally rare. Knowledge of anatomy as well as safe injection techniques can greatly minimise this risk. HA fillers are reversible with an enzyme called Hyalase
Davin’s viewpoint on dermal fillers in the temple zone
Truth be told, if you wear your hair down, probably not a good idea to start your dermal filler experience in the temples. The temple area constitutes the ‘upper one third’ of facial aesthetics. It is an important part of the ‘eye rejuvenation’ journey as the lateral brow is dependent on temple volume. The majority of injectors leave this area as the last ‘to do after filling lips, & cheeks. For patients who have ‘pinched’ temples, treating areas such as the cheek bone & lateral cheeks can further accentuate the perception of volume loss in this area.
The temple area is often one of the last areas to be treated as it requires larger volumes; namely 2-4 ml on average (2-4 syringes). Temple hollowing can be genetic, age related (often over 35s), or more commonly seen in high level athletes. A high metabolism and low body fat composition can lead to temple hollowing.
In the majority of cases I use HA or hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, occasionally for larger volume deficits I employ Poly L Lactic Acid or Calcium Hydroxyl Apatite). In some cases, I perform fat transfer. I perform both needle & cannula techniques, based upon filler choice, & anatomical location. Fillers in the temple area typically last 18 to 36+ months.
