The temples are a region that forms the upper outer frame of the face and is often overlooked. Yet volume loss in this area gives the face an angular, tired and aged look. When the temple hollows, the tail of the eyebrow drops and the eye area looks more tense and harsh. Temple filler addresses this depression, giving the face a soft, full and balanced upper frame.
Why does the temple region hollow?
In a young face the transition between the forehead, temple and cheekbone is smooth and slightly full. With ageing the fat and muscle volume in this region decreases, the underlying bone support recedes and the temples hollow inward. In some people this hollowing is prominent from birth or due to thinness. As a result, the upper half of the face takes on a narrowed, ‘hourglass-like’ appearance.
Temple filler reframes the upper part of the face by filling this depression. Thus the tail of the eyebrow is gently supported, the eye area softens and the face looks younger and more rested.
The benefits of temple filler
- Fullness and a smooth transition in the hollowed temple region.
- Slight upward support of the brow tail and a more open gaze.
- A soft unity between the forehead, eye area and cheekbone.
- A reduction of angularity in the facial frame and overall balancing.
How is it applied?
The temple region is an area that requires care in terms of vessels and nerves; for this reason the application must be performed by a physician well versed in anatomy with the correct plan. Before the application the region is assessed and a topical anaesthetic cream is applied for comfort. The filler is injected little by little with a fine needle or a blunt-tipped cannula in a suitable and safe plane.
The procedure usually takes a short time and the result is largely seen immediately. The symmetry of the two temples is continuously checked throughout the application; the aim is to provide a balanced, natural fullness on both sides.
Longevity and aftermath
Because the temple is a relatively immobile region, the longevity of the filler is generally long; depending on the product used and the person, an effect of on average 12–18 months can be observed. For a few days after the procedure it is recommended to avoid pressure and massage of the area, as well as very hot environments. Mild swelling or rarely a small bruise may occur and passes in a short time.
Temple filler is a ‘hidden’ touch that often goes unnoticed but rests the whole face.
Who is it suitable for?
It is a suitable application for people who have a prominent hollow in the temples and notice narrowing and tiredness in the upper part of their face. It is often evaluated together with the cheekbone and forehead region, as part of a holistic rejuvenation plan. It is not performed in situations such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, a regional active infection and an allergy to the filler content.
Before the application, your medical history and expectations are discussed in detail. How temple filler will create harmony with your face as a whole is given priority in planning.
Why is it often not done alone?
The temple is part of the upper frame of the face and is directly related to the forehead, brow, eye area and cheekbone. For this reason temple filler is often evaluated as part of a holistic rejuvenation plan. For example, when the cheekbone and temple are supported together, the transition between the mid and upper face looks much more natural and balanced.
Filling only the temple and ignoring its surroundings can sometimes lead to an unbalanced appearance. Good planning treats the face not as separate regions but as a whole that ‘talks’ to itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is temple filler safe? The region requires care in terms of vessels and nerves; for this reason, when performed by a physician well versed in anatomy, in a suitable plane and usually with a blunt-tipped cannula, it is a safe application. The choice of physician and technique is especially important in this region.
How long does the result last? Because the temple is relatively immobile, the longevity is generally long; an effect of on average 12–18 months can be observed. When the effect diminishes, a renewal can be done.
What is the recovery like? For a few days after the procedure, mild swelling or rarely a small bruise may occur; these pass in a short time. Most people return to daily life comfortably the next day.
Preparation before the application
A few days before the application, avoiding — with your physician's approval — medications and supplements with a blood-thinning effect and limiting alcohol can reduce the likelihood of bruising. If you have an important event, it is good to plan the application in advance so that any swelling or bruising can pass. Sharing your medical history and the medications you use is important for safe planning.
For a few days after the procedure, it is recommended not to apply pressure and firm massage to the area, and to avoid very hot environments and intense exercise. Mild swelling or rarely a small bruise may occur; these pass on their own in a short time.
The key to a natural result
Naturalness in temple filler comes from adjusting the amount and the transitions correctly. The aim is not to make the temple look ‘filled’ but to create a flawless transition with the forehead, brow and cheekbone. For this reason the application is planned taking into account the dynamic movements of the face as well.
In some people a measured fullness is achieved in a single session, and if necessary fine-tuning is done in a second session. This gradual approach safeguards both safety and the most natural result. Regular sun protection and general skin care also play a role in maintaining the results.
In situations such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, a regional active infection and an allergy to the filler content, the application is not performed or is postponed. A detailed assessment before the application supports both safety and the quality of the result.
The role of the temple in facial ageing
When facial ageing is mentioned, most people first think of wrinkles; yet volume loss is at least as decisive as wrinkles. Because the hollowing in the temples narrows the upper outer frame of the face, it makes the gaze look tired and also reduces the effect of rejuvenation in other regions. For this reason the temple is often referred to as the ‘forgotten but difference-making’ region.
When the temple is supported, the tail of the eyebrow is carried slightly upward and the eye area looks more open and rested. This effect sometimes gives a more natural and holistic result than procedures aimed at the eye area; because the volume loss at the source of the problem has been addressed.
For this reason temple filler is evaluated not just as an aesthetic addition but as a rejuvenation step that rebuilds the facial frame. When planned in a measured and correct way, it is a touch that no one can ask ‘what did you have done’ about but which markedly rests the face.
Regular sun protection and skin care also play a role in maintaining the results; healthy skin texture positively affects the appearance of the filler.
At the clinic of Dr. Burcu Çelen, temple filler is applied with an approach that evaluates your face as a whole and prioritises naturalness and safety. For a more rested upper face, you can make an appointment to discuss a plan suitable for you.