Introduction

As patients age, they often focus on under-eye hollows or sagging cheeks — yet overlook one of the most critical signs of facial aging: temporal hollowing. The temples lose fat and structural support over time, causing the lateral brow and eyelid to descend, creating a tired or hollow look.

When injected correctly, temple filler restores youthful contour, subtly lifts the brows and outer eyes, and harmonizes overall facial balance. This article explains the anatomy, technique, and benefits of temple filler, along with strategies to achieve safe and natural outcomes. Learn hands-on injection methods in advanced facial contouring modules on Empire On-Demand.

Why the Temples Matter in Facial Aesthetics

Snippet: Temple volume loss is a key but often missed factor in facial aging and brow descent.

The temporal fossa is a concave region bordered by the lateral forehead, zygomatic arch, and hairline. With age, subcutaneous fat atrophies and bone resorbs at the temporal crest, creating hollowness that exaggerates upper-face sagging.

Filling the temples restores:

• Lateral support for the upper eyelid and brow

• Smooth transition between the forehead and cheek

• Improved light reflection on the upper face

• A youthful, heart-shaped contour

By rebalancing upper-face proportions, temple filler enhances not only the temples but the perceived lift of the outer eyes and brows.

The Lifting Effect Explained

Snippet: Temple filler restores the framework that supports the eyes, subtly lifting surrounding tissues.

1. Restores Volume: Replacing lost fat and bone support re-tensions the lateral forehead and upper orbital tissues.

2. Lifts the Tail of the Brow: Strategic filler placement beneath the temporal crest pushes the brow apex upward.

3. Smooths the Periorbital Transition: Reduces hollow shadows between the temple, lid, and cheek junction.

4. Balances Facial Harmony: Even small improvements in temple fullness enhance the entire midface appearance.

A study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal confirmed that temple augmentation improves perceived youthfulness and facial attractiveness by restoring lateral volume symmetry.

Product Selection and Injection Technique

Filler Type

Use high G’ hyaluronic acid fillers or calcium hydroxylapatite depending on depth and goal. HA fillers allow easy reversibility and hydration; CaHA provides structural lift and collagen stimulation.

Injection Depth

• Deep supraperiosteal plane: For bony contour and maximal lift

• Intermediate subcutaneous plane: For smoothing or contour blending

Tools

A 22–25G microcannula is preferred for reduced vascular risk and improved safety.

Technique Pearls

• Inject slowly, with aspiration and minimal pressure.

• Use 0.5–1.0 mL per side, layering in multiple passes if needed.

• Always be aware of the superficial temporal artery and frontal branch of the facial nerve.

Anatomical precision and safety-based injection technique are taught in Advanced Botox & Dermal Filler Training — Level II.

Safety First: Avoiding Complications

Snippet: The temple area contains key vessels that require careful technique.

Major risks include:

• Vascular occlusion from arterial injection

• Bruising or hematoma

• Uneven contouring

Safety measures:

• Always use a cannula for deep injections.

• Inject small, controlled volumes.

• Avoid medial and inferior areas near the zygomatic arch.

For advanced complication management and occlusion treatment protocols, see Complications Mastery Program.

Integrating Temple Filler into Full-Face Balancing

Snippet: Temple filler enhances harmony when paired with midface or periorbital treatments.

Temporal correction is often performed with:

• Cheek filler to restore midface projection

• Tear trough correction for under-eye shadows

• Brow toxin to elevate the medial brow

• PDO threads for additional lifting synergy

Combining these treatments delivers a cohesive, balanced rejuvenation that looks refreshed rather than “filled.”

Providers refining full-face artistry can elevate results through Facial Balancing in the Younger Patient: Strategic Use of Fillers and Neurotoxins.

Patient Assessment and Consultation

Evaluate each patient’s:

• Skull shape and temporal bone projection

• Lateral brow position

• Volume loss severity (mild, moderate, severe)

• Skin laxity and vascular visibility

Photograph from multiple angles to evaluate symmetry. A common error is overfilling one side, which can distort the lateral contour.

Educate patients that temple filler supports the overall lift — not just fills a hollow. Clear communication prevents unrealistic expectations and enhances satisfaction.

Aftercare

• Avoid pressure, massage, or sleeping on the side for 24 hours.

• No strenuous exercise or alcohol for 48 hours.

• Apply cold compresses for swelling.

• Schedule follow-up in two weeks for symmetry check.

Results typically last 12–18 months with hyaluronic acid fillers and up to 24 months with biostimulatory products.

Clinical Takeaway

Temple filler is an advanced yet underutilized technique that powerfully rejuvenates the upper face. By restoring structural volume, it repositions soft tissues, creating a natural lift and refreshed appearance around the eyes.

When executed with anatomical precision and product understanding, temple filler harmonizes the face without visible signs of treatment — an ideal balance between science and artistry.

FAQs

1. Why do temples hollow with age?
   Fat loss, bone resorption, and skin thinning contribute to temporal hollowing.

2. Does temple filler lift the brows?
   Yes, by restoring lateral support, it can subtly elevate the brow tail.

3. Is it painful?
   Minimal discomfort with topical numbing and cannula use.

4. What are the risks?
   Vascular occlusion, bruising, or unevenness — minimized with proper technique.

5. How much filler is typically needed?
   Usually 0.5–1.0 mL per side, depending on the degree of hollowing.

6. Can it be reversed?
   HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if needed.

7. Does it change facial shape?
   Yes, it restores youthful contour and balances top-third proportions.

8. How long do results last?
   12–18 months for HA; longer for CaHA-based fillers.

9. Is it safe for all patients?
   Safe in trained hands; avoid in those with vascular disease or prior occlusion.

10. Can it be combined with Botox?
    Yes, combination therapy enhances lifting and longevity of results.

References

• DeLorenzi C. “Anatomy and Techniques for Safe Temple Filler Injection.” Aesthet Surg J. 2021.

• Pavicic T, et al. “Volume Restoration of the Temporal Region.” Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019.

• Beleznay K, et al. “Filler Complications and Vascular Safety.” Dermatol Surg. 2020.

• Gold M. “Soft Tissue Augmentation in the Upper Face.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022.

• Cotofana S, et al. “Ultrasound Anatomy of the Temple for Safe Injection Practice.” Clin Anat. 2023.