Temple fillers, a relatively lesser-known facial procedure, offer a noticeable enhancement for individuals experiencing volume loss in their temple area. This treatment can create smoother facial contours, appealing to both younger and mature individuals, resulting in a balanced, youthful, and feminine appearance.
Additionally, temple fillers can provide a subtle lift to the eyebrows and upper eyelids, contributing to a more refreshed and youthful look.
Why treat hollow temples?
As we age, it’s common for us to lose some amount of facial fullness, causing the face to become more angular. In some cases, fat under the skin dissipates with age, shrinking the temples and narrowing the sides of the face. This small change can make a big difference in the face, causing a person to look emaciated or prematurely old.
Why do the temples change as we age?
Aging is the leading cause of hollow temples. Over time we experience collagen loss and changes in bone density. As our skin ages and sags, the appearance of hollow temples accentuates. This is usually a very gradual process, however it can affect some people earlier, especially if they are naturally slimmer or have experienced weight loss. If you are someone who exercises very regularly with activities such as running and you eat a low fat diet, it’s possible that the aging process and the hollowing of your temple region has been exacerbated.
How is it done?
Dermal fillers consist of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in the body. The appropriate type of filler, with the correct viscosity and thickness, is chosen for the injection. Before the procedure, a topical numbing cream is applied to the temples.
The rejuvenation process for the temples is straightforward, involving 1-2 small injections of filler per side. Typically, 1-2cc of filler is needed to replenish sunken temples, depending on the extent of volume loss.
What can I expect?
Enhanced fullness and smoothness in the temple region result in a more youthful appearance. Additionally, the eyes appear lifted and rejuvenated.
Patients with a prominent orbital rim, which can contribute to an older and fiercer look, can benefit from temple fillers. When combined with a forehead filler if necessary, this treatment can soften the protrusion, imparting a gentler, more feminine, and youthful appearance.
When should you get temple fillers?
The loss of volume in the temples typically starts in your mid 30’s. Dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid can help fill in these hollows and restore volume. By starting early, you’ll require less product than if you wait until your mid-40s.
Generally, fillers last for 12 months. Different type of fillers are meant for different areas of the face and have different longevity due to the filler material.
Typically, fillers dissolve naturally over time as the body breaks them down into water. However, there have been instances where fillers lasted longer than expected. In these cases, a dissolver called hyalase is injected to break down the filler into water.
Most filler injections are typically not painful when numbing cream is applied. However, certain areas like the lips can be more sensitive and may cause more discomfort. Do note that the expertise and technique of the doctor also play a role in determining the level of discomfort. An experienced and gentle doctor can significantly reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Like any medical procedure, injectable procedures carry potential side effects.
The most common side effects of injections include bruising and swelling, which occur when a larger blood vessel beneath the skin is injured during the injection. Typically, bruising and swelling subside within 4-7 days.
One of the most serious side effects of filler injections is vessel occlusion, where the filler obstructs blood flow in a crucial blood vessel, potentially leading to skin necrosis or even blindness.
There's a misconception that only nose fillers can cause blindness, but fillers injected anywhere on the face can pose this risk. Blindness occurs when filler material blocks blood flow to the optic nerve in the eye. The proximity of blood vessels supplying the eye to the nose makes nose fillers particularly risky. Skin necrosis, the death of skin cells, occurs when blood vessels supplying a specific area of skin become blocked.
Understanding facial blood vessels is crucial to minimizing these risks, emphasizing the importance of seeking treatment from experienced doctors.
Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours. Avoid any facial massage for at least 2 weeks.
There is almost no downtime when undergoing fillers. After the procedure, clients can go back to most of their daily activities except for the strenuous ones. During the recovery period, a proper sleeping position must be observed especially in the first few days. Sleeping facing up is advised. Avoid touching, massaging, or pricking around the injection area to avoid complications or infections.