A Beginner’s Guide to Temple Dermal Fillers

When most people think of dermal fillers, they often imagine plump lips or contoured cheeks. However, one of the most transformative—and often overlooked—areas for filler treatment is the temples. Hollow or sunken temples can age the face significantly, creating a gaunt or skeletal look. Temple dermal fillers restore volume, balance the face, and subtly lift the upper face for a more refreshed appearance.

If you're new to the world of cosmetic treatments, this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about temple dermal fillers—from what they are to what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

What Are Temple Dermal Fillers?

Temple Dermal Filler are injectable treatments that add volume to the hollow areas on the sides of your forehead, just above the cheekbones and beside the eyes. This area, known as the temporal fossa, tends to lose volume due to aging, genetics, or weight loss.

The filler material—usually hyaluronic acid (HA) or calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)—is injected into the temples to:

Smooth out hollows.

Restore youthful contour.

Improve facial symmetry.

Create a soft lifting effect in the upper face.

Why Are the Temples Important in Facial Aesthetics?

While often overlooked, the temples play a critical role in facial balance and youthfulness. Hollow temples can:

Make the eyes look more sunken.

Cause the brows to appear heavy or droopy.

Create harsh angles, especially in lean individuals.

Disrupt the natural “heart-shaped” appearance of a youthful face.

By restoring volume in this area, temple fillers can soften the face, improve transitions between facial zones, and complete the overall harmony of a rejuvenated appearance.

What Causes Temple Hollowing?

Several factors contribute to temple volume loss:

Aging: Fat pads shrink, skin thins, and bone density decreases with age, creating a concave appearance.

Genetics: Some people naturally have deeper-set temples.

Weight Loss: Fat loss affects the face, especially in athletic individuals.

High Physical Activity: Marathon runners or those with low body fat may notice earlier volume depletion.

Sun Damage and Lifestyle: Smoking, UV exposure, and poor nutrition accelerate facial aging, including temple hollowing.

Am I a Good Candidate for Temple Fillers?

You may be a good candidate if:

You notice hollowing or concavity in your temples.

Your upper face appears tired, aged, or unbalanced.

You want subtle rejuvenation without surgery.

You’re in good health and not pregnant or breastfeeding.

You have realistic expectations about non-surgical outcomes.

A consultation with a qualified injector will determine whether temple fillers—or an alternative treatment—are right for you.

What Types of Fillers Are Used?

The most commonly used fillers for temple augmentation are:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers

Brands: Restylane® Lyft, Juvederm® Voluma, Teoxane® Ultra Deep.

Benefits: Soft, natural feel; reversible with hyaluronidase; immediate results.

Longevity: 9 to 15 months.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

Brand: Radiesse®.

Benefits: Provides structure and stimulates collagen production; longer-lasting.

Longevity: 12 to 18 months.

Note: Not reversible like HA fillers.

The choice of filler depends on your facial structure, skin thickness, age, and goals.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Consultation

Your practitioner will assess your face, take photos, and create a personalized treatment plan. They’ll explain the procedure, expected outcomes, risks, and costs.

Preparation

Topical numbing cream may be applied.

The treatment area is cleaned and marked.

Injection

The practitioner may use either:

A needle: Smoker’s Lines Filler, Offers precision but may cause more bruising.

A cannula: A blunt-tipped tool that reduces the risk of injury and allows smoother filler placement.

The filler is placed either:

Deep over the bone (supraperiosteal) for foundational support.

In the subcutaneous layer for more superficial contouring.

The entire process usually takes 15–30 minutes.

Is It Painful?

Most people report minimal discomfort. Most fillers contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that numbs the area during the injection. Any stinging or pressure sensation typically resolves quickly.

What to Expect After Treatment

Immediate Results

You’ll notice improvement right away, although full results are best seen once swelling subsides—usually in 5 to 7 days.

Recovery

Mild swelling, redness, or bruising is normal and usually resolves in a few days.

Avoid rubbing or pressing on the area.

Limit strenuous exercise, alcohol, and heat exposure for 24–48 hours.

Sleep with your head elevated on the first night if possible.

Before and After: Realistic Expectations

Before Fillers

Hollow or sunken temples.

Gaunt or tired upper face.

Shadows that make the eyes and brows appear heavy.

After Fillers

Fuller, smoother temples.

Subtle lifting of the brow area.

More youthful and balanced facial contours.

While the transformation is subtle, it contributes significantly to an overall refreshed and rested look.

Are There Any Risks?

Like any injectable treatment, temple fillers come with potential risks:

Bruising or swelling: Common and usually minor.

Asymmetry: Can be corrected with touch-ups.

Lumps or unevenness: Often resolve with massage or time.

Tyndall effect: A bluish tint from superficial HA placement (rare in the temple).

Vascular occlusion: A rare but serious complication if filler enters a blood vessel—this requires immediate attention and treatment.

Choosing a trained, experienced injector significantly reduces the chance of complications.

How Long Do Temple Fillers Last?

Longevity depends on:

Type of filler used.

Metabolism.

Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, sun exposure).

How much filler is placed.

On average:

HA fillers last 9–15 months.

CaHA fillers last 12–18 months or more.

Maintenance treatments may be needed once or twice a year.

Cost of Temple Fillers

Costs vary by region, injector expertise, and filler type, but expect to pay:

$600–$1,200 per session.

Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results, especially with significant hollowing.

Always prioritize safety and experience over bargains.

Final Thoughts

Temple dermal fillers may not be as well-known as lip or cheek enhancements, but they can be transformative. By restoring volume to this subtle area, you can achieve a more harmonious, youthful appearance without surgery or downtime.

Whether you're just beginning your cosmetic journey or looking to refine your results, temple filler is a powerful tool in the world of aesthetic medicine. Partner with a trusted, skilled practitioner, and you’ll be amazed at how this understated treatment can complete your look.