The temples are one of the first areas of the face to lose volume with age — and one of the last that patients consciously identify as a problem. Yet temple hollowing fundamentally changes the silhouette of the face: from the rounded, full oval of youth to a narrower, more angular shape that telegraphs age even when the rest of the face appears relatively unaffected. Restoring temple volume is one of the most structurally impactful changes we can make with filler — and frequently transforms the facial appearance more dramatically than patients expect for such a subtle-seeming treatment area.

Why Temples Age

The temporal fossa — the depression at the side of the skull above the cheekbone — is filled in youth by the temporalis muscle and subcutaneous fat. Both decrease with age: the temporalis muscle atrophies as chewing load decreases, and subcutaneous fat in this area deflates progressively. The result is the concave temple that becomes visible in the mid-30s and becomes pronounced by the 40s and 50s. Temple hollowing contributes to a skeletal appearance of the upper face and throws the midface and lower face into disproportionate prominence.

The Treatment

Temple filler is placed deep, in the subgaleal plane directly above the bone, using a cannula to minimise vascular risk in this area. The temporal artery runs through this region and precise technique is essential. A denser, more robust filler (rather than the soft HA used in the lips or tear trough) provides the structural volume replacement the area requires. 0.5-1.5ml per side typically achieves meaningful restoration; the quantity depends on the degree of hollowing. Results are immediate and last 12-18 months.

The Systemic Effect

Restoring temple volume does more than fill a hollow — it restores the overall facial proportion. When the temporal area is full, the face maintains its width at the upper third, which visually supports the cheeks and reduces the appearance of jowling and lower face descent. For patients with a comprehensive aesthetic treatment plan, temples are always included in the full-face assessment before proceeding to other areas.

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— Dr. Nishita Ranka | Consultant Dermatologist | Dr. Nishita’s Clinic for Skin, Hair & Aesthetics, Hyderabad