Temple filler can subtly rejuvenate the face, restore youthful contours, and balance facial proportions without surgery. However, because it’s a less commonly discussed procedure and involves an anatomically complex area, it’s essential to understand what’s involved before deciding to get it done.

This guide covers everything you need to know before getting filler, from what it is and who it’s for, to the benefits, risks, and what to expect during recovery.

What Is Temple Filler?

Temple filler involves the injection of dermal filler (usually made of hyaluronic acid or another biocompatible substance) into the hollow areas of the temples — the small, concave regions between your eyebrows and hairline on the sides of your forehead. As we age, we naturally lose fat, collagen, and bone in this area, leading to a sunken or gaunt appearance.

By restoring volume to the temples, fillers can help:

• Smooth the transition between the forehead and cheeks
• Create a more youthful, rounded contour to the upper face
• Lift the outer corners of the eyes and brows subtly
• Improve overall facial balance and symmetry

While it’s often done as part of a full-face rejuvenation, temple filler can also be performed as a standalone treatment to restore lost volume and harmonize facial features.

Why Do the Temples Lose Volume?

Facial aging is a complex process that involves bone resorption, fat redistribution, and thinning of the skin. In the temple area, all three processes are at play. Over time, the temporal fat pad shrinks, and the underlying temporal bone recedes. This can create a hollow or sunken look that casts shadows across the upper face.

For some people, temple hollowness isn’t just a sign of aging, it can also be genetic or related to lifestyle factors like significant weight loss, high-intensity exercise, or low body fat percentages.

The Benefits of Filler

While filler may seem like a small tweak, the impact on your overall appearance can be significant. Here are some of the top benefits:

Youthful Contour Restoration:
Filling the temples restores volume to the upper face, making it look softer and more youthful.

Subtle Brow Lift:
By replenishing volume beneath the outer brow, filler can gently elevate the brows and reduce the appearance of hooded eyes.

Better Facial Balance:
Hollow temples can make the upper face look narrow or “skeletal.” Filler restores harmony and proportion between the forehead, cheeks, and eyes.

Non-Surgical and Minimal Downtime:
Compared to surgical options, fillers is minimally invasive and typically require no significant downtime.

Customizable Results:
Skilled injectors can tailor the volume and placement to your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals.

What Products Are Used?

The most commonly used products for filler are hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as:

• Juvederm Voluma
• Restylane Lyft
• Teosyal Ultra Deep

These are popular because HA is naturally found in the skin, reversible with hyaluronidase, and provides smooth, natural-looking results.

Some injectors may use calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) or poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra) for patients seeking longer-lasting collagen stimulation. However, these products are not reversible, so they’re generally reserved for experienced practitioners and suitable candidates.

The Procedure: What to Expect

A temple filler appointment typically takes 20–40 minutes. Here’s a general breakdown of what happens:

Consultation:
The injector will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine the best filler type and technique for you.

Preparation:
Your temples will be cleansed, and a topical numbing cream may be applied. Some fillers also contain lidocaine for added comfort.

Injection Technique:
Depending on your anatomy and the injector’s preference, the filler may be placed using either:

A needle, for precise placement, or

A cannula, a blunt-tipped instrument that reduces the risk of bruising and vascular injury.

The filler is injected carefully, layer by layer, to restore volume without overfilling.

Aftercare:
Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising can occur and usually resolves within a few days. You’ll receive aftercare instructions, such as avoiding intense exercise, alcohol, or facial massages for 24–48 hours.

Risks and Considerations

The temples are one of the most anatomically complex areas of the face to inject because they contain important blood vessels — including branches of the superficial temporal artery. Therefore, filler should only ever be performed by an experienced medical professional familiar with advanced injection techniques.

Possible risks include:

• Bruising or swelling
• Asymmetry or overfilling
• Lumps or irregular texture

Vascular occlusion (a rare but serious complication if filler enters a blood vessel)

Headache or tenderness

Choosing a qualified injector greatly minimizes these risks. Always ensure your practitioner is trained in facial anatomy and emergency filler reversal procedures (such as the use of hyaluronidase).

How Long Does Filler Last?

Results typically last between 12 to 18 months, depending on:

• The type of filler used
• Your metabolism
• Lifestyle factors like exercise or sun exposure

Because the temple area doesn’t move as much as other facial regions, fillers tend to last longer there compared to the lips or nasolabial folds.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for filler if you:

• Notice hollowing or indentation in your temples
• Want to achieve a softer, more balanced upper face
• Are in good general health and have realistic expectations
• Prefer a non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation
• However, the temple may not be suitable for individuals with:
• Active skin infections or inflammation in the area
• A history of severe allergies or filler complications
• Unrealistic expectations for dramatic change

Cost of Temple Filler

The cost of filler varies depending on your location, the practitioner’s experience, and the filler brand used. On average:

Per syringe: $600–$1,200 USD

Typical total: 1–2 syringes per session

It’s important to focus on experience and safety over price. The temples are not an area to bargain-shop — precise technique and anatomical expertise are essential.

Combining Temple Filler with Other Treatments

For optimal facial balance, filler is often paired with other treatments, such as:

Cheek filler — to restore midface structure

Brow lift (Botox or filler) — for a lifted appearance

Skin tightening treatments — to enhance overall texture and firmness

Your injector may design a comprehensive treatment plan to rejuvenate your face in a harmonious, natural way.

Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Most people return to normal activities immediately after treatment, but mild swelling or tenderness may persist for a few days. Here are a few aftercare tips:

• Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and alcohol for 24–48 hours
• Keep your head elevated when sleeping the first night
• Avoid touching or massaging the area unless instructed
• Apply a cold compress if needed for swelling

You’ll likely see improvement right away, though final results may settle over 1–2 weeks as the filler integrates with your tissue.

The Bottom Line

Temple filler might not be as widely discussed as lip or cheek enhancements, but it can make a powerful difference in restoring facial harmony and youthfulness. When done by a skilled injector, the results are subtle, natural, and long-lasting.

Before deciding, make sure to:

• Choose a qualified, experienced practitioner
• Discuss your goals and expectations clearly
• Understand the risks, aftercare, and longevity of the treatment

With the right approach, filler can beautifully rejuvenate your face, enhancing your features without making you look “done.”