Temple fillers

Temple fillers are dermal fillers used in the area beside the eyes and above the cheekbones. They may be considered when hollow or sunken temples create shadows or make the upper face appear narrower or more tired.

This page is about treating the temple area, rather than advice about sleeping after filler treatment.

The temples are an anatomically complex area. Treatment should therefore be carried out by an appropriately qualified medical practitioner with specific experience of temple fillers.

Use Injectablesbooking.co.uk to compare clinics, practitioners, reviews and available treatment rates.

Read more about filler treatment.

Temple fillers at a glance

• Treatment area: The temples beside the eyes and above the cheekbones.

• Common concern: Hollow temples, shadows or loss of volume.

• Aim: To soften the hollow and improve balance in the upper face.

• Product: Often a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, although alternatives may be discussed.

• Result: A smoother transition between the forehead, temples and cheekbones.

• Recovery: Temporary swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur.

• Important: This area requires detailed anatomical knowledge and careful treatment planning.

A consultation should establish whether the temples are the main cause of the concern. In some cases, volume loss in the cheeks or cheekbones has a greater effect on overall facial balance.

What are temple fillers?

Temple fillers are injectable dermal fillers used to add volume to hollow or sunken temples. The treatment is intended to soften shadows and create a smoother transition between the forehead, temples and cheekbones.

Hollow temples can make the face appear narrower, sharper or more tired. A practitioner may use filler to restore some of the lost volume, but the possible result depends on your anatomy, the product, the amount used and the injection technique.

Hyaluronic acid filler is commonly considered because its effect is temporary and it can usually be dissolved when clinically appropriate. A practitioner may sometimes discuss a different product or a collagen-stimulating treatment.

Read more about what fillers are.

When may temple fillers help?

Temple fillers may be considered when hollow temples cause:

• shadows beside the eyes;

• a pronounced hollow between the forehead and cheekbones;

• a sharper-looking upper face;

• loss of volume associated with ageing or weight change;

• an uneven transition between the temples and cheekbones;

• a desire for a subtle softening of the facial contour.

Temple fillers are not automatically the most suitable option. A practitioner should assess the temples, cheeks, cheekbones and overall facial proportions before recommending treatment.

Why do the temples become hollow?

Some people naturally have more hollow temples. For others, the area becomes more noticeable over time.

Possible contributing factors include:

• loss of fat volume;

• changes in facial bone structure;

• thinner skin;

• reduced skin elasticity;

• genetics;

• weight loss;

• natural facial shape;

• ageing of the upper face.

The cause of the hollowing matters. Treating the temples may help in some cases, while treatment of the cheeks, cheekbones or another area may be more appropriate in others.

Temple fillers, cheek fillers or a full-face plan?

Different areas can contribute to a hollow or tired appearance.

Temple fillers focus on volume beside the eyes and above the cheekbones.

Cheek fillers are intended to restore volume in the mid-face.

Cheekbone fillers place more emphasis on the contour and support of the cheekbone area.

A full-face filler plan may be discussed when several areas have lost volume and treating one area alone may not create a balanced result.

Collagen-stimulating treatments may be considered when a gradual change in volume or skin quality is preferred.

A facial assessment can help determine which approach is most appropriate. More treatment does not necessarily produce a better or more natural-looking result.

What should be discussed during the consultation?

The practitioner should assess whether the volume loss is mainly in the temples or whether another part of the face contributes more to the concern.

Discuss:

• whether temple fillers are suitable for your anatomy;

• what change may realistically be achieved;

• the proposed filler and injection technique;

• the estimated amount of product;

• risks specific to the temple area;

• likely swelling, tenderness and bruising;

• what is included in the quoted cost;

• aftercare and emergency contact arrangements;

• whether a review appointment is included.

A responsible practitioner should also explain when treatment is unsuitable or when a different area should be considered.

Results, recovery and how long temple fillers last

Some volume change may be visible immediately, although early swelling can affect the appearance. The result is easier to assess once swelling and tenderness have settled.

Temporary effects may include:

• swelling;

• redness;

• tenderness;

• bruising;

• minor short-term unevenness.

How long the result lasts varies. It can be affected by the filler used, the amount placed, the injection depth, individual metabolism and future changes in facial volume.

Maintenance treatment may be considered, but it should be based on a new assessment rather than an automatic schedule.

Read more about how long temple fillers last.

How much do temple fillers cost?

The cost of temple fillers varies between clinics and between patients. Exact UK prices have not been added because the amount and treatment plan must be assessed individually.

Factors affecting the cost can include:

• the amount of filler required;

• the product selected;

• whether one or both temples are treated;

• the depth and extent of volume loss;

• the practitioner’s experience;

• the clinic’s location;

• whether consultation and review appointments are included;

• whether treatment is completed in one appointment or gradually.

Check whether a displayed rate is per millilitre, per syringe, per temple or for the complete treatment.

Price should not be the only deciding factor. Experience with the temple area, product transparency, aftercare and emergency arrangements are also important.

Read more about fillers costs.

Risks and safety

The temples contain important blood vessels and other anatomical structures. This makes the area more complex to treat than many other facial areas.

Common temporary reactions can include swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness and short-term unevenness.

Other possible complications include:

• lumps or persistent unevenness;

• infection;

• prolonged swelling;

• unwanted product movement;

• overcorrection;

• blockage of a blood vessel;

• skin injury;

• changes to vision.

A blocked blood vessel or visual disturbance is uncommon but requires urgent assessment. Contact the clinic immediately if you experience increasing or severe pain, unusual pale or mottled skin, marked colour changes, visual symptoms or another rapidly worsening problem.

The practitioner should explain the risks before treatment and provide clear instructions for obtaining urgent help.

Read more about fillers side effects.

Aftercare following temple fillers

Follow the personal aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner, as advice may vary according to the product and technique.

General advice may include:

• do not press or massage the area unless instructed;

• avoid strenuous exercise for the period advised;

• temporarily avoid saunas, sunbeds and intense heat;

• be cautious when applying make-up soon after treatment;

• avoid touching the area with unwashed hands;

• attend a review if recommended;

• contact the clinic if symptoms become worse or unusual.

Advice about sleeping positions after fillers can differ by treatment area and technique. Follow the instructions given by your own practitioner.

How to choose a practitioner for temple fillers

Experience with the temple area

Choose a practitioner with specific experience of treating the temples and other anatomically complex facial areas. Ask how regularly they perform this treatment.

Appropriate qualifications

Check the practitioner’s professional qualifications, training and registration. They should be able to explain their treatment plan and manage possible complications.

A careful consultation

The practitioner should assess the whole face rather than agreeing to treatment based only on a photograph or selected area.

Realistic advice

A responsible practitioner will not guarantee a result. They should explain what may be achievable and whether another treatment would be more appropriate.

Product transparency

Ask for the name of the filler, why it has been selected and whether it is a temporary hyaluronic acid product.

Aftercare and availability

The clinic should provide written aftercare instructions and a clear way to obtain help if urgent symptoms develop.

Read more about filler practitioner.

Compare clinics offering temple fillers

Compare practitioners and clinics before arranging a consultation. Reviews and available rates can help, but they should be considered alongside qualifications, experience and aftercare.

Pay particular attention to:

• experience with temple fillers;

• the quality of the consultation;

• clear explanations of risks;

• the filler product used;

• conservative treatment planning;

• review appointments;

• emergency contact arrangements.

A consultation should give you enough information to decide whether the treatment and practitioner are right for you.

Frequently asked questions about temple fillers