Sunken Temples: Can Filler Correct Hollow Temples?

This is an English adaptation of a clinical article Dr. SangYoul Yun — board-certified dermatologist and Medical Director of Delight Dermatology in Gangnam, Seoul — originally published in Korean. Read the Korean original on Naver. It has been restructured and translated for international readers; all references are the author's own.

Hello, this is Dr. SangYoul Yun, board-certified dermatologist. The temple, as we commonly know it, is the hollow where the temporal, sphenoid, frontal, and parietal bones meet. Layers of soft tissue cover it — and when those tissues are lost, the contours of the surrounding bone stand out, giving a harsh, more masculine impression.

Why do temples sink?

Facial sagging with age usually results from an overall change spanning bone through soft tissue. The bone around the temple, however, doesn't change much with aging — so temple hollowing is caused mainly by atrophy of the soft tissue and fat that overlie the bone.

Who benefits from temple filler?

• Those whose work exposes the forehead (flight attendants, for example), for whom a temple line that flows smoothly into the forehead matters
• Those with severe crow's feet around the eyes
• Those with a "peanut-shaped" face — deeply set temples with prominent cheekbones

In particular, when prominent cheekbones leave the temple (lateral to the outer eye corner) sunken and the lateral cheek looking hollow, temple filler together with cheek filler can create a softer line. That said, satisfaction is personal — so the essential premise is that you yourself are bothered by your facial contour.

The effect of temple filler

The temple is an area of steady demand, and satisfaction is correspondingly high. It makes the surrounding bone less prominent, softens the lines, and gives elasticity to the skin around the eyes. Because temple filler also pulls up not only the mid-face but the lower face, satisfaction is high on the elasticity and lifting side as well.

Course and duration

It usually lasts 6 months to 1 year. If the hollow is filled well from the deep layer up, it can last considerably longer.¹

Precautions during treatment

Injecting filler too superficially can make the surface lumpy. And because the temple has many blood vessels and nerves in the area, the procedure must be performed with an understanding of the anatomically dangerous zones.

Temple filler dosage

Typically 0.5–1 cc per side is injected.

Side effects

1. Swelling and bruising — even when large vessels are carefully avoided, swelling and bruising can persist for several days.
2. Headache — uncommon, but a headache can occur; if it persists for several days, dissolving the filler should be considered.

Temple filler looks simple, but it must be injected into the areas that a given patient's facial shape actually needs, while avoiding major vessels and nerves. In my practice, severe headache or swelling has been uncommon — but the risk exists, so care is needed. Temple hollowing is most commonly addressed with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler; if you prefer a longer-lasting, collagen-based approach to volume, biostimulators such as Sculptra and Radiesse can also be considered in consultation.

References

1. Volumization of the young and old temple using a highly cross-linked HA filler. 2021 Jun;20(6):1634-1642.

Medical disclaimer. This article is general information and does not replace individual consultation. The temple is an area rich in vessels and nerves; whether filler suits you, and the method and dose, should be decided through an in-person consultation with a dermatologist.