Temple filler is a non-surgical injection treatment that adds volume to hollow temples, the area between the outer corner of the eye and the hairline. Hyaluronic acid fillers are usually used, and the change can be seen right after the appointment.

The temples are often overlooked, yet volume loss here can make the face look more tired, older and thinner. When the temples sink inward, the upper face narrows, the tail of the brow can seem to drop, and the eye area may look more shadowed.

Temple filler is most often considered by people who:

• Have lost volume: temples that have visibly sunk with age or weight loss.
• Notice asymmetry: a difference between the two temples or the two upper eyelids.
• Want a smoother facial outline: a clear dip between the forehead and the cheekbones.

It can be done on its own or as part of a plan that includes other areas of the face. In the Facial Architecture (Yüz Mimarisi®) approach of Dr. Sevgi Ekiyor, the temples are assessed together with the forehead, brows and cheekbones. For other areas, see our facial filler page.

Several factors can lead to temple hollowing:

• Aging: the fat in the temples decreases and the bone structure changes over time.
• Weight loss: fast or significant weight loss can make the temples sink early.
• Intense sport: people with very low body fat may notice deeper temples.
• Bone structure: some people simply have naturally deeper temples.

The angle of the forehead bone (frontal bone) can also differ between the two sides. Where there is more space between skin and bone, that side tends to hollow and droop earlier, which is a common reason for eyelid asymmetry over the years. That is why the examination also checks the position of the brows and eyelids on both sides.

By supporting this hollow area, temple filler helps rebalance the upper face: the brow tail gains gentle support, the eyes may look more open, and the outline can look smoother.

At our clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, the appointment begins with a facial analysis. The doctor assesses how deep the hollowing is, how the two sides differ, and how the temples affect the brows and eyelids. The amount of filler is planned from this assessment.

1. The skin is cleansed and the injection points are marked.
2. A numbing cream is applied if needed.
3. The filler is placed with a fine needle or cannula, passing over the bone that surrounds the eye socket (the orbital rim).
4. The injection extends slightly toward the brow line to support the tail of the brow.
5. Both sides are compared to check symmetry.

Every face needs a different amount. Some people need half a syringe, while for others small amounts such as 0.2–0.3 ml are enough. The treatment usually takes 20–30 minutes.

The temples contain important blood vessels, so a licensed product and a doctor who knows facial anatomy well are essential. You can arrange an assessment via our contact page.

You can return to your daily routine after the appointment. Mild swelling, tenderness, small bruises and brief tightness when chewing may occur and usually settle within a few days; bruising can be covered with makeup.

• First day: don’t touch or massage the treated area.
• First 2–3 days: avoid intense exercise, alcohol and accessories that press on the temples.
• First week: stay away from saunas, Turkish baths and very hot environments.
• Sleep: try not to sleep on your face or side for the first few nights.

The filler settles in about two weeks, when a follow-up appointment is planned; symmetry can be fine-tuned with a small top-up if needed. If you notice marked pain, a change in skin color or any problem with your vision, contact your doctor right away.

Temple filler is not permanent. Because the temples move relatively little, the effect usually lasts 12–18 months, although this varies from person to person.

The main factors that affect how long it lasts:

• The product: the density and structure of the filler.
• Metabolism: filler may dissolve sooner in people with a fast metabolism.
• Lifestyle: smoking, strong sun exposure and frequent sauna use may speed up breakdown.

When the filler dissolves, the area returns to how it was before; hyaluronic acid fillers can also be dissolved with a special enzyme if needed. With regular treatments, less product may be enough in later sessions, and a follow-up can be planned once volume starts to decrease.