Treatment options
and downtime.
Dermal Filler
Downtime: 1-3 days (mild swelling or
bruising)
injectable treatments
Temple Hollowing
Temple volume loss is easy to overlook and significant when it's present — the lateral forehead caves inward, the face takes on a skeletal quality in that region, and brow descent often follows as the structural support above the brow depletes. As the temporalis muscle and surrounding fat pad diminish, the smooth oval contour of the upper face gives way to a visible indentation that ages the face more than most patients expect it to.
Dr. Martin restores this volume with dermal filler placed in the temporal fossa, softening the hollow and improving both facial framing and, indirectly, brow position. Temple filling requires careful anatomical planning — the superficial temporal artery runs through the region and must be avoided — and Dr. Martin precedes every treatment with a thorough assessment of the patient's anatomy before placing anything. Because the temples are a low-movement area, filler here tends to last eighteen months or longer. This treatment is frequently incorporated into a broader upper-face rejuvenation plan alongside brow neurotoxin and midface filler.
Why do the temples hollow with age?
The temples lose volume through two interconnected processes: atrophy of the temporalis muscle, which decreases in bulk as it's used less with age, and loss of the fat pad that sits beneath the temporal skin. As both diminish, the bony contour of the temporal fossa becomes increasingly visible, creating a skeletal indentation at the lateral forehead. This also affects the upper face more broadly — temporal hollowing contributes to brow descent and disrupts the smooth oval contour of the upper face that's associated with youth. At our practice, we evaluate the temples as part of a full upper-face assessment rather than in isolation, because restoring temple volume often has a positive indirect effect on brow position and overall facial framing.
How is temple filler placed, and is it safe?
Temple filler is placed within the temporal fossa, either above or below the temporalis muscle depending on the product and clinical assessment. The primary safety consideration is the superficial temporal artery, which runs through this region — careful anatomical knowledge and precise placement are essential to avoid vascular complications. At our practice, every temple filler treatment is preceded by a thorough assessment of the patient's anatomy. We use a product and placement approach designed to minimize vascular risk, and we apply gentle pressure as we inject to further reduce the possibility of intravascular injection. Safety is not an afterthought here — it's part of the technique.
What can I expect from temple filler in terms of results and longevity?
Temple filler tends to produce a particularly natural-looking result because the improvement is one most people can perceive but can't easily articulate — the face simply looks less hollow and more balanced. Because the temples are a relatively low-movement area, filler placed here typically lasts longer than in more mobile regions — most patients see results lasting eighteen months to two years or more. At our practice, temple filler is frequently incorporated into broader facial rejuvenation plans as a complement to cheek restoration, brow treatments, and upper-face work.
Will temple filler help with my brow position?
It can contribute to improved brow support, particularly laterally, by restoring the volume that provides structural backing to the tissue above the brow. It's not a direct brow lift — for that, we typically incorporate neurotoxin to relax the depressor muscles — but the combination of temple filler and a neurotoxin brow lift is a common and effective pairing at our practice. If brow position is a concern alongside temple hollowing, we'll assess both and recommend a coordinated approach rather than treating them as unrelated.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.