TL;DR
Temple hollowing is one of the earliest and most telling signs of facial ageing, yet it remains one of the most frequently overlooked areas in aesthetic treatment. The gradual concavity…
Last updated: 11 February 2026
Temple hollowing is one of the earliest and most telling signs of facial ageing, yet it remains one of the most frequently overlooked areas in aesthetic treatment. The gradual concavity that develops at the sides of the forehead — where a youthful face is convex and full — fundamentally alters facial proportions, creating an angular, gaunt, or even skeletal appearance. Understanding temple hollowing and its treatment is essential for anyone pursuing comprehensive facial rejuvenation. This guide explores the causes, assessment, and treatment options available in the United Kingdom.
Why Do Temples Hollow?
The temple (temporal fossa) is an area where multiple types of tissue loss converge to create visible concavity. The temporal fat pad, which provides the youthful fullness of the temple, undergoes significant volume loss beginning in the 30s and accelerating with age. The temporalis muscle, which fills the temporal fossa beneath the fat pad, also atrophies with age and reduced chewing activity. Bone resorption of the temporal bone and frontal bone contributes to the widening and deepening of the temporal fossa. Skin thinning allows the underlying concavity to become more visible.
The result is a progressive hollowing that creates a visible “hourglass” shape to the upper face — full forehead, concave temples, full cheeks — that is characteristic of facial ageing. In severe cases, the temporal artery and underlying bony landmarks become visible through the thinned tissues.
Who Is Most Affected?
Temple hollowing is particularly pronounced in individuals who are naturally lean (low body fat percentage), athletes and very active individuals, those who have experienced significant weight loss, patients taking medications that cause facial fat redistribution (including some antiretroviral drugs), and individuals with a genetic predisposition to temporal fat loss. Women tend to notice temple hollowing earlier than men, partly because hairstyles often frame and expose the temple area more prominently.
Treatment Options
1. Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
HA fillers are the most commonly used treatment for temple hollowing. Firm, high-viscosity products such as Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft, or Teosyal Ultra Deep are selected for their ability to provide structural support in a deep injection plane. The filler is placed onto or just above the periosteum (the membrane covering the temporal bone) using a cannula — the preferred method due to the complex vascular anatomy of the temple region.
Typical volumes range from 1-3ml per temple depending on the degree of hollowing. The treatment takes approximately 20-30 minutes and results are immediate, though the final settled result is best assessed after 2 weeks once any swelling has resolved. Results typically last 12-24 months in the temple, which is one of the longest-lasting areas for filler due to its low-movement nature.
2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)
Radiesse is particularly well-suited for temple augmentation due to its high G prime (providing excellent structural support) and biostimulatory properties. The CaHA microspheres stimulate native collagen production around the injection site, providing both immediate correction and progressive improvement as new collagen forms. Results from Radiesse in the temples can last 15-24 months.
3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra)
For patients with bilateral temple hollowing as part of generalised facial volume loss, Sculptra offers a comprehensive approach. The biostimulatory mechanism gradually rebuilds collagen volume across the treated area, producing natural-appearing results that develop over 2-4 months. The temples are one of the most responsive areas to Sculptra treatment, with excellent patient satisfaction scores. A treatment course of 2-3 sessions is typical, with results lasting up to 25 months.
4. Fat Transfer
Autologous fat grafting involves harvesting fat from a donor site, processing it, and injecting it into the temples. This approach offers the advantage of using the patient’s own tissue, providing a natural feel, and potentially permanent results (though fat survival rates vary from 40-70%). Fat transfer to the temples is typically performed as part of a broader facial fat grafting procedure and requires approximately 1-2 weeks of recovery.
| Treatment | Volume Needed (per side) | Duration | Onset | Downtime | UK Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HA Filler | 1-3ml | 12-24 months | Immediate | 1-3 days | £400-£900 |
| Radiesse | 0.75-1.5ml | 15-24 months | Immediate + gradual | 1-3 days | £350-£700 |
| Sculptra | 1-2 vials over course | Up to 25 months | Gradual (2-4 months) | 1-2 days | £700-£1,500 |
| Fat Transfer | 5-10ml | Potentially permanent | After swelling (6-8 weeks) | 7-14 days | £2,000-£4,000 |
Safety Considerations
The temple is an anatomically complex area with important vascular structures. The superficial temporal artery and its branches course through the temple, and the middle temporal vein runs within the temporalis fascia. The deep temporal arteries lie beneath the temporalis muscle. Inadvertent intravascular injection in this area could potentially lead to serious complications including skin necrosis or, in rare cases, visual compromise.
For this reason, temple filler treatment should only be performed by experienced practitioners with detailed knowledge of temporal anatomy. The use of a cannula (rather than a needle) is strongly preferred, as it allows the practitioner to navigate around vessels rather than through them. Aspiration before injection, slow injection speed, and small aliquot volumes are additional safety measures employed by skilled practitioners.
The Cascade Effect: Why Temples Matter
Treating temple hollowing produces benefits that extend beyond the temple area itself. Restoring temporal volume has a supporting effect on the lateral brow (a subtle brow lift), creates a smoother transition from the forehead to the midface, improves the overall facial silhouette in profile and three-quarter views, and reduces the apparent severity of crow’s feet by filling the adjacent concavity. These cascade effects mean that temple treatment often produces an improvement in facial appearance that seems disproportionate to the small area treated.
Expert Clinical Insight
The temples are what we call a “hidden gem” in facial rejuvenation. Patients rarely arrive requesting temple treatment specifically — but when we identify and address temporal hollowing as part of a comprehensive facial assessment, the response is almost universally positive. Restoring temple volume creates a healthier, more youthful facial frame that enhances the results of every other treatment in the plan. We consider the temples one of the highest-value treatment areas for overall facial harmony.
— Axiom Aesthetics Clinical Team
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do temples typically start to hollow?
Temple volume loss typically begins in the mid-to-late 30s, though it varies significantly between individuals. Those with naturally low body fat may notice hollowing earlier. By the mid-40s, some degree of temporal hollowing is present in most people. Very lean individuals, athletes, and those who have lost significant weight may notice it in their late 20s or early 30s. It is one of the earliest signs of facial ageing, yet patients are often unaware of it until it is pointed out during a consultation.
Is temple filler safe?
Temple filler is safe when performed by experienced practitioners with thorough anatomical knowledge. The temple contains important blood vessels, so proper technique — including cannula use, slow injection, and aspiration — is essential. The risk of serious complications is low in skilled hands but is higher than in some other facial areas. Always choose a practitioner who regularly treats the temple area and has specific training in managing vascular complications.
How much filler do I need for my temples?
This depends on the degree of hollowing. Mild hollowing may require just 0.5-1ml per side (1-2ml total). Moderate hollowing typically needs 1-2ml per side (2-4ml total). Severe hollowing may require 2-3ml per side (4-6ml total). Your practitioner will assess the degree of volume loss and recommend an appropriate volume. It is often better to start conservatively and add more at a follow-up appointment if needed.
Will temple filler change the shape of my face?
Temple filler restores the natural convexity that was present in youth rather than creating a new shape. The goal is to return the temple to its previous fullness, creating a smoother, more youthful facial contour. When performed correctly, the result is a subtle restoration that people notice as looking “refreshed” without being able to identify exactly what has changed. Overfilling — which would create an unnatural bulging — is avoided through careful volume assessment.
Does temple filler help with headaches?
There is limited anecdotal evidence that temple filler may improve tension-type headaches in some patients, possibly by providing cushioning over the temporalis muscle. However, this is not a clinically validated indication, and filler should not be sought specifically for headache treatment. If you experience chronic headaches, consult your GP for appropriate assessment and management. Any headache improvement from temple filler should be considered a pleasant side benefit rather than a treatment goal.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Temple filler is an advanced injectable procedure that should only be performed by experienced, qualified medical professionals. Treatment outcomes vary between individuals. Consult a qualified aesthetic practitioner for personalised assessment.
Related reading: Understanding Facial Volume Loss | Understanding Cheek Augmentation Options | Brow Lifting Without Surgery
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before undergoing any treatment. All treatments carry potential risks and side effects which will be fully discussed during your consultation.