The Complete Guide to Forehead and Temple Rejuvenation

Last updated: 5 August 2026

Why forehead and temple rejuvenation matters

The upper face, which covers the forehead and temples, is often the first area to show visible signs of ageing, yet it is frequently overlooked in treatment planning. Forehead lines, frown lines, brow descent, and temporal hollowing can significantly impact facial appearance, making someone look older, tired, or worried. Comprehensive upper face rejuvenation addresses these concerns through a combination of treatments tailored to the individual.

Practitioners take a whole-body approach to facial rejuvenation that includes thorough assessment and treatment of the upper face as an integral part of any facial treatment plan.

Understanding upper face ageing

The ageing process in the upper face involves multiple structural changes:

Forehead Changes

• Dynamic lineshorizontal forehead lines caused by repeated frontalis muscle contraction, initially appearing only with expression but becoming static over time
• Glabellar lines (frown lines)vertical lines between the eyebrows caused by corrugator supercilii and procerus muscle activity
• Skin thinningprogressive loss of dermal thickness and elasticity
• Brow ptosisdescent of the eyebrow position due to gravity, soft tissue laxity, and frontalis muscle fatigue

Temple Changes

• Temporal wastingloss of fat and soft tissue volume in the temporal fossa, creating a hollow, skeletal appearance
• Temporal bone resorptionthe temporal bone surface recedes with age
• Visible veins and tendonsas tissue thins, underlying structures become more prominent
• Lateral brow descentloss of temporal support contributes to drooping of the brow tail

Treatment options for the forehead

Botulinum Toxin

The cornerstone of forehead rejuvenation, botulinum toxin addresses dynamic lines and can subtly lift the brow:

• Frontalis treatmentreduces horizontal forehead lines. Requires careful dosing to avoid brow heaviness; the frontalis is the only muscle that elevates the brow, so over-treatment causes brow drop
• Glabellar complextreating the corrugator supercilii (vertical frown lines) and procerus (horizontal root-of-nose line) muscles relaxes the frown
• Brow lift effectstrategic placement of toxin in the lateral orbicularis oculi and brow depressors can create a subtle brow elevation

Dermal Fillers

For established static lines and volume loss:

• Deep forehead linesfine threads of soft filler can be placed directly beneath persistent horizontal lines
• Glabellar linescaution is required due to the vascular anatomy; experienced injectors may address deep static frown lines with small volumes
• Brow volumisationstrategic filler placement along the brow ridge can enhance brow position and shape

Skin quality treatments

• Chemical peelsimprove skin texture and reduce fine lines
• Microneedling with PRPstimulates collagen production across the forehead
• Laser resurfacingfractional lasers address fine lines and skin texture
• Skin boostersimprove hydration and skin quality

Treatment options for the temples

Temple Filler

Temporal volumisation is one of the most impactful yet underappreciated treatments in facial rejuvenation:

• Product choicefirm, high G-prime HA fillers (e.g., Juvéderm Voluma) are placed deep on or near the temporal bone
• Techniquetypically performed using a cannula for safety, as the temporal region contains important blood vessels including the superficial temporal artery
• Resultsrestored temporal convexity creates a more youthful appearance, can lift the lateral brow, and frames the eye area beautifully
• Volumetypically 1-2ml per side is sufficient for noticeable improvement

Biostimulators

For patients with significant temporal wasting, biostimulating products can gradually build volume:

• Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid)stimulates the bodys own collagen production over several months
• Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite)provides immediate structure whilst stimulating neocollagenesis

Combination approach: Putting it all together

The most effective upper face rejuvenation combines multiple treatments:

1. Step 1, Botulinum toxin: Relax dynamic muscles to soften lines and create a subtle lift. Allow 2 weeks for full effect before assessing
2. Step 2, Temple volumisation: Restore lost volume to frame the upper face and support the brow
3. Step 3, Residual static lines: Address any persistent lines with filler, skin boosters, or resurfacing treatments
4. Step 4, Skin quality: Ongoing skincare including retinoids and SPF, with periodic in-clinic treatments

Important safety considerations

The upper face requires particular expertise due to its complex anatomy:

• Vascular anatomythe supratrochlear, supraorbital, and superficial temporal arteries run through this region. Knowledge of vascular anatomy is essential to avoid vascular occlusion
• Frontalis balanceover-treating the frontalis muscle with botulinum toxin can cause heavy, ptotic brows, particularly in patients with existing brow laxity
• Asymmetry assessmentpre-existing facial asymmetry must be identified and accounted for in treatment planning
• Patient selectionpatients with significant brow ptosis may benefit more from surgical brow lift than non-surgical treatments

“The temples are the forgotten area of facial rejuvenation. Restoring temporal volume can transform the entire upper face, yet it remains one of the most underutilised treatments in aesthetics.”, Aesthetic Surgery Journal

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Forehead and temple rejuvenation is an essential component of comprehensive facial rejuvenation. By combining botulinum toxin, volumisation, and skin quality treatments, significant improvement can be achieved without surgery. Practitioners are skilled in the nuances of upper face treatment and will create a personalised plan that addresses your specific concerns whilst maintaining natural facial harmony and expression.