Overview

As we age, loss of fat, bone and soft tissue in the temples can create a hollow, sunken temple appearance that makes the face look tired, gaunt, or “skeletonised”. 

By carefully placing dermal fillers in this area, practitioners can soften hollows, support the outer brow and improve the overall balance of the upper face. When a temple filler technique is performed safely by an experienced medical practitioner, this treatment can create a subtle yet powerful rejuvenating effect. This is sometimes referred to as a “temple lift”.

Dermal fillers can be injected into the hollow area at the side of the forehead, between the outer brow and the hairline, to restore volume to a sunken temple.

The anatomy in this area is complex, so hyaluronic acid is the filler type most commonly used due to it being one of the safest. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring, gel-like sugar found in the body that helps keep skin hydrated and plump.

Practitioners may vary in their temple filler technique. They often use slightly denser products for deeper placement and structural support, or softer fillers for placement under the skin.

Temple fillers can:

  • Restore lost volume in a hollow or sunken temple
  • Soften a harsh or “bony” appearance in the upper face
  • Provide gentle support to the outer brow area
  • Improve overall facial balance and frame the eyes more harmoniously

Because the temples are an anatomically complicated area, this treatment must only be performed by appropriately qualified, experienced healthcare professionals using licensed fillers sourced from reputable UK pharmacies.

Temple fillers are used to restore youthful contours and balance in the upper face by treating a sunken temple and other hollow areas:

  • Temple hollows: the concave area between the outer corner of the eye, the tail of the brow and the hairline
  • Upper outer face: to create a subtle temple lift and soften the transition from forehead to cheek

By carefully replacing lost volume in these areas, temple fillers can:

  • Reduce a hollow, sunken or “skeletonised” look
  • Support the outer brow as part of a subtle temple lift, creating a softer, more youthful frame to the eyes
  • Improve overall facial harmony and proportion

Temple filler is often part of a wider rejuvenation plan and may be combined with:

Your practitioner will assess your whole face to advise whether temple filler is appropriate for you and how it can best complement your overall treatment plan.

The cost of temple filler will vary depending on:

  • How much filler is needed
  • The type of product used
  • The experience and qualifications of your practitioner
  • The clinic’s location

As a general guide, temple filler treatments in the UK typically start from around £300–£400. This may increase depending on the volume and complexity of the treatment.

Be wary of heavily discounted offers or extremely low prices, especially online and via social media. These can often indicate that the practitioner is using unlicensed or counterfeit products, are unqualified, or lack the correct insurance and clinical standards.

For your safety and best results, always choose a reputable, accredited medical practitioner.

Temple fillers often use products designed for structural support and are placed relatively deep, which can make this treatment longer-lasting.

Results are usually visible immediately, with the appearance refining over 1–2 weeks as swelling settles.

The full effects of a temple lift usually last between 12–18 months, and sometimes longer, depending on the product used and individual factors.

Your practitioner will discuss likely longevity with you based on the specific filler and your personal treatment plan.

Recovery after temple filler is usually straightforward, with most people able to return to normal daily activities soon after treatment.

Common aftercare guidance includes:

  • Expect some mild swelling, tenderness or bruising – this may be more noticeable the day after treatment
  • Avoid applying makeup to the treated area for at least 12 hours
  • Avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, saunas, steam rooms and sunbathing for 24–48 hours (or as advised by your practitioner)
  • Avoid extreme heat or cold for a few days after treatment
  • Do not rub or massage the treated area unless specifically advised to do so

If you develop severe pain, increasing redness or swelling, headaches that concern you, visual changes, or any unexpected symptoms, contact your practitioner urgently or seek immediate medical advice.

All cosmetic treatments carry risk. Temple filler is considered an advanced procedure because the area contains important blood vessels and nerves, and is close to the eye.

Common short-term side effects can include:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tenderness
  • Temporary prominence of veins in the area
  • Temporary asymmetry (which usually settles as swelling resolves)

These are typically mild and resolve within a few days to 2 weeks.

More serious but less common risks include:

  • Infection
  • Lumps or nodules
  • Prolonged swelling or asymmetry
  • Vascular occlusion (when filler blocks or compresses a blood vessel), which can lead to tissue damage if not treated promptly
  • Very rarely, visual disturbance or more serious complications if filler affects blood vessels that communicate with the eye area

All potential risks and complications should be discussed with you during your consultation before any treatment is agreed.

Temple fillers should only be administered by a medically qualified practitioner with specific training in facial anatomy and complication management. You can find one by searching through the Save Face register.

Most people find temple filler treatment to be uncomfortable rather than painful.

To minimise discomfort, your practitioner may apply a topical anaesthetic cream, use fillers that contain a local anaesthetic (such as lidocaine) or use specific temple filler techniques or instruments designed to reduce discomfort

You may feel some pressure, a pulling sensation, or brief stinging during the injections, as well as some tenderness afterwards, which typically settles over a few days.

If you’re concerned about pain or have had issues with injectables before, discuss this with your practitioner in advance.

A detailed medical history and face-to-face assessment are essential before deciding if temple filler is right for you.

Temple fillers may not be suitable if:

  • You have an active skin infection or inflammation in or near the treatment area, or you are generally unwell
  • You have previously had an allergic reaction to dermal fillers or local anaesthetics
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have certain medical conditions, bleeding disorders, or are taking medicines that affect bleeding (such as aspirin or warfarin)
  • You are taking steroids or have an autoimmune disease
  • You have poorly controlled medical conditions
  • You are on, or have recently completed, a course of Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) within the last 18 months

Take caution:

  • If you have recently had any other dermal filler treatments, especially around the eye or forehead.
  • If you have an important social or work event planned, remember bruising or swelling can occur and may take time to resolve.
  • If you have had any facial surgeries. You should tell your practitioner if this is the case.
  • Some over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and alcohol can increase your risk of bruising and may be best avoided before and after treatment, as advised by your practitioner.
  • Vigorous exercise, sun exposure, sunbeds, and saunas should be avoided for 48 hours, or as recommended by your clinician.
  • Safety has not been established for individuals with a history of keloid scarring.

If, after treatment, you experience symptoms that worry you or are unhappy with any aspect of your results, contact your practitioner promptly for advice and, if needed, review.

Choosing a safe, appropriately qualified practitioner is crucial, especially for advanced treatment such as a temple lift.

At Save Face, every practitioner listed on our register has passed our robust 116-point assessment, which verifies that:

  • They are who they say they are
  • They are a registered nurse/midwife, doctor, dentist, or prescribing pharmacist with specialist training and insurance for each treatment listed on their profile
  • They use licensed products sourced from reputable suppliers
  • They have the necessary policies, protocols, and paperwork in place to protect you from undue risk and harm
  • Their clinic environment is safe, clean, and hygienic

Click here to find your nearest Save Face accredited practitioner offering temple filler. Your safety should always be the top priority.

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