What can I do to fix the lack of fullness above my temples? (photos)

Question

I have these weird hollows on both sides of my forehead, just above my temple area. Looks terrible in pictures because it appears as if I have indentations on the side of my head. It is especially pronounced when I smile. What is it and how can I fix it?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing photos along with your question. I do see the hollowing above your temples, though fillers may not be the right treatment. It looks as if you have enlarged temporalis muscles, which are located near your temples. This enlargement can lead to indentations or hollows above the temples. A neuromodulator like Botox may help relax the muscles and soften the appearance of these indentations. I highly encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to determine the best treatment for you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you have a very large temporalis muscle which can be botoxed but above that is the temporal fusion line that you are seeing and it can be filled but may not blend perfectly into the forehead. you need a consultation for best expectations.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery - Alpharetta · Answer

Hi there! Thank you for your excellent question. From your photos, it actually looks as if your temporalis muscles, (the muscles that sit across your temples), are hypertrophied. In other words, those muscles look larger or stronger than the average. It appears that this is more so the case on your left side. Rather than fill the area adjacent to your temples, which look good, my first attempt at treating this would be to try to relax those muscles a bit, with Botox or Dysport. This is commonly done in the masseters, commonly referred to as the jawline, to slim the face and help with grinding of the teeth. Once the muscles are relaxed, they will not contract as much when you smile. 
That said, before having anything cosmetic done, I would first see an ENT or oral surgeon, to confirm the above, and that this is nothing more. Good luck!
Ivette M. Ballara, RN, BSNAdvanced Aesthetic InjectorRobinson Facial Plastic Surgery

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

These indentations can be filled in with Sculptra. Sculptra is very safe and does a beautiful job in the temple area.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

This depression is a natural depression, but could be filled easily with fillers.  I would suggest going to a physician well trained in doing fillers.

What can I do to fix the lack of fullness above my temples? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Sculptra does best in temples

Answer: Sculptra does best in temples

Answer: Indention

Answer: Indention

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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What can I do to fix the lack of fullness above my temples? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Sculptra does best in temples

Answer: Sculptra does best in temples

Answer: Indention

Answer: Indention

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.