Is there another way to add volume to temples besides surgery or fillers?

Question

I have volume loss in temple areas. I've been to 2 doctors. Both recommended 1cc of Voluma for each side. I really want to have it done but because of the small risk of going blind I have too much anxiety for the procedure. Both doctors said very safe but I know there have been cases of people going blind. My question is would Fraxel, microneedling or anything else help build up this area? Any suggestions appreciated. Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, Fraxel would not build volume in the temples. Fat is an alternative. The temples can also be improved with fillers (Juvederm, Voluma, Radiesse) or Sculptra. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer

William Groff, DO · Answer

Your doctors are correct: The chances of experiencing a catastrophic side effect such as blindness from fillers in the temple is so small as to not be worth worrying about. Getting into your car to go to the grocery store is, statistically speaking, much more dangerous. If you don’t want to use fillers, fat grafts are a great solution because they’re taken from your own excess fat stores and are very long lasting. That minimizes the number of times you need to go back for re-treatments. However, you may need a series of fat grafts to get the volume change you want. Lasers improve your skin quality overall but can’t compensate for significant volume loss. Be sure to consult a board-certified dermatologist who is experienced with calming nervous patients and giving spectacular and safe improvements with injectables. The best way to safeguard against any unwanted outcome is to find the most expert, experienced doctor possible

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Your best options for restoring volume to the temple area include dermal fillers like Voluma, Sculptra treatments (which stimulate your own natural collagen production), fat transfer, or a temporal implant procedure. The fat transfer has the potential to last many years if the fat survives the process and the temporal implant procedure is a permanent solution.  Schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in your area for a full examination and discussion of each of these options in greater detail. Good luck!  - Elbert T. Cheng, MD

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Fraxel will only resurface the skin it will not add volume to your temple. Your best bet is to get fillers in that area. It is quite safe as long as you see an experienced physician.
Best of luck

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC, FAAD · Answer

Lasers such as Fraxel laser or microneedling such as Intracel RF will not add volume to the temples. If you are not interested in fillers such as Voluma or Restylane Volume or Lyft, Sculptra could be considered.  You must have temples injected by an experienced cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon to avoid complications.

Vibha Gambhir, MD · Answer

Hi. The best option for temporal hollowing is to add volume through the use of dermal fillers such as Voluma. As the other doctors you consulted with said it is extremely rare for blindness to occur. If you are filler adverse you could also use Sculptra in the temples. Sculptra is an injectable medication used to stimulate collagen. Results are 4-6 weeks after injection. The C02 Laser including Fraxel is not the best option as this will not add volume to the area. Hope this information was helpful!

Jake Wardwell, DO · Answer

I use Platelet Rich Plasma to build volume in this area and get great results. Adipose can also be used as a more permanent filler. It is important to use ultrasound to determine the location of the blood vessels in this area so working with a Regenerative specialist used to doing injections under ultrasound is the safest way to injections around the eyes. 
Sometimes the bigger picture behind a sunken appearance in the temples is fat malabsorption and atrophy due to high cortisol levels. Looking deeper at the underlying reasons for aesthetic complaints not only helps enhance results but it also helps to maintain them. Working with a doctor specializing in functional medicine is the best way to start to work this up.

Ronald D. Blatt, MD, FACOG · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Fraxel will only resurface the skin it will not add volume to your temple. Your best bet is to get fillers in that area.  It is quite safe as long as you see an experienced physician.
Best of luck

Is there another way to add volume to temples besides surgery or fillers?

Answers (8)

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