How can I reduce the size of my temples? (Photos)

Question

Is there anyway I can reduce my wide forehead/temple area? There just seems to be so much extra mass on the sides of my head. I've heard Botox can be used to help in reduction, but what should I do?

Alexander Rivkin, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Yes, I think that Botox is a good idea. From your pictures it seems that you have enlarged temporalis muscles. This usually happens because people grind their teeth. Sometimes they don’t even know they are doing it because they are only grinding at night. We treat teeth grinding and reduce enlarged masseter and temporalis muscles daily. For men, I would start with about 16 units per side and then have them come back for a follow up visit in two weeks to make sure that the dose is correct. If not, we can always add more Botox at that time. To get good reduction, I would suggest two or three sessions at an optimal dose and then continue for a couple more sessions to break the habit of grinding. Many patients no longer need treatment after keeping the muscles weak for that period of time. This treatment should not result in issues with chewing or smiling, don’t worry. Hope that helps!

Emile Brown, MD · Answer

Botox can be injected into the temporalis muscle to decrease bulk in the temporal area. The effects last 3-4 months. With repeated injections, permanent atrophy may develop - I see migraine patients who get repeated injections in this area develop this.Emile Brown, MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon, Johns Hopkins & Harvard Trained

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

I have used Dysport injections to debulk the temples. If you chew gum, your should stop. You would need three or four injections in each  temporal muscle every three months.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

men look worse with hollow temples so botox may increase that chance. I suggest you see  an expert. most of what you are "seeing" its your anatomy your bone is wider on the top and that is normal for your head shape.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question very much.Reducing the bulk of the temple muscles can be accomplished with a neuromodulator like Botox or Dysport.

Eduardo Ochoa, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question and providing pictures
You can have some botox in the temple area to help reduce their size, as botox will block the nerve signal to the muscle avoiding its contraction, if this effect is mantained long enough, the muscle will decrease its size just as when you stop working out long enough any muscles will get smaller.
Be sure to discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon, have it done with someone you feel comfortable with and that has enough experience with botulinum toxin.
I hope this helps! Best regards

How can I reduce the size of my temples? (Photos)

Answers (12)

Answer: Temple reduction -- botox / dysport / xeomin -- but beware can make you look hollow!

Answer: Temple reduction -- botox / dysport / xeomin -- but beware can make you look hollow!

Answer: Temple muscle bulk...

Answer: Temple muscle bulk...

Answer: Reduce Temples Size

Answer: Reduce Temples Size

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Everything you need to know about Botox

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How can I reduce the size of my temples? (Photos)

Answers (12)

Answer: Temple reduction -- botox / dysport / xeomin -- but beware can make you look hollow!

Answer: Temple reduction -- botox / dysport / xeomin -- but beware can make you look hollow!

Answer: Temple muscle bulk...

Answer: Temple muscle bulk...

Answer: Reduce Temples Size

Answer: Reduce Temples Size

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

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