Hollow temples after facelift - will this correct itself over time or should I consider a procedure to restore balance? (photos)

Question

Hello! I’m 5 months post facelift and noticed temple hollowing. Will I see improvement to this area as I continue healing or would it be beneficial to opt for filler or fat transfer to this area to restore balance to my face shape? Thank you so much in advance for the guidance!

Bora Ok, MD · Answer

Greetings from Istanbul! The hollowing in the temples you've experienced post-facelift is not something that would resolve on its own. If it is a cause of concern for you, you might consider undergoing fat grafting to address this hollowness. Best of luck to you!

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

In this situation, the best option to restore facial harmony would be one of the two procedures you described- filler or fat grafting. I would recommend fat grafting, given the more long term results achievable, and the larger volume necessary to adequately fill the temporal region. Hope this helps!Best,Dr. Donald GrovesPlastic Surgeon

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

The temporal hollowing is probably more pronounced after your surgery and was less noticeable to you before surgery. This will not improve with time. You can have some filler added to this area ( HA fillers, biostimulatory fillers, or fat). These will improve the contour and diminish the hollowing. For a permanent improvement, I recommend and prefer silicone temporal implants. They provide an improved contour from the temporal crest down to the lateral orbit. They are placed through a small incision in the hairline.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that face lift is the cause of temple hollowing. Very likely it was present before FL but you and your surgeon did not pay much attention to that?. This condition will not improve in time and needs to be addressed. Options are fat grafts (ultra sound guided), fillers, ) or implants. This is something that you should discuss with your surgeon or seek a second opinion consultation. Good luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You look really good after your facelift. Although you could fill
In your temples with fat or filler I personally don’t think it would be worthwhile. You have a good result. Don’t mess with it

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. I would not expect to see the temples spontaneously improve over time. You should be aware that temporal fullness can be very sensitive to fluctuations in body weight. Assuming you are happy with your weight with no plans for substantial weight gain or loss, I think fat transfer and/or dermal filler is the appropriate way to go. Both are straightforward procedures, and lipotransfer can be done under local anesthesia. 
Best,Dr. Tower

Ashley B. Robey, MD · Answer

At 5 months after a facelift, your temples are not going to become more full. Depending upon what you had done, it is possible that adjacent areas could become less full, thereby making the temples look comparatively more full. If you are wanting more temple volume, you could have some filler added. You look good though!

Matt Novak, MD · Answer

Hollow temples after a facelift can be a potential side effect, and whether it will correct itself over time depends on several factors, including your individual healing process and the specific techniques used during the facelift. Here are some considerations:
1. **Healing and Swelling**: In the immediate post-operative period, some hollowness or volume loss in the temple area can be due to swelling. Swelling can take several weeks to subside, and as it does, you may notice some improvement in the appearance of your temples.
2. **Surgical Techniques**: The extent and location of hollowing in the temple area can be influenced by the surgical techniques used during the facelift. If excessive fat or tissue was removed from the temples, it may result in a hollow appearance. Your surgeon can provide insight into the specific techniques employed and whether they contribute to the issue.
3. **Individual Variation**: Healing and tissue response can vary from person to person. Some individuals may see gradual improvement in temple volume over several months, while others may not experience significant changes.
4. **Consult with Your Surgeon**: It's crucial to communicate your concerns with your plastic surgeon who performed the facelift. They can evaluate your condition, determine the cause of the hollowing, and discuss your options. Depending on the severity of the issue and your goals, they may recommend non-surgical treatments, such as dermal fillers or fat grafting, to restore volume to the temples. In more severe cases, revision surgery may be considered.
5. **Patience and Time**: While some improvements may occur naturally as your body continues to heal, it's essential to be patient and allow sufficient time for the full effects of the facelift to become evident. Healing can continue for many months after surgery.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a corrective procedure to restore balance to your temples should be made in consultation with your plastic surgeon. They can provide you with a personalized assessment and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and desired outcome.

Michael S. Kluska, DO · Answer

The reason for temple hollowing is secondary to loss of the temporal fat pad. This will not correct itself after facelift surgery and needs to be addressed. Temporal hollowing is easily treated with injectables such as Volux and Radiesse, or with a Fat Grafting.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Your issue of temple lack of contour and volume (as well as your forehead--which is gently convex in youth) is more common than you might think.
Your full cheeks accentuate the upper facial third lack of definition
Fat grafting, done properly, is a one time surgical procodure that in my experience of 25 years, generally lasts 10-15 years
Hope this helps

Hollow temples after facelift - will this correct itself over time or should I consider a procedure to restore balance? (photos)

Answers (11)

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