What Are the Methods for Temporal Filling?

The temples—also known in traditional Chinese face-reading as the “Consort Palace”—are referred to medically as the temporal region. Temporal hollowing, often accompanied by overly prominent or wide zygomatic arches, disrupts the overall facial contour, resulting in an unbalanced, sharp, and even harsh appearance. As increasing numbers of people place greater emphasis on their external appearance, many opt for temple augmentation. So, what are the available methods for temple augmentation? Below is an overview.

Methods of Temple Augmentation

1. Autologous Dermal–Fat Grafting

Dermal–fat tissue harvested from donor sites such as the buttocks or abdomen can be transplanted into the hollowed temporal region. Advantages include use of autologous tissue (eliminating risk of immune rejection) and convenient tissue availability. Disadvantages include partial graft resorption—which may compromise aesthetic outcomes—and noticeable scarring at the donor site.

2. Autologous Fat Grafting (Fat Injection)

Autologous fat injection into the temples follows similar principles as fat grafting elsewhere in the body. The primary challenge lies in variable postoperative resorption, necessitating multiple sessions (typically 2–4 injections, spaced 2–3 months apart).

3. Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) Implantation

ePTFE is a novel facial implant material valued for its stability and pliability, yielding natural and lifelike augmentation results. However, it requires a relatively large incision; during placement, the material must be carefully flattened to prevent folding or curling. Once implanted, ePTFE integrates deeply into surrounding soft tissues, making complete removal difficult later. Additionally, it carries a relatively high cost.

4. Silicone Implant Augmentation

Based on the severity of temporal hollowing, an oval-shaped silicone implant is customized and sculpted. A ~3 cm incision is made in the temporal region; the scalp, fascia, and temporalis muscle are sequentially incised, and a precisely sized pocket is dissected directly over the temporal bone. The silicone implant is then inserted and secured in optimal position. The muscle, fascia, and skin are closed in layers, followed by external compression dressing. Postoperatively, antibiotics are administered for 5–7 days; the external dressing is removed after 7 days, and sutures are taken out.

Additional Information: Key Considerations for Temple Augmentation

1. Prior to treatment, a comprehensive physical examination is required to rule out underlying medical conditions and ensure optimal health—enhancing surgical safety.

2. Patients should discontinue anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications before surgery, as these may increase intraoperative or postoperative bleeding risk and compromise healing.

3. Female patients should avoid scheduling surgery during menstruation, as hormonal fluctuations may impair wound healing and increase complication risks.

4. High-intensity physical activity should be avoided postoperatively to prevent mechanical stress on the surgical site, which could adversely affect healing and final aesthetic outcomes.

The above outlines common approaches to temple augmentation. We hope this information helps individuals seeking aesthetic enhancement better understand their options. For optimal safety and outcomes, patients are strongly advised to select a reputable, board-certified plastic surgery facility.