Temple filler is an advanced dermal filler treatment designed to restore lost volume in the temple area, helping to restore volume to hollow temples, improve facial harmony and, in some cases, provide a subtle lifting effect to the outer eyebrow.
As we age, it’s common to notice subtle changes in the upper face. While many people focus on lines, wrinkles or volume loss in the cheeks, the temples are often overlooked, despite playing an important role in maintaining a youthful, balanced facial shape.
In this guide, our Head of Clinical Training, Dr Max Greenfield, explains why temple filler is one of his favourite treatments, who it’s suitable for and everything you need to know before treatment.
What is temple filler?
Temple filler is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler treatment that restores volume to the temples – the area between the outer eyebrow and the hairline.
Dr Max Greenfield explains that when performed correctly, temple filler creates a smoother transition between the forehead, brow and cheekbone, helping the face appear healthier, softer and more refreshed without looking overfilled.
The goal is not to dramatically change your appearance, but to restore the volume that has naturally been lost over time.
Why do temples become hollow?
Temple hollowing is one of the earliest signs of facial ageing, although it isn’t always something people immediately notice.
Several factors contribute to volume loss in this area, including:
- The natural loss of facial fat with age
- Reduced collagen and elastin production
- Changes in bone structure over time
- Significant weight loss
- Genetics, with some people naturally having more hollow temples
“As volume decreases, the temples can appear sunken, creating shadows around the eyes and making the upper face appear more skeletal or tired.”
What are the benefits of temple filler?
When people think about temple filler, they usually imagine it’s only used to treat hollow temples. In reality, the temples play an important role in the overall structure of the face, meaning that carefully restoring volume here can have a much wider effect.
Temple filler may help to:
- Restore hollow or sunken temples by replacing volume that naturally reduces with age, weight loss or genetics.
- Create a softer, more youthful facial shape, particularly in the upper face.
- Provide subtle support to the outer eyebrow, which can create a gentle lifting effect without changing your natural expression.
- Improve the transition between the forehead and the cheeks, giving the face a smoother, more harmonious contour.
- Reduce the appearance of crow’s feet in some patients by improving support to the surrounding tissues.
- Enhance the upper cheek area by restoring structural support where volume has been lost.
- Improve overall facial balance, especially when the temples appear disproportionately hollow compared with the rest of the face.
- Support the lower face and jawline in selected patients. Strategic placement of filler in the temple can create subtle repositioning of the soft tissues, improving definition further down the face.
“One of the reasons experienced practitioners value temple treatment is that it often produces results that don’t immediately look like filler. Rather than changing a single feature, it restores balance across the face, helping patients look fresher, healthier and less tired while maintaining a natural appearance.”
Who is suitable for temple filler?
Temple filler may be suitable if you:
- Have noticeable hollowing in the temple area
- Feel your upper face looks tired or gaunt
- Have experienced age-related volume loss
- Have lost facial volume following weight loss
- Want subtle facial rejuvenation without surgery
During your consultation, your clinician will assess whether temple filler is the most appropriate treatment or whether another treatment may better achieve your goals.
What type of filler is used?
Temple filler is typically performed using a high-quality hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler.
“Different fillers have different properties, so your clinician will carefully select the most appropriate product based on your facial anatomy, the amount of volume loss and where the filler needs to be placed. In some cases, a firmer filler is used to provide deeper structural support, while a softer filler may be chosen for areas closer to the surface to create a smooth, natural-looking finish.”
At The Academy Clinic, we only use premium, clinically proven dermal fillers chosen specifically for safety, longevity and natural-looking results.
How many ml of filler do you need for temples?
The amount of filler required varies from person to person.
“Most patients require approximately 0.5ml per temple (around 1ml in total), although those with more significant volume loss may benefit from additional filler or treatment over more than one appointment.”
Our clinicians always take a conservative approach, as overfilling the temples can lead to an unnatural appearance.
Can you combine temple filler with other filler treatments?
Yes. Temple filler is often combined with other treatments as part of a personalised plan.
“At The Academy Clinic, we never assess the temples in isolation. Instead, we take a holistic approach, evaluating the face as a whole to understand where volume has been lost and how different areas work together.”
Depending on your facial anatomy and treatment goals, your clinician may recommend combining temple filler with treatments such as cheek, chin or jawline filler to restore facial balance and create harmonious, natural-looking results. In selected patients, other treatments may also be recommended where appropriate.
How long does temple filler last?
“You will see the effects of the treatment immediately, but the final result can take up to four weeks as any temporary swelling settles.”
Temple filler is generally one of the longer-lasting dermal filler treatments because the area experiences relatively little movement.
Most patients enjoy results for 12–18 months, although longevity varies depending on:
- The type of filler used
- Your metabolism
- Lifestyle factors
- The amount of filler placed
Many patients choose maintenance treatments approximately once a year to preserve their results.
Why is temple filler only available with our DIAMOND-tier clinicians?
Temple filler is considered one of the most advanced dermal filler treatments.
“The temple contains complex anatomy, including important blood vessels and nerves, making precise injection technique and an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy essential.”
For this reason, The Academy Clinic offers temple filler exclusively with our DIAMOND-tier clinicians in both London and Manchester. These practitioners have extensive experience performing advanced injectable treatments and are trained to safely assess the area, select the most appropriate technique and deliver natural-looking results while minimising risk.
“Patient safety is always our priority, which is why we believe advanced treatments should only be performed by highly experienced medical injectors.”
Are there any risks?
Like any injectable procedure, temple filler carries potential risks.
Common temporary side effects include:
- Mild swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Redness around the injection site
These effects usually settle within a few days.
Although rare, more serious complications can occur because of the complex anatomy of the temple region. Choosing an experienced medical practitioner significantly reduces these risks. At The Academy Clinic, every treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation, careful facial assessment and a personalised treatment plan to ensure the safest possible approach.
Is temple filler painful?
“Most patients describe temple filler as a comfortable treatment. We use premium hyaluronic acid fillers containing local anaesthetic to help minimise discomfort throughout the procedure.”
You may feel some pressure or a slight pinching sensation during treatment, but significant discomfort is uncommon.
What is the aftercare for temple filler?
To help your treatment settle beautifully, we recommend:
- Avoid touching or applying pressure to the treated area for the first 24 hours.
- Leave the gym, hot yoga, saunas and steam rooms until the following day, as heat and exercise can increase swelling.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours, as this may make bruising more likely.
- Try not to wear tight hats, helmets or headbands that place pressure on the temples for the first few days.
- Where possible, sleep on your back for the first couple of nights to avoid putting pressure on the treated area.
- Follow any personalised aftercare advice provided by your clinician.
Our team will explain exactly what to expect before you leave the clinic and we’re always on hand if you have any questions during your recovery. While serious complications are rare, if you experience increasing pain, changes in skin colour or any changes to your vision following treatment, contact us immediately so we can advise you.
How much does temple filler cost?
Temple filler costs £375 at both our London and Manchester clinics.
Your consultation includes a full facial assessment to determine whether temple filler is the right treatment for your concerns and to create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your facial anatomy.
Book your temple filler consultation
If you’re concerned about hollow temples or have noticed changes in the shape of your upper face, temple filler may be an effective way to restore lost volume and create a refreshed, balanced appearance.
Our experienced DIAMOND-tier clinicians take a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, ensuring every treatment complements your natural features while prioritising your safety.
New to filler? Enjoy 15% off your first dermal filler treatment with the code FILLERWELCOME.
All information correct at the time of publication
