Temporal implants Long Term Volume Replacement

The “temple” region is the area on the side of the forehead above the cheekbone and outside the outer corner of
the eye. Some people naturally have a concave temple shape, while others notice increasing hollowing over time.
When the temple area looks more indented, it can change how light reflects across the upper face and may make
the face look less balanced from the front or in three-quarter views.

Temple hollowing is not always the same from person to person. The right approach depends on anatomy, skin
quality, and how the temple contour relates to the cheek and brow.

Many patients do well with HA filler and choose to maintain results with periodic treatments. Others eventually
ask about longer-term options—often for practical and preference-based reasons:

• Maintenance: results are temporary and typically require repeat treatments over time.
• Short-term side effects: swelling, tenderness, and bruising can occur after each visit.
• Rare but serious risks: published reviews describe vascular complications such as ischemia,
  skin necrosis, and—rarely—blindness
  [3]
  [4].
• Envelope limitations in some patients: scarred or tight tissue may limit how “expansible” the
  area feels with injectables (this is individualized and should be evaluated in person).
• Long-term cost considerations: repeat treatments can add up over years.

If you use fillers, it’s reasonable to ask your provider how they minimize risk, what products they select for
the temple region, and what their plan is if a vascular complication is suspected.

Temporal implants (often called “temporal shell” implants) are soft silicone implants designed to restore
volume in excessively concave or sunken temples. Manufacturer materials describe them as soft-tissue implants
placed under the temporalis fascia and on top of the temporalis muscle
[1]
[2].

A common surgical approach uses an incision that can be camouflaged within the hairline. The implant is then
positioned in a defined anatomical plane to recreate a smoother, more youthful temple contour.

Why patients explore temporal implants

• They want an option designed to be long-lasting, rather than scheduling repeat filler visits over time.
• They want a predictable structural/contour change in a specific anatomic zone.
• They prefer a surgical correction that does not depend on filler maintenance schedules.

Best-practice language: implants are intended to be long-lasting, but no outcome is guaranteed. Healing,
individual anatomy, and natural aging can influence how results look over time.

In general, temporal implants may be discussed for patients who have temple hollowing that affects facial
balance and who want a longer-term option than repeat filler sessions.

• May be a fit: patients with noticeable concavity who want structural soft-tissue augmentation
  in a defined zone.
• Discuss carefully: patients with significant scarring or complex anatomy, or those combining
  multiple procedures (because sequencing and surgical planning matter).
• Combination planning: some patients may discuss combining approaches (e.g., implant plus fat
  grafting) depending on whether goals include both contour blending and structural restoration.

If you’ve had temple filler previously, ask how that affects timing and planning.

• “Is my temple concern primarily volume deficiency, contour shape, or both?”
• “Which option fits my anatomy best—HA filler, fat grafting, Bellafill, or a temporal implant—and why?”
• “Would I need a standard or extended implant based on my hollowing pattern?”
• “Where is the incision placed, and how is it camouflaged within the hairline?”
• “How do you minimize risk in this area, and what is your plan if a complication is suspected?”
• “If I’ve had temple filler before, does that change planning or timing?”
• “What does recovery typically look like for someone like me?”

If temple hollowing is affecting how you feel in photos or in the mirror, a consultation is the best next step
to identify what’s driving the change and which option fits your anatomy and goals.

Schedule a consultation

Facial implants overview

Facial fat grafting for volume restoration

1. Implantech “Temporal Shell” flyer (ultrasoft silicone; placed under fascia on top of temporalis muscle; standard vs extended description).
   Source (PDF): https://www.implantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Implantech_Temporal_Shell_Flyer_09-16.pdf
2. Implantech “Temporal Shell Implant Surgical Technique” (describes implant and surgical approach/plane in technique document).
   Source (PDF): https://www.implantech.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Temporal_Shell_Implant_Surgical_Technique_March-2013.pdf
3. Hong et al. “Adverse Effects Associated with Dermal Filler Treatments” (2024) (discusses vascular complications including ischemia, necrosis, and severe outcomes like blindness).
   Source (PMC): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11276034/
4. Tran et al. “Vision Loss and Blindness Following Fillers” (2021) (review focused on vision loss complications and prevention/management concepts).
   Source (PMC): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8294333/
5. FDA PMA listing for Bellafill — indications include correction of nasolabial folds and certain atrophic, distensible facial acne scars on the cheek.
   Source (FDA): https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpma/pma.cfm?id=350569
6. Implantech product page “Temporal Shell – Extended” (describes extended design coverage).
   Source (text): https://www.implantech.com/product/temporal-shell-extended/

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