Temple hollowing can be treated with either dermal fillers or temporal implants. The right choice depends on the degree of volume loss, desired longevity, and comfort with surgery.
Choose Fillers If:
- Temple hollowing is mild to moderate
- You want a non-surgical option
- You prefer a temporary or reversible treatment
- You want to “test” volume restoration before committing to something permanent
- Minimal downtime is important
Pros
- No surgery
- Immediate results
- Reversible (hyaluronic acid fillers)
- Office-based treatment
Cons
- Results are temporary
- Requires repeat treatments
- Cannot fully correct severe hollowing
- Higher long-term cost due to maintenance
Best for: First-time patients, younger patients, or those wanting subtle improvement.
Choose Temporal Implants If:
- Temple hollowing is moderate to severe
- You want a permanent solution
- Fillers have been insufficient or require large volumes
- Hollowing is caused by muscle loss or bone shape
- You want stable, long-term results without ongoing treatments
Pros
- Permanent volume restoration
- Natural feel similar to muscle or fat
- No maintenance treatments
- More effective for severe hollowing
- Avoids repeated injections
Cons
- Requires surgery
- Longer recovery than fillers
- Higher upfront cost
Best for: Patients seeking a definitive, long-lasting correction or those combining treatment with a facelift.
Safety Considerations
Fillers are generally safe when performed correctly but carry rare risks related to vascular injection. Implants involve surgery but avoid injection-related risks and are placed in a protected anatomical plane.
Can Treatments Be Combined?
Yes. Many patients use fillers first and later transition to implants. Some patients may also use small amounts of filler after implant placement to fine-tune symmetry.
Bottom Line
- Fillers = temporary, non-surgical, subtle improvement
- Implants = permanent, surgical, comprehensive correction
Dr. Barry Eppley
World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon