Temple augmentation and forehead filling are relatively common methods of improving facial contours in modern medical cosmetic projects. Although both belong to the category of facial soft tissue filling treatments, there are significant differences in the applicable parts, treatment objectives, operation methods and facial aesthetic effects. This article aims to systematically explain the definitions, implementation methods, physiological structure basis of these two treatment methods and their different roles in facial aesthetic optimization, and make a comparative analysis of common materials, postoperative reactions and precautions, in order to provide scientific reference for medical cosmetic practitioners and those seeking beauty.
1. Differences in anatomical basis and aesthetic significance
Temple augmentation is a technique that aims to fill and improve the depressions in the temporal area. The temple is located between the forehead and the cheekbones. Once depression occurs in this area, it will lead to broken facial lines, aging, and unbalanced contours. From an aesthetic point of view, full temples can enhance the softness of the middle part of the face, make the facial contours smoother, and reflect a healthy and youthful appearance.
Forehead filling is to modify the contour of the forehead area. As the main component of the upper part of the face, the fullness of the forehead directly affects the harmony and affinity of the face. A flat or concave forehead can easily make the facial features appear compact and lack of three-dimensionality. By adjusting the curvature of the forehead through filling, the side contour can be optimized, making the entire facial structure softer and more natural.
2. Operation method and materials used
Although both belong to soft tissue filling technology at the operational level, the specific operation paths and levels are different.
The following materials are usually used for filling the temples :
①. Hyaluronic acid: It is easy to inject, has a short metabolic cycle, and is suitable for first-time users.
②. Autologous fat: Fat is extracted from other parts of the patient's body, processed and then injected into the temple area. It has good tissue compatibility and some of the fat can survive permanently.
③. Products that stimulate collagen regeneration, such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): achieve long-term filling effects by activating one’s own collagen production.
The injection level is usually below the temporal fascia or above the superficial fascia. Damage to the superficial temporal artery and temporal branch of the facial nerve should be avoided, and the operation depends on anatomical proficiency.
Hyaluronic acid, autologous fat or other biological materials can also be used to fill the forehead , but the injection layer of the forehead is relatively shallow, mostly located under the periosteum or shallow subcutaneous layer. Forehead filling emphasizes the overall control of the curvature, and often combines the aesthetics of the front and side views at the same time to avoid the formation of local bulges or depressions.
3. Differences between indications and contraindications
Temple filling is suitable for:
① Those who are born with sunken temples and discontinuous sunken middle part of the face;
② Temporal depression caused by fat atrophy and bone loss with aging;
③. People who pursue softer facial contours.
Forehead filler is suitable for:
① Those with a flat and receding forehead that affects the side lines;
②, hope to improve the appearance of "compact face" or "miserable face";
③. Those who want to make facial contours three-dimensional and rejuvenated.
Neither applies to:
①. There are local infection or inflammatory lesions;
②. Allergic to filling materials;
③ Those with bleeding diseases or those taking anticoagulant drugs recently;
④. Pregnant or lactating women (careful evaluation is required before deciding whether to receive treatment).
4. Comparison of postoperative effects and maintenance time
The postoperative effect of temple augmentation is that the side lines of the face become more natural and fuller, and the face looks more friendly. The maintenance time of hyaluronic acid filling is usually 6-12 months, and autologous fat is approximately a partially permanent effect, which is related to the fat survival rate.
Filling the forehead mainly enhances the three-dimensionality and softness of the face, optimizes the continuity of the contour, and improves the sense of compactness. Since the forehead has rich expressions and large dynamic changes, the injection volume needs to be controlled more precisely, and the material maintenance time is similar to that of temple filling.
5. Comparison of Risks and Complications
Although both are minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, they differ in terms of anatomical risks:
Risk points of temple augmentation include:
① Accidental injury to the superficial temporal artery or its branches, resulting in hematoma or embolism;
② Uneven injection may cause unevenness;
③. After autologous fat transplantation, there is asymmetric absorption and nodule formation.
The main risks of forehead augmentation include:
① Uneven local filling leads to surface undulations;
②, restricted expression or feeling of tension;
③. In rare cases, if the filling accidentally causes blood vessel compression, it may cause the risk of tissue necrosis.
6. Synergy in overall facial design
In facial contour adjustment, temple and forehead filling are often performed together as a collaborative project , especially in facial rejuvenation programs. A full forehead with rounded temples can improve the overall proportion of the upper part of the face, and transition the contour from "sunken and old" to "full and childlike."
It should be noted that treatment design needs to vary from person to person , based on a comprehensive judgment of multiple factors such as facial structure, gender, age, aesthetic needs, etc., to avoid blindly pursuing a "standard face."
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Although the roles of temple augmentation and forehead filling in medical cosmetology are similar, there are also obvious differences in structure, purpose and implementation. When choosing a project, patients should fully understand the characteristics of their own facial structure and make decisions based on the facial consultation suggestions of professional doctors. At the same time, the operation must be performed in a regular medical institution by a qualified doctor to ensure operation safety and postoperative effects. Although facial filling is not a surgery, it requires high precision. We should avoid underestimating its risks and improve facial contours with a scientific attitude.