Temple augmentation and prosthetic filling are important means of optimizing facial contours and are widely used in the field of clinical cosmetology. With the increasing demand for facial three-dimensionality and rejuvenation, the fullness of the temples has become one of the important factors in measuring facial coordination and beauty. This article will systematically analyze the characteristics, applicable populations, operation methods and effect differences of the two methods to provide a theoretical basis for clinical application.
Facial effects of sunken temples
The temple area is located between the end of the eyebrow and the cheekbone, and is an important structural area in the middle of the face . The depression in this area will break the continuity of the facial contour and easily form a visual impression of "mid-face atrophy" or "aging bones". In addition, the depression of the temple may also cause the face shape to change from a standard oval to an inverted trapezoid or diamond, affecting the overall softness and three-dimensionality of the face.
The sunken temples are mostly caused by the following factors:
① Hereditary bone structure
②. Decrease in fat and soft tissue volume due to aging
③. Fat loss after rapid weight loss
④. Changes in hormone levels or malnutrition
Therefore, intervention treatment on the temples not only helps to coordinate facial contours, but also improves signs of aging to a certain extent.
Two main methods of filling the temples
Currently, the commonly used methods for filling the temples in clinical practice include injection filling and prosthesis implantation . Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and there are also obvious differences in the suitable population and postoperative maintenance.
1. Injection filling method (such as hyaluronic acid, autologous fat)
Injectable filling is a minimally invasive method that injects filling materials into the subcutaneous or fascial layer to increase the volume of the temple area and improve the sunken state.
1. Common filling materials :
Hyaluronic acid : The effect is immediate after injection and lasts for about 6 to 12 months. It is absorbed quickly and is suitable for first-time users.
Autologous fat : Fat extracted from other parts of the body (such as the abdomen and thighs) is purified and then injected into the temples. It has good biocompatibility and lasts longer, but the absorption rate is unstable.
2. Advantages :
Less trauma : The operation is quick and the recovery period is short.
Immediate results : Improvements can be seen immediately after filling.
Reversibility : If unsatisfactory or problems occur, adjustments can be achieved through dissolving enzymes or reabsorption.
3. Disadvantages :
Limited maintenance time : Most materials require regular replenishment and maintenance.
Absorption rates vary widely : especially with autologous fat, multiple injections may be required after surgery to maintain symmetry and fullness.
Highly dependent on postoperative management : For example, the fat survival rate is subject to postoperative care, injection techniques and individual differences.
2. Prosthesis filling method (such as silicone, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene implant)
Prosthetic filling belongs to the category of plastic surgery. Customized prostheses are surgically implanted into the temporal fascia layer to achieve the purpose of lasting fullness of the temples.
1. Common prosthesis materials :
Solid silicone : moderate texture, reasonable price, and natural shaping effect after surgery.
Expanded material (ePTFE) : It has good biocompatibility and tissue integration ability, but it is more expensive and the surgical complexity is slightly higher.
2. Advantages :
Long maintenance time : The prosthesis has a fixed volume structure and will not be absorbed, so it can maintain the fullness of the temple for a long time.
One-time molding : No need for multiple supplements after surgery, and the effect is stable.
Suitable for those with bony depressions : For depressions caused by insufficient bone development, prostheses provide more support.
3. Disadvantages :
The surgical risk is relatively high : it involves tissue stripping and implantation, and there is a risk of complications such as infection, hematoma, and rejection.
Long recovery period : It takes 2 to 4 weeks for swelling and bruising to recover.
High requirements for preoperative design : the prosthesis needs to be precisely customized according to the individual's bone structure to avoid asymmetry or prosthesis displacement.
Comparative analysis of injection filling and prosthetic filling
| project | Injection filler (hyaluronic acid/autologous fat) | Implant filling (silicone/expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) |
|---|---|---|
| Degree of trauma | Minimally invasive | Surgical Procedure |
| Maintenance time | Short to medium term (6 months to 2 years) | Long-term stability (many years) |
| Natural effect | Autologous fat is more natural | Well-designed and natural |
| Recovery cycle | 1~5 days | 2-4 weeks |
| Cost Range | Lower, pay-per-view | High, charged by surgery and customization |
| Adapt to the crowd | Mild to moderate depression, pursuit of safety and reversibility | Moderate to severe bony depression, one-step shaping is desired |
In comparison, injection filling is suitable for those with mild depressions, first-time attempts, or those with low tolerance for trauma ; while prosthetic implants are more suitable for those who expect long-term maintenance or have obvious bone defects .
Factors Affecting Efficacy
1. Physician's technical level
Regardless of which method is chosen, the operating technique directly affects the symmetry, naturalness and complication rate of the filling. The fat survival rate and the accuracy of the prosthesis position all depend on the operation of experienced physicians.
2. Individual Differences
Individual physiological differences such as skin thickness, fascia structure, and fat distribution will affect the distribution of filling materials and postoperative morphology, so detailed evaluation and imaging guidance are required before surgery.
3. Postoperative Care
Massage and compression should be avoided after injection. Strenuous exercise and facial impact should be limited after prosthesis surgery. Whether standard postoperative care is followed is directly related to the recovery speed and final effect.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
The fullness of the temples not only affects the youthfulness of the face, but is also closely related to the coordination of the overall facial contour. Injection filling and prosthetic implantation each have their own advantages and are suitable for different populations and needs. Clinical selection should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors such as personal facial structure, age, living habits, budget and expected maintenance time. Receiving treatment in a regular medical institution and being operated by experienced professional physicians is the key to ensuring efficacy and safety. Before making a decision, you should fully communicate the postoperative risks, expected effects and recovery period, and rationally choose the method that suits you best to enhance the beauty of facial contours while also ensuring health and safety.