Aging will cause the facial tissues to lose elasticity, which causes the face to appear droopy. Nowadays, many elective procedures are available to tighten your skin depending on the required treatment. If your outer eyes, upper cheeks, and outer brows are showing the passing of time, you might be a candidate for a temple lift. These surgical techniques ensure a natural look without any noticeable scars.
Why Do Temples Sag?
Several factors can contribute to temple sagging, such as genetics, lifestyle, sun exposure, and weight fluctuations. Some people are born with a naturally narrow or flat temple area, which can become more noticeable over time. Others may experience temple sagging due to smoking, stress, poor diet, or lack of sleep, which can affect the skin's health and elasticity. Sun damage can also accelerate the aging process by breaking down collagen and causing wrinkles and pigmentation. Additionally, losing or gaining weight can cause the skin to stretch or shrink, resulting in sagging or loose skin.
Temples are the areas on the sides of the forehead, between the eyebrows and the hairline. As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen, which are essential for maintaining a smooth and firm appearance. The temples are particularly prone to volume loss, as they have less fat and muscle than other parts of the face. This can result in a sunken, hollow look that can make us appear older and more tired.
An option for treating temple sagging is a surgical procedure called a temporal lift, which involves making small incisions along the hairline and lifting the skin and underlying tissues of the temple. A temporal lift can correct severe sagging and drooping, and create a more defined and youthful forehead and brow. A temporal lift can also be combined with other procedures, such as a brow lift or a facelift, for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. A temporal lift requires anesthesia, recovery time, and possible risks and complications, and should be performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
What to Expect from a Temple Lift Surgery?
A temple lift, also known as a temporal brow lift, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to elevate the outer part of the eyebrows and smooth the wrinkles and sagging skin around the temples and the corners of the eyes. A temple lift can create a more youthful and refreshed appearance, as well as enhance facial harmony and balance. Temple lift is usually performed under local anesthesia or sedation and takes about an hour to complete. The surgeon makes a small incision in the hairline above the ear and then lifts and tightens the skin and underlying tissues of the temple area. The excess skin is removed and the incision is closed with sutures or staples.
The recovery time after a temple lift is relatively short and easy, compared to other facial surgeries. The patient may experience some mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the incision site, which can be managed with ice packs, painkillers, and antibiotics. The patient is advised to keep the head elevated and avoid strenuous activities for the first week. The sutures or staples are usually removed after 10 to 14 days, and the scars are well hidden within the hairline. The final results of the temple lift are visible after a few weeks when the swelling and bruising subside.
How is a Temple Lift Performed?
During a temple lift, an incision is made within the hair above the ear so that scarring isn’t visible. Then, the underlying tissue is raised upwards, and tightened, and any “crow’s feet” lines leading out of the corners of the eyes are also smoothed out and softened. For closing, the skin is tightened, and any excess is trimmed and sutured.
What is the difference between a Temple Lift and a Brow Lift?
Although many may mistake the two procedures, there are clear differences between the two. A brow lift or browplasty is performed to correct forehead wrinkles, frown lines, and furrows between the eyes; lifting the entire eyebrow and forehead area. But a temple lift only focuses on lifting the outside corner of the eyebrow. The procedure will give the entire eye area a subtle lift and improve the brow shape to take years off your appearance.
Who is a good candidate for a Temple Lift?
A temple lift is a minimally invasive solution to treat a variety of issues, such as:
Crow’s feet
Drooping brows
Outer forehead wrinkles
What are the risks & complications of temple lift?
Like any surgery, a temple lift also carries some potential risks and complications that should be considered before undergoing the procedure. Some of the possible risks and complications of a temple lift are:
Infection: There is a risk of infection following temple lift surgery. Proper care and adherence to post-operative instructions can help minimize this risk. Signs of infection include fever, redness, swelling, pus, or pain around the incision site. If infection occurs, antibiotics or additional surgery may be needed.
Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery is a possible complication. Bleeding can cause hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) or compromise the blood supply to the skin or the eyes. If bleeding occurs, it may require drainage or transfusion.
Scarring: Although efforts are made to minimize scarring, there is a possibility of visible scars following temple lift surgery. The scars are usually hidden within the hairline, but they may become noticeable if the hair is thinning or receding. Scarring can also affect the hair growth and texture in the area.
Nerve damage: There is a risk of nerve damage during temple lift surgery, which can result in numbness, tingling, or weakness in the forehead, eyebrows, or eyelids. Nerve damage can also affect facial expressions and movements, such as raising the eyebrows or closing the eyes. Nerve damage is usually temporary, but in rare cases, it can be permanent.
Filler complications: If the temple lift is combined with filler injections, there is a risk of filler complications, such as allergic reactions, infections, lumps, asymmetry, or vascular occlusion. Vascular occlusion is a serious condition where the filler blocks a blood vessel, leading to tissue death or blindness. Filler complications can be avoided by choosing a qualified and experienced injector and following the aftercare instructions.
A temple lift is a safe and effective procedure that can provide long-lasting results, depending on the patient's skin quality, age, and lifestyle. The results can last for up to two to three years and can be maintained with a healthy diet, sun protection, and skin care. A temple lift can also be combined with other procedures, such as an eyelid lift or a facelift, for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
What are the recovery steps of a Temple Lift?
The minimally invasive temple lift procedure has a relatively short downtime. After the procedure as the skin is sutured a light bandage is applied for 1-2 days. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to take care of your scar and the bandages will be removed 1-3 days after the surgery. Ice packs and elevation are the best methods of reducing swelling and bruising, especially if applied in the first 24 – 48 hours. During the first week following the procedure, you’ll need to use 2-3 pillows to keep the head raised. Which helps minimize swelling and bruising. It’s normal for bruises to appear on your forehead and around your eyes. The bruising will go away 7-10 days after the procedure but you may experience black eyes for 6-8 weeks. The sutures will be removed at about the tenth to the fourteenth day postoperative.
How Long Do the Effects of a Temple Lift Last?
Patients should keep in mind that a temple lift will not stop the natural aging process and gravity, environmental stressors, and other factors will continue to have effects on your skin. But since the area of your face that had the procedure will always look relatively young, you could say the result of a temple lift is permanent.
Conclusion
Temple lift surgery can create a more youthful and refreshed appearance, as well as enhance facial harmony and balance. Temple lift surgery can be performed as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination with other facial surgeries, such as eyelid lift or facelift, for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Temple lift surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves a small incision in the hairline above the ear, where the skin and underlying tissues are lifted and tightened. The final results of the temple lift surgery are visible after a few weeks when the swelling and bruising subside. The results can last for up to two to three years, depending on the patient's skin quality, age, and lifestyle.