What sunken temples are
The temples are the soft, slightly curved areas between the outer end of the eyebrow and the hairline. When they hollow out, a dip appears at the side of the forehead. The upper face can look pinched, the brow tail may seem to drop, and the cheekbones can stand out more sharply than they used to. Because the change is gradual, many people notice it first in photographs taken from an angle, or when their face starts to look tired even after a good night's sleep.
Temple hollowing is common in people who are naturally slim, in those who exercise intensely or have lost weight, and as part of normal facial ageing. It is rarely the only change, which is why we look at the face as a whole rather than at one dip in isolation.
Why it happens: the layers involved
At Obliv we use an 8-layer Skin Architecture model, from the epidermis down to bone. Facial ageing tends to work from the inside out: the bone gradually remodels, the deep fat pads shrink, the support tissue loosens and the fat that remains descends. The temple is an area where several of these changes meet. Deep fat and support tissue thin out, the overlying muscle and fascia become more visible, and the dermis loses collagen — collagen falls by roughly 1% a year from around the age of 20, faster after menopause and with sun exposure. The result is less padding and thinner skin over a concave area.
Knowing which layer has changed most helps us decide depth first and product or device second.
How Obliv approaches sunken temples
- A director-led assessment. A director examines your face from the first consultation, looking at the temples together with the brow, cheekbones and midface, because they work as one frame.
- Structural support first. We follow a dual-plane idea: support just above the bone first, then the fat layer, with muscle addressed last if needed. Temple filler can help restore the lost curve. Hyaluronic acid filler typically lasts around 6–18 months; CaHA filler lasts around 12–18 months and also stimulates collagen.
- Gradual collagen rebuilding. For a softer, longer-term change, PLLA or PCL collagen stimulators trigger a controlled response in which fibroblasts make new collagen. Results start to show from about 1–3 months, peak around 3–6 months and can last roughly 12–24 months.
- Quality of the skin on top. Where the skin over the temple is thin or dry, skin boosters or Rejuran may be suggested to support regeneration.
What to expect
Filler gives a visible change on the day, with some temporary swelling or bruising possible. Collagen stimulators work more slowly, and temporary swelling, bruising or lumpiness can occur while the product settles. On the day of an injectable treatment, avoid touching the area for 4–6 hours and skip the sauna, alcohol and strenuous exercise. Your doctor will explain how many sessions make sense for you; results vary from person to person, and the aim is always a natural contour rather than a filled look.
Caring for your skin between visits
- Protect the skin with daily SPF50+, since UV breaks down collagen.
- Keep the skin barrier healthy with the pH-5.5-matched home care we prescribe.
- Tell us about any big changes in weight or training, as these affect facial volume.
Visiting from abroad
Temple treatment is often planned for short stays because filler shows results quickly. If you are combining it with collagen stimulators, we can start the course in Seoul and advise on timing for a follow-up visit. Send us photos of your face from the front and side, along with your travel dates, on WhatsApp and we will help you plan.
At a glance
- Layers: Deep fat, support tissue, dermis, sometimes bone
- Main options: Temple filler, PLLA/PCL collagen stimulators
- Results visible: Filler on the day; stimulators from 1–3 months
- Lasts: HA ~6–18 months; CaHA ~12–18; stimulators ~12–24
- Day of treatment: No touching 4–6 h, no sauna or alcohol
- Cost: Ask us on WhatsApp for a personalised quote
Questions about sunken temples
Will temple filler make my face look wider?
The aim is to restore a smooth, gently curved outline, not to add width. When the hollow is softened, the upper face often looks more balanced. Your doctor will plan the amount and depth to suit your proportions.
Filler or collagen stimulator — which is better?
Filler restores volume immediately, which suits short trips. Collagen stimulators work gradually over months and can give a softer, longer-lasting change. Some people benefit from a combination; the doctor will recommend the right option at consultation.
Is there downtime?
Most people return to normal activities the same day. Temporary swelling or bruising is possible, and you should avoid the sauna, alcohol and strenuous exercise on the day of treatment.
How long do results last?
Hyaluronic acid filler typically lasts around 6–18 months and CaHA around 12–18 months. Collagen stimulators can last roughly 12–24 months. Results vary from person to person.
Talk to us about sunken temples
Message us on WhatsApp in English. Obliv Clinic Seoul Origin, Pagoda Tower, 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu — about 5 minutes on foot from Jonggak and Euljiro 1-ga stations, close to Myeongdong.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Suitability, number of sessions and results vary from person to person and are decided with a doctor at consultation.
