my temples look sunken
Temple hollowing
The temples lose volume with age and after weight loss, and because the change is gradual, few people notice it directly; what they see is a face that looks narrower, more tired or older. Three treatments can restore the area: hyaluronic acid filler, Sculptra and Juläine.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Munroe, October 2026
what it is.
The temple is the area between the outer end of the eyebrow and the hairline, above the cheekbone. When it hollows, the brow tail can appear to drop, the eyes look more deep-set and the upper face looks narrower than the lower face.
what causes it.
The temporal fat pad thins with age and the bone beneath it changes shape, and the temporalis muscle beneath can lose bulk. Significant weight loss, including with GLP-1 medications, often shows at the temples first. Some people naturally have deeper temples.
who gets it.
Most people notice temple hollowing from their forties, and earlier after weight loss or with a naturally slim face.
the options.
Including the ones not offered at our clinic.
Hyaluronic acid filler
May suit someone who wants an immediate, adjustable result. Placed deep, in small amounts, with the result settling over two to four weeks. Offered at Dr Munroe Clinic.
Sculptra
A collagen biostimulator for a gradual change over two to three months, suited to diffuse hollowing across the area. Offered at Dr Munroe Clinic.
Juläine
A collagen biostimulator with uniform microspheres and no massage routine, placed with a cannula technique, for a gradual change over three to six months. Offered at Dr Munroe Clinic.
No treatment
Mild hollowing that bothers no one but the mirror is a reasonable thing to leave alone.
what Dr Munroe recommends.
The temples are usually assessed alongside the cheeks and brow, as restoring one area changes how the others look. Filler suits those who want to see the change straight away; Sculptra or Juläine suit those who would rather it built gradually and lasted longer. The assessment decides which, and sometimes both in sequence.
common questions.
Why do my temples look hollow?
The fat pad and the bone of the temple change with age, and weight loss shows there early. The result is a narrower upper face and a brow that can appear to drop.
Is temple filler safe?
The temple has important blood vessels, so filler is placed deep, on bone, in small amounts, with the technique chosen for the area. This is discussed in full at consultation.
the next step.
Every plan starts with a consultation: a review of your skin and what you'd like to change, and an honest account of which of these options applies to you.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Tiffany Munroe, MBBS MRCS, GMC 7293952.
Last reviewed October 3, 2026. Next review October 3, 2027.
About Dr Munroe