Legal disclaimer

This guide provides general information about cosmetic temple-area injections for adults aged eighteen years and over and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.^{1 9}

Any decision to have temple filler should follow a proper consultation with a suitably qualified health practitioner, including discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, limitations, and the option not to proceed.^{2 10}

Temple filler uses prescription-only medicines regulated under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and the Therapeutic Goods Act.^{1 3}

This educational resource complies with AHPRA and TGA advertising requirements by avoiding medicine names, inducements, guarantees, or promotional language.^{1 3}

1. Scope of this guide

This guide outlines cosmetic use of hyaluronic-acid-based injectable gels in the temple region for adult patients, summarising mechanism, appearance changes, governance expectations, risks, and typical recovery.^{2 7}

It does not apply to reconstructive indications, permanent fillers, fat grafting, surgical brow lifting, or any treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding, which require individual medical assessment.^{2 9}

The content is neutral patient education consistent with AHPRA and TGA rules for regulated health-service descriptions and not promotional material for any clinic or product.^{1 3}

2. What is temple filler?

2.1 Plain-language description

Temple filler is a cosmetic injectable procedure where a registered health practitioner places hyaluronic acid gel into the temple region to restore volume loss that occurs with ageing or natural anatomy.^{2 9}

Hyaluronic acid binds water and can provide subtle structural support under the skin, helping restore contour and soften the hollowing that can create a skeletal or tired appearance.^{3 7}

The goal is to restore gentle fullness while maintaining natural facial shape and balance, not to create excessive width or change the person’s underlying bone structure.^{2 9}

2.2 Regulatory context in Australia

Temple filler involves Schedule 4 medicines that cannot be advertised to the public by brand or product name.^{1 3}

The TGA permits general information about cosmetic injectable services but prohibits naming prescription-only products, offering inducements, or implying guaranteed outcomes.^{3 4}

AHPRA’s cosmetic-procedure guidelines require detailed assessment, psychological screening, appropriate consent, cooling-off periods, and documentation for cosmetic injectables.^{2 10 11}

Clinical pearl

Over-promising results or labelling temple filler as “instant lifting” is inconsistent with AHPRA and TGA expectations for factual, risk-balanced communication.

3. How does hyacccccluronic acid filler work in the temples?

3.1 Volume support and contour restoration

Temple hollowing occurs as fat pads, fascia, and soft tissues thin with age. Hyaluronic acid gel restores volume in this region, improving contour and supporting brow position.^{2 7}

A fuller, well-supported temple region often enhances facial balance, softens transitions from the forehead to the cheek, and contributes to a healthier, less gaunt appearance.^{2 9}

Subtle restoration of temple volume can indirectly improve the look of the upper face without affecting natural expression.^{2 7}

3.2 Anatomy and technique

The temple is an advanced injection area due to the presence of the superficial temporal artery, deep temporal vessels, temporal branch of the facial nerve, and multiple fascial layers.^{7 10}

Practitioners use needle or cannula approaches depending on anatomy, typically placing gel in deep or subfascial planes using small, controlled amounts to minimise vascular risk.^{2 10}

Australian guidelines emphasise that only trained, registered practitioners with detailed anatomical knowledge should treat the temple region due to its proximity to major vascular pathways and nerves.^{2 10}

Clinical pearl

Most temple complications come from incorrect depth or excessive superficial placement—deep, precise technique is essential.

4. What results should patients expect?

4.1 Visual changes

Temple filler can soften hollowing, restore balance to the upper face, and create a smoother contour from forehead to cheek.^{2 9}

Many patients notice a refreshed appearance or improved harmony between the brow, temple, and lateral cheek without looking obviously treated.^{2 9}

4.2 Time course

Mild swelling, tightness, or asymmetry are common in the first few days due to the sensitivity of the area.^{6 7}

More accurate results appear after one to two weeks as swelling settles, with final integration typically assessed at approximately four weeks.^{7 14}

4.3 Limits and expectations

Temple filler restores volume but does not elevate brows, tighten skin, or reverse significant tissue descent, which may require other treatments.^{2 10}

Patients should expect subtle balancing rather than dramatic changes to the upper face.^{2 9}

Clinical pearl

Temple filler is often part of a global treatment plan—on its own, it blends, supports, and balances rather than transforms.

5. How long does temple filler last?

5.1 Typical duration

Temple filler is temporary. Hyaluronic acid gradually degrades over time.^{3 7}

Many people experience improvement for twelve to eighteen months, although results vary depending on metabolism and tissue movement.^{8 9}

5.2 Factors influencing longevity

Longevity depends on injection depth, filler characteristics, age, metabolism, lifestyle factors, and the degree of volume loss.^{2 7}

Areas with less repetitive movement, like the temples, often retain results longer than high-movement regions such as around the mouth.^{7 10}

5.3 Wearing off

As the filler breaks down gradually, the temples return toward their earlier contour without sudden changes.^{3 7}

There is no evidence that correctly performed temple filler accelerates ageing or causes worsening hollowing once it wears off.^{9 10}

Clinical pearl

Small, well-timed maintenance treatments are more effective than infrequent large-volume sessions.

6. Is temple filler painful?

6.1 Sensation during treatment

Some discomfort can occur because injections pass through thicker tissue layers and near sensitive structures, but most adults tolerate temple filler well with numbing measures.^{7 10}

Patients typically describe pressure, tightness, or fullness rather than sharp ongoing pain.^{7 10}

6.2 Comfort strategies

Clinics commonly use topical anaesthetic, ice, vibration distraction, and products containing local anaesthetic to improve comfort.^{3 4}

Cannula approaches may reduce the number of insertion points and limit bruising for some patients.^{2 10}

6.3 Tenderness after treatment

Tenderness or fullness may last several days, particularly when chewing or raising brows.^{6 7}

Most discomfort improves with cool compresses, rest, and appropriate analgesia if recommended.^{7 14}

Clinical pearl

Any severe, escalating pain or unusual pressure should be assessed promptly due to the presence of major vessels in this region.

7. What are the risks and side effects of temple filler?

7.1 Expected short-term effects

Short-term swelling, bruising, asymmetry, pressure sensations, or mild headaches are common and usually settle over several days.^{6 7}

Early firmness or unevenness tends to soften as swelling decreases and filler integrates.^{7 14}

7.2 Less common issues

Less common effects include persistent fullness, nodules, or uneven contour, which may require clinical review.^{2 7}

Depending on assessment, treatment options may include observation, massage guidance, minor adjustments, or dissolving the filler with hyaluronidase.^{3 12}

7.3 Serious but rare complications

The temple area carries rare but serious risks such as vascular occlusion, skin injury, or inadvertent intravascular injection due to its arterial network.^{3 10}

Clinics must maintain emergency protocols, have hyaluronidase accessible, and follow NSW Health infection-control and skin-penetration requirements.^{2 5}

Clinical pearl

This is one of the anatomically highest-risk filler areas—always choose a medically led clinic with emergency capability.

8. Who is a suitable candidate for temple filler?

8.1 Potentially suitable adults

Temple filler may suit adults with hollowing, contour imbalance, or volume loss that contributes to a tired or aged appearance.^{2 9}

Patients with realistic expectations usually seek subtle balance rather than dramatic change.^{2 10}

8.2 When treatment may be delayed or avoided

Temple filler may be unsuitable for individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions, significant asymmetry requiring surgical assessment, active infection, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding.^{2 9}

Those with very thin temple tissue or extremely low body fat may require alternative approaches.^{2 10}

8.3 Psychological and ethical considerations

AHPRA and Medical Board guidelines emphasise psychological screening, conservative planning, and realistic expectations for all cosmetic procedures.^{2 10}

Practitioners should decline treatment where expectations are unrealistic or risks outweigh likely benefits.^{9 10}

Clinical pearl

Temple filler works best for quiet, natural restoration—patients aiming for balance rather than transformation achieve the most stable outcomes.

9. What is recovery like and what aftercare is recommended?

9.1 Early recovery (first 72 hours)

Swelling, pressure, or mild bruising at the injection site are common in the first few days.^{6 7}

Keeping the head elevated and avoiding pressure to the temples can help minimise swelling.^{7 14}

9.2 First 2–4 weeks

The filler usually softens and integrates over one to two weeks, and the contour stabilises over several more weeks.^{7 8}

Final assessment is recommended at four weeks when tissues have healed sufficiently for reliable review.^{7 14}

9.3 Typical aftercare advice

Patients are encouraged to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy alcohol consumption, saunas, and heat exposure for 24–48 hours.^{3 13}

Strong facial massage, helmets, tight headwear, or pressure from glasses should be avoided in the early healing phase.^{5 6}

Clinical pearl

Wait for swelling to settle before evaluating symmetry—temple contour always appears different during early healing.

10. Common myths and misconceptions about temple filler

“Temple filler lifts the brow.”

Temple filler restores volume; it does not elevate the brow or replace brow-lifting procedures.^{2 10}

“More filler gives a better contour.”

Excess filler in the temples can distort facial proportions—precision, not volume, produces the best results.^{2 7}

“Temple hollowing only needs filler.”

Often cheek, brow, or lateral face volume also contributes to temple shape and may need combined treatment.^{2 9}

“Temple filler is low-risk.”

The temple has significant vascular structures, making it one of the more advanced areas for filler.^{3 10}

Clinical pearl

Temple filler should be conservative, deep, and carefully planned—over-correction can unbalance the face.

Sources

1. Ahpra (2024), Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service (Advertising Hub — guidance document), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (Viewed 2025), https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Advertising-hub/Advertising-guidelines-and-other-guidance/Advertising-guidelines.aspx ↩
2. Medical Board of Australia & Ahpra (2023), Guidelines for medical practitioners who perform cosmetic surgery and procedures (cosmetic surgery and procedures guidelines), Medical Board of Australia. (Viewed 2025), https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Cosmetic-medical-and-surgical-procedures-guidelines.aspx ↩
3. Therapeutic Goods Administration (2025), Advertising health services & cosmetic injections — Frequently asked questions and answers (health-service advertising resource), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (Viewed 2025), https://www.tga.gov.au/products/regulations-all-products/advertising/specialised-advertising-issues-and-topics/advertising-health-services-and-cosmetic-injections-frequently-asked-questions-and-answers ↩
4. Therapeutic Goods Administration (2024), Advertising a health service (online guidance on advertising health services involving therapeutic goods, including cosmetic injectables), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (Viewed 2025), https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/guidance/advertising-health-service ↩
5. NSW Health (2025), Beauty, body art and skin penetration industries (environmental health fact sheet — Public Health Act 2010 & Public Health Regulation 2022), NSW Government. (Viewed 2025), https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/beauty-treatment.aspx ↩
6. NSW Health (2023–2025), Skin penetration — information and resources (overview and infection-control requirements for skin penetration procedures), NSW Government. (Viewed 2025), https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/skinpenetration/Pages/default.aspx ↩
7. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2021), National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards — second edition (Clinical Governance Standard), ACSQHC, Sydney. (Viewed 2025), https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/nsqhs-standards ↩
8. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2017–2023), NSQHS Standards — Partnering with Consumers Standard: overview and factsheets, ACSQHC, Sydney. (Viewed 2025), https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/nsqhs-standards/partnering-consumers-standard ↩
9. RACGP (2015–2022), Submission to Medical Board consultation – Regulation of medical practitioners who provide cosmetic medical and surgical procedures, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (Viewed 2025), https://www.racgp.org.au/advocacy/reports-and-submissions/view-all-reports-and-submissions/2022-reports-and-submissions/submission-to-medical-board-consultation-regulatio ↩
10. Medical Board of Australia (2023), FAQs: New guidelines for cosmetic surgery and procedures (FAQ web page), Medical Board of Australia. (Viewed 2025), https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/FAQ/FAQ-New-standard-and-guidelines-for-cosmetic-surgery-and-procedures.aspx ↩
11. Ahpra (2023–2025), Cosmetic procedure advertising requirements (cosmetic advertising topic pages), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. (Viewed 2025), https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Resources/Cosmetic-surgery-hub/Cosmetic-procedure-advertising-guidelines.aspx ↩
12. Therapeutic Goods Administration (2024), Health service advertising and cosmetic injectables — key messages for advertisers (topic guidance), Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (Viewed 2025), https://www.tga.gov.au/products/regulations-all-products/advertising/specialised-advertising-issues-and-topics/advertising-health-services-and-cosmetic-injections-frequently-asked-questions-and-answers ↩