Temporal Lift

The techniques chosen for temporal lift surgery are shaped by the needs and the skin quality of the individual. One of the most common is the endoscopic temporal lift. In this technique the tissues beneath the skin are moved upwards through small incisions made within the hair-bearing scalp. Because the procedure is carried out with the support of an endoscopic camera, the surgery is more precise and the scars are hidden. The endoscopic method is generally chosen for middle-aged patients, because it is very effective where skin elasticity has not been completely lost. In more advanced cases the classic temporal lift may be used instead. This technique involves longer incisions and a wider surgical field. In some cases it is combined with a brow lift or a forehead lift to rejuvenate the upper part of the face as a whole. The technique to be used is confirmed on the basis of the surgeon’s examination and the expectations of the patient.

As with any surgical procedure, a certain degree of pain and discomfort can be felt after temporal lift surgery. The pain is generally mild, however, and is easily brought under control with the simple painkillers prescribed by the surgeon. A feeling of tightness, swelling and slight bruising may also be seen during the first few days. These are a natural part of the operation and diminish and disappear within a short time. In procedures performed with the endoscopic technique the incision areas are smaller, so both the duration and the intensity of the pain are kept to a minimum. Following advice such as resting, keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses makes the pain less noticeable. In general, patients feel largely comfortable again within a few days of the procedure.

The most fundamental reason for the sagging that develops in the temple area over time is the loss of elasticity in the skin and the connective tissue. As the ageing process advances, collagen production falls, the skin thins and the supporting tissues weaken. Under the effect of gravity, the skin begins to sag downwards. The outer edges of the brows and the area around the eyes are affected earliest. Genetic factors can accelerate the process as well. In people whose families show early signs of ageing, the temple area may loosen sooner. Exposure to the harmful rays of the sun, smoking and damaging lifestyle habits also speed up the ageing of the skin and so trigger sagging. With heavy use of facial expressions, the muscles of the temple area can tire over time and the structures beneath the skin can be affected. The combination of all these factors leads to a noticeable loss of volume and firmness in the temples.

A temporal lift affects not only the temple area but also, indirectly, many structures in the upper part of the face. The most obvious change comes from raising the outer edges of the brows. This reduces the tired look around the eyes and gives a more open, livelier gaze. At the same time, the fine lines at the corners of the eyes known as crow’s feet become less pronounced. Although surgery on the upper part of the face does not change the forehead lines directly, lifting the overall expression upwards creates a rejuvenated appearance across the whole face. When a temporal lift is combined with a midface lift, improvement can also be seen in the cheekbones and the contours of the cheeks. The procedure is effective on its own, but combining it with other aesthetic treatments can make it possible to achieve a more balanced and natural result for the face as a whole.