As we age, changes in our face go far beyond the formation of wrinkles. Among various facial areas, the temples—also referred to as the temporal region—exhibit some of the earliest and most noticeable signs of aging. While many people focus on forehead lines or crow’s feet, changes in the temple area are often overlooked. However, volume loss in this region can significantly alter the overall appearance, making a person look older than their actual age. Today, we’ll take an in-depth look at why aging begins at the temples, the anatomical causes, and effective solutions.
Temporal Fat Atrophy: The First Sign of Aging
The temple—or temporal region—is one of the thinnest fat compartments in the face. Structurally, it consists of the temporalis muscle located just beneath the skin, covered by a thin layer of fat. With age, this fat layer is one of the first to undergo atrophy, a phenomenon particularly noticeable from the 50s onward.
Temporal fat atrophy goes beyond simple fat reduction. This layer plays a crucial role in maintaining youthful facial fullness. As it diminishes, the face begins to look hollow and aged. Around age 50, fat atrophy becomes evident in both the temple and mid-cheek areas, leading to visible indentations that intensify into the 60s.
This early fat depletion is attributed to the temple’s thin fat layer, its rich vascularity, and its high metabolic activity, all of which accelerate lipolysis (fat breakdown). Furthermore, because the region is closely associated with muscles frequently engaged in facial expressions, increased muscular activity may also contribute to faster fat consumption.
Lateral Volume Loss: Redefining Facial Contours
Volume loss that begins at the temples tends to extend across the entire lateral aspect of the face. This change is not limited to fat atrophy but also involves muscle wasting, skeletal remodeling, and a decline in skin elasticity. Collectively, these factors alter the facial outline, diminishing the youthful “V-line” contour.
This progression typically follows a pattern: first, temple fat atrophies, followed by volume loss in the zygomatic region (cheekbones), upper cheeks, and eventually the jawline. The result is reduced facial projection and a fatigued, aged appearance.
Importantly, temporal volume loss is closely linked to lateral canthal descent (outer corner of the eyes). As fat atrophies in the temple region, support around the eye weakens, resulting in downward slanting of the eye corners—a hallmark of facial aging.
Lateral facial volume loss generally starts in the 40s, becomes more pronounced in the 50s, and accelerates after 60. The rate of progression varies depending on genetic predisposition, lifestyle, body weight fluctuations, and UV exposure.
Fat Pad Anatomy: Structural Characteristics of the Temple
To understand facial aging, one must first grasp the anatomical structure of facial fat pads. The face contains multiple fat compartments that play a central role in maintaining volume and contour. In the temple area, two key fat pads are involved: the temporal fat pad and the deep buccal fat pad.
The deep buccal fat pad originates from the temporal region and extends across the lateral pterygoid, masseter, and buccinator muscles. It plays a foundational role in defining facial contours. In the temporal region, this fat pad is supported by retaining ligaments, particularly the first and fourth temporal ligament bridges.
With aging, these retaining ligaments weaken, causing the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) in the temporal region to sag. This leads to hollowing and narrowing of the temples, often accompanied by periorbital wrinkles and lateral brow ptosis.
Additionally, the zygomatic arch and zygomatic process accumulate and stiffen with aging as the descending deep buccal fat pad settles in these areas. When this fat pad shifts to the masseter and buccinator regions, it results in sagging and hardening of the lower face.
These anatomical properties explain why aging often begins at the temples. The fat pads in this region are thinner and more reliant on ligamentous support, making them more susceptible to position changes and volume loss when that support structure weakens.
Reduced Skeletal Support: Bone Changes and Aging
Facial aging is not limited to skin and fat loss; it also involves skeletal changes. Over time, bone resorption occurs across the face, particularly in the periorbital area, midface, and mandible, leading to visibly different bone structure compared to youth.
The temporal bone and zygomatic arch form the lateral framework of the face. As these bones undergo age-related resorption and atrophy, the overlying soft tissue (fat, muscle, skin) loses structural support. This contributes to sagging and accentuates the hollow appearance of the temples.
Bone loss is particularly evident in women due to rapid decreases in estrogen following menopause, which leads to a significant drop in bone mineral density.
Decreased skeletal support not only affects temple hollowing but also alters overall facial proportion and balance. A youthful face typically has a wide upper third and a narrow lower third—forming an inverted triangle. As bone resorption progresses, this proportion shifts, resulting in an aged, bottom-heavy appearance.
Temporal Filler Augmentation: A Solution to Temple Aging
One of the most effective treatments for temple aging is temporal filler augmentation. This procedure restores lost volume in the temple area, helping to reestablish a youthful and healthy appearance.
Temporal filler augmentation involves injecting dermal fillers—typically hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite—into the temple area to restore fullness. It is a relatively simple procedure with minimal downtime and provides immediate aesthetic results.
Precise anatomical knowledge is essential when performing filler injections in this area. The temporal region contains important vascular structures such as the superficial temporal artery, so treatment must be carried out by an experienced aesthetic practitioner.
Temporal filler augmentation can be performed alone or in combination with other treatments such as midface fillers or botulinum toxin injections to achieve harmonious overall rejuvenation. In cases with associated periorbital wrinkles or brow ptosis, combining Botox can enhance natural-looking results.
The effects of temporal fillers generally last from 6 to 12 months, depending on the filler used and the patient’s metabolic rate. Periodic touch-ups are recommended for maintenance.
Comprehensive Management and Prevention Strategies
While temple aging is inevitable, appropriate care and preventive strategies can slow its progression. The following methods help manage and prevent temporal volume loss:
- Sun Protection: UV radiation is one of the primary causes of skin aging. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and wear hats or sunglasses to shield the temple area.
- Healthy Diet: Incorporate antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, to maintain skin and tissue health.
- Adequate Hydration: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to maintain skin hydration and promote detoxification.
- Smoking Cessation: Smoking accelerates skin aging and impairs collagen and elastin synthesis, reducing skin elasticity.
- Proper Skincare: Use products with anti-aging ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides to stimulate skin regeneration.
- Regular Facial Massage: Gentle massage of the temple area promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage, supporting skin vitality.
- Professional Treatments: Depending on individual needs, consider procedures such as fillers, Botox, or laser therapy to correct and prevent signs of aging.
Although aging is a natural process, understanding why it often begins at the temples allows us to develop personalized strategies for prevention and care. Factors such as temporal fat atrophy, lateral volume loss, anatomical characteristics of fat pads, and reduced skeletal support all contribute to accelerated aging in the temple area. Addressing these issues with targeted care helps maintain a youthful and balanced appearance over time.