What Problems Does Temporal Lift Surgery (Temple Lift) Solve?
Temporal lift is a surgical rejuvenation method applied to individuals who have sagging in the outer part of the eyebrow (lateral brow), skin accumulation/wrinkles around the eye corner, and downward sagging in the outer corner of the eye (lateral canthus), whether due to age or structural factors. The goal is to achieve a more dynamic, vibrant, and rested facial expression by carrying the outer tip of the eyebrow, the eye corner, and the cheekbone area upward.
Who is it Suitable For?
- Those with drooping in the outer edge of the eyebrows and a "tired" expression
- Those with significant wrinkles and skin bunching around the eye corners
- Those with mild to moderate sagging in the cheeks and a downward-outward slant
- Patients who expect permanent or long-lasting results from temporary methods such as forehead/brow botox and thread lifting
Note: A personalized plan is made for each patient based on facial analysis; temporal lift can be performed alone or combined with procedures such as upper-lower eyelid aesthetics (blepharoplasty), forehead lift, or mid-face lift.
How is the Surgery Performed?
- Incisions: Short incisions of approximately 3–5 cm are made just in front of the hairline in the temple area or hidden within the hair.
- Dissection Plane: Safe release is performed at the subcutaneous–superficial fascia level (temporoparietal fascia/SMAS extensions).
- Vector: The outer tip of the eyebrow, the eye corner, and the cheekbone/cheek tissues are pulled and fixed upward and outward.
- Nerve Protection: The frontal branch of the facial nerve is meticulously protected by adhering to anatomical planes.
- Combination: If necessary, upper/lower eyelid aesthetics can be performed in the same session; thus, both tissue accumulation is removed and the eye area is rejuvenated.
In some cases, endoscopic temporal lift can be applied with small incisions within the hair. The method choice is determined by skin thickness, tissue elasticity, and the degree of sagging.
Anesthesia and Duration
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia or sedation + local anesthesia
- Duration: Average ~2 hours (may vary in combined procedures)
- Same Day Discharge: Most patients can return home on the same day.
Recovery Process
- Pain/Swelling/Bruising: Most intense in the first 48–72 hours; reduced by cold application and keeping the head elevated.
- Stitches: Usually removed on the 5th–7th day.
- Social Life: Within 5–7 days at a light pace; makeup is allowed in the 2nd week.
- Sports: Intense exercise other than walking is postponed for 3–4 weeks.
- Settlement of Results: Most of the edema disappears in 2–3 weeks, and the final shape becomes apparent in 2–3 months.
Scars and Longevity
Incisions are positioned within the scalp or in harmony with the hairline; scars are generally not noticeable. Results are long-lasting depending on the person's skin quality, facial expression habits, and lifestyle; however, the natural aging process continues.
Possible Risks and Complications
- Bleeding, hematoma, infection
- Temporary sensory changes, edema, and bruising
- Asymmetry or excessive/insufficient tightening
- Temporary limitation of eyebrow movement due to the frontal branch of the facial nerve (rare and temporary)
- Scar problems (rare depending on personal wound healing characteristics)