Temple Lift

A temple lift is a procedure to reposition the tissues of the temple region, most commonly lifting the outer portion of the eyebrow and addressing changes in the temple area that develop with age. It’s a smaller operation than a full brow lift or facelift, with a shorter scar and a more limited recovery, and it’s typically considered by patients whose concerns are focused on the outer part of the eyebrow and the surrounding temple region rather than the whole forehead.

It’s often performed in combination with blepharoplasty or as part of a broader face rejuvenation approach, rather than as a stand-alone operation. The choice between temple lift, full brow lift, and other procedures depends on the pattern and degree of change, the anatomy of the forehead and hairline, and what the patient is hoping to achieve. Dr Shepherd will assess your specific anatomy at consultation and recommend the approach that suits your situation.

Patients considering a temple lift typically have descent of the outer portion of the eyebrow, or changes in the temple region that produce heaviness across the outer part of the upper eyelid area. These changes are often related to age, and they typically develop alongside changes elsewhere in the face and neck.

Where the descent is limited to the outer brow and temple, a temple lift may be enough. Where the whole brow has descended and the forehead is heavy across its full width, a more extensive brow lift is generally more appropriate. Where the main issue is heavy upper eyelid tissue without significant brow descent, upper blepharoplasty may be a better choice. These distinctions are often subtle, and part of the consultation is working through which operation, or combination of operations, suits your specific anatomy.

Temple lift isn’t the right answer for everyone with concerns about the upper face. Patients with a high hairline may not be good candidates because the incision needs to be placed within the hair-bearing scalp, and a high hairline limits where this can be positioned. Patients with certain medical conditions or those who smoke heavily may be at higher risk of complications, and these factors are part of the assessment at consultation.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital, or under local anaesthesia with sedation for smaller procedures. The operation usually takes one to two hours, longer when combined with other procedures. Most patients go home the same day or stay one night, depending on the operation and any procedures being combined.

The incision is placed within the temporal hairline, typically extending from just above the ear upward and forward into the scalp. Through this incision, the tissues of the temple region are released from their deeper attachments and repositioned upward, lifting the outer portion of the eyebrow and addressing the temple area. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and the resulting scar sits within the hair-bearing scalp where it’s generally well concealed once healed.

Several different techniques exist for temple lift, including open techniques through longer incisions and endoscopic techniques through smaller incisions with camera assistance. The choice between techniques depends on the anatomy and the specifics of what needs to be addressed.

Bruising and swelling are expected after temple lift, and the extent depends on the specifics of the operation. Bruising typically settles over one to two weeks, with the majority of the visible signs gone by about ten days. Swelling settles progressively over several weeks. Sutures or staples are typically removed within the first two weeks.

Most patients feel comfortable in social settings after one to two weeks, once the visible bruising has faded. Vigorous exercise, heavy lifting and any activity that raises blood pressure significantly is restricted for two to three weeks because of the risk of bleeding into the operated area. Numbness or altered sensation across the temple and forehead is expected in the early recovery period and gradually settles over several weeks to months.

The final result develops over several months as swelling settles fully and the tissues consolidate in their new position. Scars mature over 12 to 18 months and are typically well concealed within the hair-bearing scalp.

The recognised risks include:

Temple lift is classified as a cosmetic procedure and doesn’t attract a Medicare rebate or private health fund coverage. A written quote covering all surgical, anaesthetic and hospital fees is provided after consultation.

Dr Henry Shepherd, BMed MD MS (Plast.) FRACS (Plast.) | Specialist Plastic Surgeon | AHPRA registration: MED 0001860545