What Is a Temporal Lift?
A temporal lift is a procedure designed to elevate the temple region. One important point here is that temporal lift can be defined in different ways by different practitioners.
Some may group this procedure together with cat-eye, almond-eye, or midface lifting techniques. In my own practice, however, temporal lift refers only to lifting of the temple region. I do not place it in the same category as midface lift or fox-eye–type procedures.
What Does a Temporal Lift Improve?
A temporal lift mainly aims to improve heaviness and laxity in the temple region. In suitable patients, it can create a more open, more rested, and more refined appearance in the outer part of the eye area.
This is not directly a full brow lift technique. Its effects are more limited to mild elevation of the temple region, improvement of the outer eye area, and, in some patients, limited support to the outer brow region.
How Is a Temporal Lift Performed?
A temporal lift can be performed in two main ways.
1. Superficial / subcutaneous temporal lift
In this method, the temple skin is elevated in the subcutaneous plane, similar to a gliding brow lift. This technique is simpler, faster, and creates a more superficial degree of tension.
It may also provide some benefit for static crow’s feet around the eye. Static lines are etched into the skin itself, whereas dynamic crow’s feet are caused by muscle movement and are better treated with Botox.
In suitable patients, this procedure can be extended slightly to achieve mild elevation of the outer brow as well. When this technique is chosen, there is usually no need for an additional visible scar; it can be performed through a very small access point.
2. Deeper-plane temporal lift
In this method, the temple region is elevated through a deeper plane. Its advantages include providing a deeper lift that can also elevate the sideburn region, reducing the need for the facelift incision to extend upward, and creating some lift in the upper outer cheek.
This technique is performed through a small incision of approximately 2–3 cm hidden within the hair-bearing temple area. The scar is very easy to conceal there and is usually not noticeable because it remains within the hair.
However, its effect on crow’s feet is more limited, its effect on outer brow elevation is more limited, and its ability to create superficial skin tightening is less pronounced.
On the other hand, when combined with a facelift it provides an important advantage: as the face is elevated, temporal lift may be added to reduce the skin bunching that can develop in the temple region. It may also help prevent the facelift incision from extending farther into the temple–sideburn line. That said, it may also shift the sideburn line slightly upward, which is an important consideration when choosing the technique.
The likelihood of creating superficial irregularity is also lower than with a more superficial gliding-type approach.
Which Patients Is It More Suitable For?
A temporal lift may be suitable especially for patients who feel heaviness in the temple region, have mild drooping or tiredness at the outer side of the eye area, do not want a full brow lift, prefer a more limited and selective lift, and have noticeable static crow’s feet.
It is valuable in patients who want a milder and more localized correction than a full brow lift.
In Which Patients Is It Less Suitable?
In patients with significant inner brow descent, marked heaviness of the forehead, or a true need for a brow lift, temporal lift alone may not be sufficient.
For this reason, if the patient wants a stronger brow-lifting result, it may be more appropriate to consider other methods such as endoscopic brow lift, gliding brow lift, direct brow lift, or forehead shortening with brow lift through the hairline.
I do not see temporal lift as a technique that replaces a direct brow lift.
Does Temporal Lift Also Elevate the Brow?
Yes, especially in the outer brow region. However, lifting the brow is not the main purpose of this procedure.
If brow elevation is also desired, the extent and technique of the operation can be planned accordingly. The decision should be made together with the patient based on expectations.
Will the Result Look Natural?
Yes. With proper patient selection and the appropriate technique, a temporal lift can produce a very natural result.
The goal here is not to create an artificial cat-eye appearance, but to lightly refine the temple region and create a more rested and open look in the outer part of the eye area.
Can It Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes. Temporal lift can be planned together with facelift, upper eyelid surgery, and some superficial brow lift techniques.
Especially in facelift surgery, when the face is elevated upward, some bunching may occur in the temple region. Temporal lift can be added to reduce this bunching.
Which technique is selected and with which procedures it is combined should be decided together with the patient. In the right patient, I use both methods.
Short FAQs
Is temporal lift a brow lift operation?
Not directly, although it does affect the outer brow. It should not be considered a full brow lift method. It should be planned together with the patient.
Is it the same as cat-eye or fox-eye?
No. In my practice, temporal lift refers only to elevation of the temple region.
Does it improve crow’s feet?
It may provide some benefit for static crow’s feet. For dynamic lines, Botox is more effective.
Will the result look natural?
Yes. In the right patient, the goal is to achieve a natural, mild, and balanced refinement.
