The six different injection techniques for the temple relevant for soft tissue filler augmentation procedures - Clinical anatomy and danger zones

Abstract

Objective: The most promising facial region for inducing pan-facial effects is the temporal region. The temple displays signs of facial aging itself which include temporal volume loss and increased visibility of the temporal crest, the temporal vasculature, the lateral orbital rim, and the upper zygomatic arch. The objective of this article is to provide a detailed review of temple anatomy pertaining to routinely performed temporal injection techniques, their expected esthetic outcomes as well as the intendant advantages, disadvantages, and procedure pearls.

Materials and methods: This narrative review is based on the clinical experience of the authors treating the temporal region for esthetic purposes. The postulated outcome of each technique was observed during the routine clinical practice of the authors.

Results: The temporal region is based on a bony platform consisting of the parietal, frontal, sphenoid, and temporal bones. The overlying soft tissues are arranged in layers which contain the temporal neurovascular structures. The temporal soft tissues consist of 10 parallel layers which vary in their thickness depending on age-related influences. Six different techniques will be addressed, which include subdermal and interfascial techniques for volumizing, low and high supraperiosteal techniques for volumizing, and supraauricular and temporal lifting techniques.

Conclusion: This narrative provides a detailed anatomic overview of the temporal region and describes each commonly performed injection technique with respect to anatomy, esthetic outcome, as well as potential pearls and pitfalls. It is hoped that the description contained herein may guide esthetic practitioners toward safer and more natural outcomes when treating the face.

Keywords: esthetic effects; facial anatomy; fascial layers; safety; soft tissue fillers; temple.