What is a Temporal Lift?

A temporal lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to address signs of aging around the eye. This procedure can be combined with a forehead lift, eyebrow lift, and other cosmetic procedures. Recovery from a temporal lift alone takes around a week, and when combined with other procedures the recovery time may be increased. Patients who select this procedure are usually middle-aged.

In a temporal lift, the patient is given local anesthesia and placed under sedation for comfort. The surgeon makes an incision behind the hair line at the temples and uses the incision to introduce endoscopic tools. Excess tissue around the eye can be removed and tightened to create a cleaner, smoother look. Once the surgeon is finished, the incision is closed and pressure dressings are applied to reduce inflammation. On the following day, the dressings are removed, and the patient returns in approximately one week for removal of the stitches.

A temporal lift is usually recommended for patients with sagging or drooping eyes and brows, wrinkles around the eye, and other signs of aging. Plastic surgeons claim that the mini mid-face lift, as it is known, addresses aging of the face without creating an obviously altered look. This procedure may be chosen by patients who only want minor work to address some of the obvious aging that appears on the face, and by patients who have not started aging extensively but still feel uncomfortable with their look.

Patients may also choose facial cosmetic surgery if they have experienced damage to the face. Strokes, for example, can cause drooping around the eyes and eyebrows. People may feel like they are being stared at, especially if the drooping is not symmetrical, and a temporal lift can address these obvious signs and make the face appear more even. Certain congenital conditions can also cause physical variations in the face that may be addressed with a temporal lift.

A cosmetic surgeon needs to perform this procedure. Patients may want to consider booking consultations with several surgeons so that they can choose from a number of options. During the consultation, the surgeon should show the patient a portfolio of images, talk with the patient about the goal of the procedure, and discuss the specifics of what will be done during the procedure. Working with a highly qualified surgeon and support team will increase the chances of good results and reduce the risks of complications, such as infections.