What is a temporal facelift?
Temporal facelift or temporaloplasty is a minimally invasive plastic surgery procedure that addresses age-related changes in the eye, cheek, and forehead areas.
Temporal lifting can be performed as a standalone procedure or as one of the stages of a facelift. Additionally, this procedure is often carried out in conjunction with blepharoplasty, lipofilling, and thread lifting.
There is also a variation of the temporal facelift called the "Fox Eye" look or ponytail facelift, in which the SMAS layer is shifted from the lateral corner of the eye to the tail of the eyebrow, creating a beautiful almond-shaped eye appearance with a foxy squint.

Photo: Temporal facelift before and after
As a result of the temporal endoscopic facelift:
- The lateral part of the eyebrow is lifted
- Wrinkles around the eyes are smoothed
- Excess skin in the orbital area is reduced, making the gaze more open
- The cheek area is lifted
- Nasolabial folds become less pronounced
- Jowls are reduced, which evens out the facial oval.
Many people think that a temporal facelift involves cutting the skin around the temples, but in reality, the main mechanism of the operation involves shifting the internal SMAS layer. If you simply cut the skin, the hairline will move upward, leading to increased tension in the scar area, which can result in hair loss at the incision site and a coarser scar. The coarseness of a scar depends not only on the suturing technique but also on the degree of tension. The higher the tension, the coarser the scar. For this reason, experienced surgeons primarily address the internal tissues (SMAS layer) rather than the skin.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for a Temple Lift?
Candidates for a mini-facelift are men and women with a sagging lateral part of the eyebrows, cheeks, eyelids, regardless of their age. It is also suitable for patients who want to improve their facial contour, get rid of a constantly tired appearance, and achieve a natural rejuvenation effect.
Video: The temporal facelift in combination with facial lipofilling
How is a temporal lift performed?
Endoscopic facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, although in rare cases, it can be done under local anesthesia. The procedure involves making small incisions in the temporal area, which are hidden within the hairline. Using specialized surgical instruments, the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer is lifted upwards. If there is excess skin, it is removed. This surgery can be performed in both the classical and endoscopic techniques.
Procedure Duration: 40-60 minutes
Anesthesia: General (gas) or intravenous (light and short, without a tube, such as Propofol), or local anesthesia
Hospital Stay: Patients can typically go home on the same day of the surgery.
Risks and possible complications
Like any surgical procedure, there are certain risks and potential complications associated with endoscopic facelift:
- Bruising, hematomas, and swelling
- Very rarely, literature describes damage to the upper branch of the facial nerve, which can lead to reduced mobility of the forehead
- Delayed healing of incisions within the hairline
It's important to discuss all potential risks and complications with a plastic surgeon during a consultation.
Recovery
Recovery after endoscopic facelift is relatively quick, and you can usually return to work within a day or two.
- Bruising and hematomas: Most patients experience minor bruising, and large hematomas are extremely rare.
- Swelling: Swelling typically peaks on the third day and subsides within the first week.
- Pain: Minimal pain with slight discomfort around the incision sites.
- Wearing a compression mask: It's recommended to wear it at night for 2-4 weeks.
- Suture removal: Sutures are usually removed after 14 days.
- Physical exercises: Avoid them for 2 weeks.
This procedure can be repeated several times if necessary.
Temporal Lift Reviews
Content author - plastic surgeon Valentyn Zykov
- Practicing surgeon since 1998
- I perform more than 500 operations a year
- Laureate of the 21st national program "Person of the year"
- I operate in Poland (Warsaw) and Greece (Athens)








