A temporal lift is a surgical procedure for repositioning the tissues at the outer end of the brows and in the temple area slightly upward and outward. Over time, the outer end of the brow may descend; this can lead to an added feeling of heaviness in the upper eyelid and, in general, a tired expression in the upper face.
The aim of the procedure is not to raise the brows excessively. Excessive lifting can lead to a constantly surprised look. The goal is a measured and natural position correction that suits the person's facial character.
"Temporal lift" is the name of the procedure in the international literature; in Turkish it is called "şakak germe" (temple lift), and it is also known colloquially as a type of brow lift. Because brow position directly affects the appearance of the upper eyelid, in some cases it may be evaluated together with eyelid surgery.
Each of these signs can stem from different causes. Whether a temporal lift is suitable is determined after examining the brow position, forehead structure, eyelid condition and skin elasticity together.
1. Examination. The brow position, the structure of the forehead and temple, their relationship with the eyelid and skin elasticity are assessed. Expectations and medical history are discussed.
2. Planning. Incisions are generally planned within the hair-bearing scalp so that they are not visible. In some cases an endoscopic (closed) method may be preferred; in this approach, work is carried out through small incisions in the scalp with the help of a thin camera.
3. Procedure. The tissues in the temple area are repositioned upward and outward in a controlled manner and fixed. The position of the inner part of the brow is mostly preserved; the correction focuses on the outer end.
4. Follow-up. Healing is monitored through regular check-ups; the schedule for suture removal and dressings is planned individually.
These three procedures are often confused with one another; however, the areas they address are different:
Which approach may come into consideration is determined at the examination according to the location and degree of the descent.
There is no specific age limit for a temporal lift. The decision is made not by age but according to the degree of change in the brow and temple area, skin structure and general health status.
The procedure can be performed with local anesthesia and sedation or under general anesthesia. If an accompanying procedure such as eyelid surgery is planned, general anesthesia may be preferred. The anesthesia method is determined by evaluating the scope of the planned procedure and the person's health status together.
Swelling and mild bruising may be seen in the temple and around the eyes in the first days. A temporary feeling of tightness or numbness in the area is normal.
As with every surgical procedure, this one carries certain risks. Being aware of them is necessary for a sound decision:
This list does not cover all possibilities. Your personal risk profile, medical history and current health status are assessed in detail at the examination and shared with you as part of the consent process.
The position correction achieved is long-lasting and permanent; however, because the natural aging process continues, the appearance continues to change over time.
When performed alone, it generally takes 1–2 hours. If an accompanying procedure such as eyelid surgery is planned, the duration is longer.
It can be performed with local anesthesia and sedation or under general anesthesia. The method is determined at the examination according to the scope of the planned procedure and health status.
The aim of planning is a measured correction. Excessive lifting is avoided, because it can lead to an unnatural expression.
Incisions are generally planned within the hair-bearing scalp. Scar healing differs from person to person.
Temporary hair loss may be seen around the incision line; in most cases it recovers within months. This possibility is discussed separately during the consent process.
Swelling and a feeling of tightness are pronounced in the first weeks. The appearance generally takes 2–3 months to settle.
Because brow position directly affects the appearance of the upper eyelid, the two can be evaluated together. This is decided after the examination.
Yes, it can be evaluated in male patients as well. Because a flatter and lower brow line is considered natural in men, planning is made according to this difference.
Fox eyes is the name of a look, not of a procedure. A temporal lift is one of the approaches that may contribute to this look. Details are on the Fox Eyes (Almond Eye Aesthetics) page.
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine; he completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Application and Research Center. He works at Antalya Yaşam Hastanesi (Şirinyalı, Muratpaşa / Antalya).
