Temporal Lift

The temporal lift is an aesthetic surgical procedure intended to improve the signs of ageing in the area of the temples and the outer part of the eyebrow.

As time passes, the skin and tissues in this region lose their elasticity and the tail of the eyebrow may descend, which can give the eyes a tired or sad appearance.

The procedure may be carried out on its own or combined with other aesthetic procedures, most frequently:

• blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery);
• the forehead lift;
• the cervicofacial lift;
• lipofilling (transfer of the patient's own fat).

This procedure has an aesthetic purpose and is not reimbursed by the health insurance system.

The temporal lift may be carried out:

• in women as well as in men;
• usually after the age of 40.

It may also be indicated in younger people when there are anatomical particularities, such as naturally low-set eyebrows or congenital asymmetries.

The temporal lift aims to:

• lift the outer portion of the eyebrow;
• reduce the appearance of a drooping eyebrow;
• smooth the wrinkles at the corner of the eyes (crow's feet);
• discreetly tighten the skin in the outer area of the upper eyelid;
• restore a more rested and harmonious appearance to the eyes.

The aim of the operation is not to change the expression of the face or to alter personal features, but to reposition the structures that have descended with advancing age.

Before the operation

Before the procedure the following are carried out:

• analysis of the reasons and expectations of the patient;
• assessment of the temporal region and of the position of the eyebrows;
• analysis of the relationship between the eyebrow, the eyelid and the rest of the face;
• determining the appropriate technique.

The surgeon will explain the realistic result that can be obtained and may advise against the procedure if the expectations are not appropriate.

The following are carried out:

• a pre-operative medical assessment;
• a consultation with the anaesthetist.

Medication containing aspirin must not be taken for 10 days before the operation, unless the doctor recommends otherwise.

Before the procedure:

• the hair must be washed the previous day;
• make-up must be removed completely on the day of the operation;
• the patient must observe the fasting period indicated by the doctor.

Smoking and the operation

Smoking affects the healing process and may increase the risk of complications.

It may encourage:

• difficult healing of the scars;
• skin problems;
• infections;
• complications related to anaesthesia.

Complete cessation of smoking is recommended at least one month before the operation and until healing is complete.

The same recommendations apply to electronic cigarettes.

Principles of the procedure

In the temporal region, the changes are mainly caused by laxity of the skin and of the underlying tissues.

The operation is carried out through an incision located:

1. In the scalp (intracapillary scar)

• the scar is hidden in the hair;
• it allows the deep tissues to be lifted;
• it reduces traction on the scalp;
• it limits the risk of hair loss in the area of the scar.

2. At the border between the forehead and the hairline (precapillary scar)

It may be chosen when:

• the hairline has already receded;
• a larger amount of skin needs to be removed.

In this case the scar may be more visible initially, but it fades progressively.

How the procedure is carried out

The procedure lasts approximately between 40 minutes and one hour for both sides.

The operation involves:

• making the incisions in the chosen area;
• controlled undermining of the tissues;
• repositioning and fixing the deep structures;
• lifting the tail of the eyebrow;
• removing any excess skin.

The surgeon aims to preserve the natural expression of the face.

Type of anaesthesia

The temporal lift may be carried out:

• under general anaesthesia; or
• under local anaesthesia combined with intravenous sedation.

The choice is made together with the patient, the surgeon and the anaesthetist.

Hospital stay

The procedure may be carried out:

• as day surgery, with discharge on the same day; or
• with a short hospital stay, depending on the case and on any associated procedures.

In the first days the following may appear:

• swelling (oedema);
• bruising;
• a feeling of tightness at the level of the temples;
• small irregularities of the skin in the area of the scar.

These are normal and reduce progressively.

Recommendations:

• rest;
• avoiding intense physical effort;
• following the instructions on caring for the scars.

Removal of the sutures:

• the sutures at the level of the forehead: approximately on days 2-4;
• the sutures at the level of the scalp: approximately on day 8.

Returning to social life:

• after approximately 7 days: an appearance acceptable to close family;
• after approximately 12 days: an appearance acceptable to friends;
• after approximately 3 weeks: most signs of the operation are greatly diminished.

Possible imperfections of the result

The result may be influenced by the particularities of each patient.

The following may appear:

• partial return of the eyebrow descent over time;
• differences between the two sides of the face;
• scars that are more visible than desired;
• the need for an additional procedure.

A possible correction may be considered once the result has stabilised.

Possible complications

Like any surgical procedure, the temporal lift carries certain risks.

General complications:

• reactions to the anaesthesia;
• bleeding;
• haematoma;
• infection.

Possible local complications:

Healing disorders

Delayed healing or changes in the scars may occur.

Changes in sensitivity

Numbness or temporary changes in sensitivity may occur in the operated area.

Hair loss in the area of the scar

This is rare, but possible, particularly in certain conditions.

Unfavourable scars

Some people may develop thicker, red or visible scars.

Asymmetries

There may be differences in the position of the eyebrows or of the scars.

Nerve damage

Very rarely, disturbances in the mobility of some muscles of the forehead or eyebrow may occur.

The result begins to be appreciated after approximately 2-3 months.

The benefits may include:

• a more open look;
• a more harmonious position of the eyebrow;
• reduction of the wrinkles at the side of the eyes;
• a more rested facial appearance.

The natural ageing process continues after the operation as well.

The following may help to maintain the result:

• skin care;
• aesthetic treatments;
• botulinum toxin injections or other procedures recommended by the doctor.

The temporal lift is a procedure that can improve the appearance of the outer area of the face and of the eyes by repositioning tissues that have descended.

The results are generally satisfactory when:

• the indication is correctly established;
• the patient has realistic expectations;
• the procedure is carried out by a qualified surgeon.

The aim of the operation is to achieve a natural improvement, not to change the features of the face.