Why Do Temples Become Hollow? Understanding Temple Volume Loss And Facial Ageing

Many people notice changes in their cheeks, jawline or skin as they age, but one of the most overlooked signs of facial ageing is temple hollowing. Hollow temples can make the face appear older, thinner, more tired and less youthful, often without patients realising that this area is contributing to their concerns.

The temples play an important role in facial harmony and upper face balance. When volume is lost, the face can develop a more skeletal or gaunt appearance, even in otherwise healthy individuals.

At It's Me & You Skin Clinic and Aesthetics Clinic in Kingston upon Thames, we regularly help patients from London, Surrey, Richmond, Wimbledon, Chelsea, Kensington, Twickenham, Esher, Cobham and surrounding areas understand the causes of facial volume loss and explore non surgical treatments that restore natural facial contours.

What Are The Temples?

The temples are the areas located on either side of the forehead between the outer corner of the eyes and the hairline.

In a youthful face, the temples typically appear:

• Smooth

• Softly contoured

• Balanced

• Well supported

They contribute to the natural transition between the forehead, cheeks and upper face.

When volume is lost, this transition becomes less smooth and facial ageing often becomes more noticeable.

Why Do Temples Become Hollow With Age?

The most common cause of hollow temples is the natural ageing process.

As we age, the face undergoes several structural changes including:

• Fat loss

• Collagen reduction

• Bone remodelling

• Skin thinning

• Tissue descent

These changes can gradually reduce volume in the temple area and alter overall facial proportions.

Age Related Fat Loss In The Temples

One of the biggest contributors to temple hollowing is the loss of facial fat.

Youthful faces contain well supported fat compartments that provide volume and shape.

Over time:

• Fat compartments shrink

• Facial volume decreases

• Support structures weaken

• Hollow areas become more visible

This process affects many areas of the face, including the temples.

In some patients, temple volume loss begins earlier than expected and may become noticeable during their thirties or forties.

Collagen Loss And Temple Hollowing

Collagen is one of the key proteins responsible for skin strength and support.

From our mid twenties onwards, collagen production naturally begins to decline.

As collagen decreases:

• Skin becomes thinner

• Tissue support weakens

• Facial contours change

• Volume loss becomes more visible

While collagen loss does not directly cause hollow temples, it contributes significantly to the ageing process that makes temple hollowing more noticeable.

Facial Bone Changes And Ageing

Many people are surprised to learn that facial bones also change with age.

Over time:

• Bone volume decreases

• Structural support changes

• Facial contours shift

The temples are one of several areas where these structural changes can influence facial appearance.

Reduced support from underlying bone can contribute to a hollow or sunken appearance.

Genetics And Naturally Hollow Temples

Not all hollow temples are caused by ageing.

Some individuals naturally have:

• High cheekbones

• Slim facial features

• Lower temple volume

• More angular facial structures

In these cases, hollow temples may be present from a young age.

Genetics plays a major role in determining facial shape and volume distribution.

Weight Loss And Hollow Temples

Significant weight loss can sometimes accelerate temple hollowing.

When body fat decreases, facial fat often decreases as well.

Patients who experience major weight loss may notice:

• Hollow temples

• Sunken cheeks

• Increased facial angles

• A more gaunt appearance

Although weight loss may improve overall health, facial volume changes can sometimes create unwanted aesthetic concerns.

Can Exercise Cause Hollow Temples?

Highly active individuals with very low body fat percentages may be more likely to develop visible temple hollowing.

This is particularly common among:

• Endurance athletes

• Competitive fitness enthusiasts

• Individuals with naturally lean facial features

In these situations, temple hollowing is often related to reduced facial fat rather than ageing alone.

Why Hollow Temples Make The Face Look Older

Temple hollowing can affect the overall shape of the face.

As volume decreases, patients may notice:

• More prominent facial bones

• Increased shadowing

• A narrower appearance

• A tired look

• Reduced facial softness

These changes can create an aged appearance even when the skin itself remains relatively healthy.

This is one reason temple filler has become increasingly popular in modern facial rejuvenation.

What Other Areas Age Alongside The Temples?

Temple hollowing rarely occurs in isolation.

Many patients also experience:

• Cheek volume loss

• Mid face ageing

• Nasolabial folds

• Marionette lines

• Jawline changes

At our London and Surrey skin clinic, temple assessment forms part of a comprehensive facial evaluation because ageing often affects multiple areas simultaneously.

Can Hollow Temples Be Prevented?

Temple volume loss is a natural part of ageing and cannot be completely prevented.

However, healthy lifestyle habits may help support overall skin and facial health.

These include:

• Daily sun protection

• Medical grade skincare

• Good hydration

• Balanced nutrition

• Avoiding smoking

• Consistent skin health maintenance

While these measures support healthy ageing, they cannot completely stop age related structural changes.

What Is The Best Treatment For Hollow Temples?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of volume loss.

Temple Filler

Temple filler is one of the most effective treatments for restoring volume in this area.

Benefits may include:

• Improved facial balance

• Smoother contours

• Reduced hollowing

• A softer appearance

• More youthful facial proportions

Collagen Stimulating Treatments

Treatments such as:

• Sculptra

• Radiesse

• HarmonyCa

may be considered in some patients depending on their anatomy and treatment goals.

Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation

Because temple hollowing often occurs alongside volume loss elsewhere, many patients benefit from a broader treatment plan that may include:

• Temple filler

• Cheek filler

• Skin boosters

• Polynucleotides

• Collagen stimulation treatments

Why A Full Face Assessment Creates Better Results

One of the biggest mistakes in facial aesthetics is treating isolated areas without considering overall facial balance.

A patient concerned about:

• Hollow temples

• Tired eyes

• Hollow cheeks

• Facial thinning

may actually benefit from a combination approach.

At It's Me & You Skin Clinic, every patient receives a detailed facial assessment before treatment recommendations are made.

This allows us to identify the underlying causes of facial ageing and create personalised treatment plans that restore natural harmony.

Temple Filler Treatments In London, Surrey And Kingston Upon Thames

Patients searching for treatment for hollow temples in London often want subtle rejuvenation that restores a youthful appearance without looking overfilled.

Located within Siddeley House in Kingston upon Thames, It's Me & You Skin Clinic provides doctor led facial rejuvenation treatments for patients throughout South West London and Surrey. We regularly welcome patients from Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Richmond, Wimbledon, Twickenham, Surbiton, Esher, Cobham and Walton on Thames.

Our skin clinic and aesthetics clinic offers a discreet and confidential environment with convenient access via Kingston railway station, nearby Bentall Centre parking and additional town centre parking facilities. Patients appreciate our personalised consultations, doctor led care and evidence based approach to facial aesthetics.

Why Patients Choose It's Me & You Skin Clinic

Patients choose our clinic because we provide:

• Doctor led aesthetic treatments

• Treatments performed by doctors or qualified nurses

• Comprehensive facial assessments

• Personalised treatment plans

• Premium quality products

• Evidence based care

• Natural looking results

• Detailed aftercare support

Every treatment recommendation is tailored to the individual patient, helping restore facial balance while preserving natural facial character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes hollow temples?

The most common causes include ageing, fat loss, collagen reduction, bone remodelling, genetics and significant weight loss.

At what age do temples become hollow?

Temple hollowing can begin during the thirties or forties, although genetics and lifestyle factors may influence timing.

Do hollow temples make you look older?

Yes. Hollow temples can create a more skeletal appearance and contribute to visible facial ageing.

Can weight loss cause hollow temples?

Yes. Significant weight loss may reduce facial fat and contribute to temple volume loss.

What is the best treatment for hollow temples?

Temple filler is one of the most effective non surgical treatments for restoring temple volume and improving facial harmony.

Are hollow temples common?

Yes. Temple hollowing is a very common but often overlooked sign of facial ageing.

Conclusion

Temple hollowing is a natural consequence of ageing, volume loss and structural facial changes. Although often overlooked, the temples play an important role in facial harmony and youthful contours. Understanding why temples become hollow helps patients identify the true source of facial ageing and explore appropriate treatment options.

If you are concerned about hollow temples and are considering treatment in London, Surrey or Kingston upon Thames, a consultation at It's Me & You Skin Clinic can help determine the cause of volume loss and create a personalised treatment plan designed to restore natural facial balance.

About It's Me & You Skin Clinic

It's Me & You Skin Clinic is a doctor led aesthetics clinic in Kingston upon Thames specialising in dermal fillers, facial contouring, anti wrinkle treatments, skin rejuvenation and advanced non surgical aesthetic procedures. Serving patients throughout London and Surrey, the clinic combines evidence based medicine, personalised care and premium quality products to deliver safe, natural looking and long lasting results.