Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Hi Dr. Lam,

Thanks for a such a great and informative wesite! There's so much information it really takes time digest it all. My question is in regards to hollow temples. I understand you can correct this with fat , would it be possible to use restylane instead? Several years ago I underwent cheek implant surgery which left me with hollow looking temples and deflated looking eyes. Could the temple fullness be restored with a temp filler and how long (approx.) would the correction last? Also, can temp fillers be placed in the brow.

Thank you for your time!

This is why I don't prefer cheek implants. Temples can be filled with fat grafting. However, I am very conservative for the fill since it is an area that is unforgiving. Fortunately, I have never had a problem, but I don't want to see a problem. Therefore, depending on how hollow you are, I will CONSERVATIVELY fill the temples. Oftentimes, filling around the implant can soften the look.

Interestingly, I just did a gentleman from South American yesterday who had fat grafting done elsewhere and they only augmented his anterior cheek. This looked too prominent and not blended like a cheek implant would stand out in a way but a bit different since the cheek implant usually resides laterally (away from the nose that is). So, my objective to "correct" his fat grafting, really to improve it, was to blend into the temple, brow, lower eyelid, lateral cheek, and buccal hollow and not touch his anterior cheek where a lot of fat was already placed.

As far as Restylane, I don't have experience putting it there. It could look lumpy since it is a much harder material than fat. Just be careful with a skilled injector. I would prefer restylane over other injectables since it is reversible. Again, I don't have experience with this and this is just my conjecture. You can also have the doctor just inject the transition from the hollow temple to the regular forehead. That could soften the area. I have heard of that but never tried it.
Best,
SML
Hope that helps.
SML

Wow, thanks for such a thoughtful reply. My intention was to travel to your facility for the restylane; however it sounds like fat would be a better option for improving the cheek implants. I believe it would be best for me to schedule an in person consultation. One last question please, while correcting the cheek implants can fat be used to augment the back (angle)of the jaw for a sharper/masculine look. I am a 38 yr old male with a "normal" jaw but feel a stronger angle would look nice.

Yes, that can be done. It all depends on how your facial features appear to make sure that it would "fit your face." I have before and after photo on that here in the office but most men don't let me put their photos on the website. Remember that facial balance is so very important to me. I won't just put it there if I think it will unbalance your face.
Best,
SML