Temple Filler in Seoul: Soften Hollows, Rebalance Your Face
The short answer
Temple filler in Seoul restores volume to hollow or sunken temples so the forehead, temples and cheeks flow in one smooth curve. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, often needs 1 to 2 ml per side, and typically costs ₩300,000 to ₩1,200,000 in total. Results commonly last 12 to 18 months, with mild swelling and chewing tenderness for a few days.
Key facts
- Treatment time: about 20–30 minutes
- Typical cost: ₩300,000–₩1,200,000
- Amount used: often 1–2 ml per side
- Longevity: about 12–18 months
- Downtime: 1–3 days of swelling or tenderness
- Products: hyaluronic acid; some clinics offer collagen stimulators
Why temples matter in Korean facial design
Hollow temples are easy to overlook, but they shape how the upper face reads. When the temples dip inward, the cheekbones look more prominent, the brow can look heavier and the face may seem older or thinner than it is. In Korean aesthetics, a smooth, slightly rounded upper face is associated with softness and youth, so temple filler is often part of a wider facial design.
Temple hollowing can come from natural face shape, low body fat, weight loss, intense exercise or ageing, as fat and bone gradually decrease.
Who it suits
- You notice a dip at the sides of your forehead, especially in photos lit from above.
- Your cheekbones look sharp or wide because the temples above them are hollow.
- You are considering zygoma reduction and want a softer outline without bone surgery first.
- You want to support a lifted look at the outer brow.
How it is done
The temple contains important blood vessels, so technique matters. Doctors use one of two approaches:
Deep injection on the bone
A needle places small amounts of filler directly on the bone in a safer zone. This gives lift and structure with a small volume.
Cannula in the fat layer
A blunt cannula spreads a softer gel more superficially for a smooth, even curve. Many doctors combine both for natural results.
The appointment, including numbing, is usually under an hour. You will see the change immediately, with some extra fullness from swelling for the first days.
Cost, product and longevity
| Choice | Typical cost (2026) | Lasts about |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid filler, both temples | ₩300,000–₩1,200,000 | 12–18 months |
| Collagen stimulator (e.g. PLLA), course | ₩600,000–₩2,000,000 | Up to about 2 years |
| Temple fat grafting | ₩1,500,000–₩4,000,000 | Long-term once settled |
Hyaluronic acid is the most common first choice because it is reversible. Collagen stimulators work gradually over several sessions. If you want a permanent option, ask a plastic surgeon about facial fat grafting.
Combining temples with other areas
Temples rarely work alone. When the temples are filled, the transition from forehead to cheek becomes smoother, and many doctors then reassess whether the forehead, cheeks or under-eyes still need attention. A balanced plan might add a small amount of forehead filler for a rounder profile, or soft cheek filler for midface support. Treating everything at once is possible, but a staged approach over two visits often looks more natural and helps you control the total cost. Ask your doctor to explain the order they recommend and why.
Recovery
The temples sit over a chewing muscle, so you may feel a dull ache when you eat for a day or two. Avoid sleeping on your side, wearing tight hats or headbands and pressing the area for a few days. Saunas, alcohol and hard workouts are best skipped for 48 hours. Most people go out the same day, and flying after 24 hours is usually fine.
Risks and how to choose a doctor
Mild swelling, bruising and slight unevenness are the most common issues. Rare risks include vascular occlusion, so pick an experienced physician who knows the temporal anatomy, uses a reputable filler and has hyaluronidase available. Ask how many temple treatments they perform and whether a follow-up check is included. For a broader view of options, see our dermal filler guide.
Planning your visit
Book temple filler early in your stay if you can, so a short review is possible before you fly. Bring photos taken under overhead lighting, which show hollows more clearly, and mention any history of migraines or jaw clenching, as these can affect comfort in the area afterwards.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Prices are typical ranges reported by Gangnam clinics in 2026 and vary by clinic, doctor and treatment plan; confirm directly with the clinic.
Patient questions
Frequently asked questions
How much filler do temples need?
Commonly 1 to 2 ml per side, though very hollow temples may need more over two sessions.
Does temple filler lift the eyebrows?
It can give a slight lift and support at the outer brow, but it is not a substitute for a brow lift.
Why does it hurt when I chew afterwards?
The temple overlies a chewing muscle, so tenderness for a day or two is normal and fades quickly.
Can I combine temple and cheek filler?
Yes, many doctors treat both in one session for a smoother transition across the upper face.
Not sure which Gangnam clinic is right for you?
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