Temporal Lift

A temporal lift, sometimes called a lateral brow lift, raises and repositions the outer part of the eyebrow and the soft tissue of the temple. It treats a specific pattern of ageing: the tail of the brow drops, the skin at the outer corner of the upper eyelid becomes heavy or hooded, and the eyes start to look tired or sad even when you are rested. By lifting this area through small incisions hidden in the hairline, the procedure opens the outer eye and restores a lighter, more alert look.

Plastic Surgery Turkey Group (PSTG) helps international patients plan a temporal lift in Turkey, including the assessment, travel, stay and follow-up. The procedure is carried out by the treating surgeon at a contracted healthcare institution in Istanbul or Antalya. Because it is a focused operation, one of the most useful things to understand is where a temporal lift ends and other procedures begin.

Who is a good candidate#

A temporal lift may suit you if you:

• notice that the outer third of your eyebrows has dropped over time;
• have hooding or heaviness at the outer corners of the upper eyelids;
• feel that your eyes look tired, heavy or downturned at the sides;
• want a subtle lift at the side of the face rather than a change to the whole forehead;
• are in good general health, do not smoke (or can stop around surgery) and have realistic expectations.

A temporal lift may not be the right procedure if you:

• have heavy brows across the whole forehead, including the inner brows — a full brow lift is usually more appropriate;
• mainly have excess skin on the upper eyelids themselves, which is corrected by eyelid surgery rather than lifting the brow;
• are mostly concerned about jowls, the jawline or the neck, which are treated with a facelift;
• have a very high hairline or thin hair at the temples, which can make incisions harder to conceal;
• want a dramatically elevated or "pulled" look that would not suit your features.

How it differs from a facelift#

A facelift works on the lower face and neck. A temporal lift works on the upper outer face: the outer brow, temple and the corner of the eye. It does not change the jawline, and a facelift does not lift the tail of the brow. They solve different problems, which is why they are sometimes combined when both areas have changed.

Techniques and options#

Classic temporal lift#

Through a short incision within the hair at each temple, the surgeon lifts the tissue of the outer brow and temple and secures it to the firm deep layer (the deep temporal fascia) above. A small strip of scalp may be removed so that the lift is held without tension on the skin. This is the standard approach for drooping outer brows.

Endoscopic approach#

Some surgeons use a small camera through the temple incisions to release the tissues around the outer brow and upper eye socket more precisely. This allows a more controlled lift of the brow tail with the same small, hidden incisions.

Thread-assisted and "fox eye" techniques#

A temporal lift is related to the procedures sometimes marketed as fox eye or cat eye surgery, which aim for a more elongated, upswept eye shape. These are described separately on the eye lifting and contouring page, and the article Fox Eye Lift Surgery in Turkey explains the idea further. Thread-based lifts are less invasive, but their effect usually lasts for a shorter time than a surgical lift.

Combining procedures#

A temporal lift is often combined with upper eyelid surgery, so that brow position and eyelid skin are corrected together, or with a facelift for a fuller rejuvenation. Fat grafting to hollow temples is also sometimes added. The surgeon recommends which combination, if any, is appropriate.

How the procedure is carried out#

A temporal lift is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia, depending on your preference, your health and any combined procedures. On its own it usually takes around one hour.

1. Marking. Sitting up, the surgeon assesses the brow position and marks the planned direction and height of the lift.
2. Incisions. A short incision is made in the hair-bearing scalp at each temple.
3. Lifting. The tissues of the outer brow and temple are released and lifted.
4. Fixation. The lifted tissue is secured with stitches to the deep layer so the new position holds.
5. Closure. The incisions are closed, and a light dressing or headband may be applied.

Many patients go back to their hotel the same day, while others stay overnight, particularly after general anaesthesia or a combined procedure.

Recovery and results#

First few days. The temples and forehead feel tight, and there may be swelling and bruising around the eyes. Keeping your head raised and using cool compresses helps. Discomfort is usually mild and managed with simple pain relief.

First week. Stitches or clips in the scalp are typically removed within about a week to ten days. Most people return to work and normal daily activities within five to seven days, avoiding strenuous exercise until the surgeon allows it.

The following weeks. Swelling settles and the outer eye looks more open. It is normal for the brows to look slightly higher at first; they settle down a little as swelling resolves. Tightness and numbness in the scalp fade gradually.

The result is a subtle, natural-looking lift at the side of the brow. It is not intended to change your expression or give an obviously "done" look. Ageing continues, so the tissues will gradually descend again over the years.

Risks and limitations#

A temporal lift is a smaller operation than a facelift, but it still carries risks, including:

• temporary numbness or tingling in the scalp behind the incisions;
• hair thinning around the incisions, usually temporary;
• nerve weakness affecting the ability to raise the brow — the nerve controlling forehead movement runs through the temple, so careful technique matters; this is uncommon and usually temporary;
• asymmetry between the two sides;
• over-correction giving a surprised or tight look, or under-correction if the lift settles more than planned;
• bruising, swelling, infection, bleeding and the general risks of anaesthesia.

A temporal lift does not remove excess eyelid skin, smooth deep forehead lines, lift the inner brows or change the lower face. Where these are concerns, other procedures are discussed. For general advice on what to check before surgery abroad, see Is Plastic Surgery in Turkey Safe?.

Planning your treatment in Turkey#

Planning begins with photos of your face from the front and both sides, with your hair pulled back so the temples are visible, taken with a relaxed expression and with your eyebrows raised. Add your medical history and any previous treatments such as fillers or anti-wrinkle injections. The surgeon reviews them and, if a temporal lift is suitable, you receive a written treatment plan and quote.

For a temporal lift on its own, many patients plan to stay in Turkey for around five to seven days, allowing a check-up before flying. A longer stay may be needed if it is combined with other procedures. Your surgeon will confirm when you can travel.

Depending on your package, PSTG coordinates:

• pre- and post-operative consultations and follow-up appointments;
• a 4–5-star hotel, and airport and clinic transfers;
• a personal interpreter or assistant and 24/7 support;
• post-operative medication and nursing care;
• virtual follow-up after you fly home and coordination with your home doctor.

Where treatment takes place#

Your procedure takes place at a contracted healthcare institution authorised for international health tourism, in Istanbul or Antalya. The treating surgeon examines you, recommends the technique and makes every clinical decision. PSTG, a TÜRSAB-affiliated health-tourism intermediary, coordinates your treatment and stay and shares the institution's and surgeon's details before you book.

If a heavy outer brow or tired-looking eyes are your main concern, you are welcome to send your photos for a free, no-obligation assessment. You can also explore the other plastic surgery procedures available before making a decision.