The temples and outer brows are among the first areas of the face to reveal signs of aging. As skin loses elasticity and underlying tissues descend, the lateral brow can flatten or droop – creating a tired, heavy appearance that affects the entire upper face. A temple lift, also known as a lateral brow lift, specifically targets this descent by elevating the outer corners of the eyebrows and repositioning the temple tissues. Dr. Munique Maia, a Harvard fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon at Maia Plastic Surgery in Tysons Corner, VA, performs temple lift surgery with meticulous precision to restore a naturally refreshed, more youthful brow contour for patients throughout the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.

A Refined Approach to Brow Rejuvenation

“The goal of a temple lift isn’t to create an artificially arched or surprised appearance—it’s to restore the natural brow position that time has changed,” explains Dr. Maia. “By focusing specifically on the lateral brow and temple region, we can achieve elegant rejuvenation that complements your facial features rather than altering your fundamental appearance.”

Dr. Maia’s fellowship training at Harvard Medical School, combined with her residency experience alongside world-renowned facelift surgeons including Dr. Andrew Jacono, Dr. Sherrell J. Aston, and Dr. Daniel C. Baker, has refined her understanding of facial anatomy and the subtle techniques that produce lasting, natural results. This expertise allows her to address outer brow descent while preserving the delicate expressions that make each patient unique.

What Is a Temple Lift?

A temple lift is a targeted facial rejuvenation procedure that elevates the outer portion of the eyebrows and tightens the temple area. Unlike a traditional forehead lift that addresses the entire brow from ear to ear, the temple lift focuses specifically on the lateral third of the brow—the area most commonly affected by gravitational descent.

Through small incisions strategically placed within the hairline, Dr. Maia accesses the underlying tissues of the brow and temple region. She carefully releases the tissues that have descended, repositions them to a more youthful height, and secures them in place. The result is a subtle but significant improvement in brow position that opens up the eye area and restores facial harmony.

Because the incisions are hidden within the natural hairline, scarring is virtually invisible once healed. The procedure can be performed as a standalone treatment or combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as a facelift, neck lift, or blepharoplasty for comprehensive results.

Signs That a Temple Lift May Benefit You

The effects of lateral brow descent often develop gradually, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly when the change occurred. Many patients seeking temple lift surgery describe noticing one or more of the following concerns:

• Flattening of the Brow Arch: the natural curve of the eyebrow has diminished, creating a straighter, less defined appearance
• Outer Brow Heaviness: the outer corners of the eyebrows sit lower than the inner portions, contributing to a tired or sad expression
• Hooding Over the Outer Eyes: excess skin from the descended brow drapes over the outer eyelid area, sometimes interfering with peripheral vision
• Crow’s Feet Exaggeration: the descent of temple tissues can accentuate wrinkles at the outer corners of the eyes
• Asymmetry Between Brows: one brow may have descended more than the other, creating an unbalanced appearance

What to Expect

Temple lift surgery typically takes one to two hours to complete and is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on whether additional procedures are being performed. Dr. Maia creates small incisions within the hairline at the temples, allowing her to access the underlying tissues without creating visible scars.

Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling and bruising that resolves within one to two weeks. Patients can typically return to light daily activities within a few days and resume normal exercise and strenuous activities after approximately four weeks. The final results of temple lift surgery become fully apparent once all swelling has subsided, typically within two to three months, revealing a refreshed and naturally rejuvenated brow contour.

Harmonizing Upper and Lower Face Rejuvenation

For patients considering facelift surgery, Dr. Maia often recommends including a temple lift to achieve comprehensive, balanced rejuvenation. When the mid and lower face are lifted without addressing the upper face, the results can sometimes appear incomplete or create tension around the brow area. By lifting the temples along with the lower face, the entire face is rejuvenated harmoniously, preventing skin bunching and ensuring natural-looking results from forehead to neck.

Whether a temple lift is appropriate in conjunction with your facelift will be determined during your personal consultation, where Dr. Maia will perform a comprehensive facial analysis and discuss your aesthetic goals in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Temple Lift Surgery

What is the difference between a temple lift and a full brow lift?

A temple lift focuses specifically on elevating the outer third of the brow and temple region, while a full brow lift addresses the entire forehead and both the medial and lateral portions of the brows. For patients whose primary concern is lateral brow descent without significant forehead lines or central brow drooping, a temple lift offers targeted correction with smaller incisions and shorter recovery time.

Will a temple lift make me look surprised or overdone?

When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Maia, a temple lift produces natural results that restore a youthful brow position without creating an artificially arched or startled appearance. Dr. Maia's technique focuses on repositioning tissues to where they naturally sat years ago rather than overcorrecting to an unnatural height.

How long do temple lift results last?

Temple lift results are long-lasting, typically enduring for seven to ten years or more. While the aging process continues naturally, patients enjoy a rejuvenated appearance for many years following their procedure. Maintaining good skin health and sun protection can help optimize the longevity of results.

Can a temple lift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a temple lift is frequently combined with facelift surgery, neck lift, upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), or non-surgical treatments for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combining procedures allows patients to achieve their desired results in a single surgical session with one recovery period.

Will there be visible scarring after a temple lift?

Dr. Maia places all temple lift incisions within the hairline, making them virtually invisible once healed. The incisions are designed to follow the natural direction of hair growth, allowing hair to grow through the healed scar and further camouflaging any trace of surgery.

Am I a good candidate for a temple lift?

Good candidates for temple lift surgery are individuals who have noticed descent of the outer brows, flattening of the brow arch, or heaviness in the lateral brow area. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for their results. A consultation with Dr. Maia will determine if a temple lift is the right approach for your concerns.

Why Choose Maia Plastic Surgery

• Board-Certified Expertise: Dr. Maia is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the Aesthetic Society and American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• Harvard Fellowship Training: specialized aesthetic fellowship training at Harvard Medical School focused on advanced facial rejuvenation techniques
• Natural-Looking Results: Dr. Maia’s philosophy centers on enhancing your appearance while maintaining your unique features and expressions
• Meticulous Attention to Detail: every procedure is performed with precision and artistry to achieve optimal outcomes
• Compassionate Patient Care: concierge services and 24/7 emergency support ensure you feel supported throughout your journey

Schedule Your Temple Lift Consultation in Tysons Corner

If lateral brow descent has left you looking tired or older than you feel, a temple lift may be the solution you’ve been seeking. Contact Maia Plastic Surgery to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Maia at our Tysons Corner clinic serving the greater Washington, DC, area. During your consultation, Dr. Maia will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and recommend a customized treatment plan designed to help you look as vibrant and refreshed as you feel.