The temporal lift is exactly the same as the forehead (brow) lift and accomplishes all of the same goals, save one addition. In the temporal lift, Dr. Marotta elevates the tissue lateral (to the side of) to the eyebrows and superior (above) the cheek to a higher, more youthful position. A temporal lift is an excellent adjunct procedure to the facelift and, in some cases, may enhance the facelift result.
Reasons for getting a Temporal Lift
- See “Reasons for getting a forehead lift.”
- As an adjunct to a facelift.
General Procedure
At our facility, the anesthesia for a temporal lift is deep sedation. A temporal lift may take several hours or longer depending on whether other cosmetic procedures are completed at the same time. If performed by itself the procedure takes about one hour and a half. It is most frequently combined with a facelift. Using incisions hidden in the hairline and a camera, Dr. Marotta restores the brows to their natural (higher) position and elevates the temporal tissues.
Recovery
Immediately after surgery, your face will be fitted with bandages and surgical drains in order to speed recovery and reduce swelling. The bandages and drains are removed on the first postoperative visit. You may have tapes on the forehead to help reduce swelling. We recommend head of bed elevation and light activity in the immediate postoperative period. Patients generally report little pain with temporal lift surgery, but may have some mild pain that is easily controlled with oral pain medication. You will have frequent postoperative visits with Dr. Marotta to monitor your progress and remove the stitches. Recovery is usually about a week with a temporal lift alone, but largely depends upon what other procedures have been performed.