The Art of Temple Rejuvenation
As we journey through life, our faces begin to tell a story—and sometimes, that story includes a hollowing in the temporal area, that region just beside the eyes and above the cheekbones. It's a natural part of aging, yet many seek to restore what time has gently taken away. The options available are varied: PRP injections, filler injections, and threads. Among these, threads hold a special place—particularly for those who desire a natural, cumulative result that builds over time.
The world of threads is rich with possibilities. You have PDO threads, PLLA threads, and PCL threads—each with their own unique characteristics. Smooth threads, screw threads—the choices seem limitless. But here's the wisdom I've gathered: if you're new to threads, PDO smooth threads offer an excellent starting point. They deliver noticeable results while lasting the shortest amount of time, allowing you to experience the process before committing to longer-lasting options.
Understanding the Thread Landscape
PDO threads are wonderful for beginners because they let you see what threads can do. However, if you're ready for something more enduring, PCL threads offer benefits that can last up to two years. That sounds fantastic, doesn't it? But there's a trade-off. If you aren't satisfied with the results, you'll need to wait those two years for the threads to dissolve naturally—or undergo a more intense removal procedure. Starting small and working your way up is always the wiser path.
PLLA threads, which I find myself using most often, strike a beautiful balance. They last anywhere from eight to twelve months within the skin, providing results that carry you through nearly a year. What I particularly love is that PLLA stimulates more collagen production compared to PDO. Once inserted, these threads help accumulate water in the area, build connective tissue, and produce collagen—all exactly what we want for rejuvenation.
A Step-by-Step Journey into Temporal Threading
Today, let me walk you through how I approach laying PLLA threads in the temporal region for hollowing temples. The guiding principle is always: start low and slow, then build toward your desired results.
Marking the Territory
The first step is identifying the temporal artery. This isn't about avoiding a vascular occlusion—threads don't carry that risk like fillers do. Rather, it's about preventing bruising and hematomas. The temporal artery is surprisingly easy to locate; a light touch over the skin reveals its pulse. I mark it with a surgical marker, just a small dot to remind myself of its presence.
Then comes the mapping of the treatment area. Looking in the mirror, I can see the hollowness—a dip in the temporal region that creates an uneven contour. For this session, I'll be placing just five threads per side. It's not many, and the procedure is remarkably quick. The placement follows a crisscross pattern: some threads running one direction, others crossing to support them.
The Preparation
After cleansing and disinfecting the skin with 70% isopropyl alcohol, I put on gloves. The threads I'm using today are 30-gauge, 25 millimeters long—not super long, but sufficient for this area. If I needed more coverage, I could use 38-millimeter threads, but again, starting small builds comfort and confidence.
Opening the needle reveals a crucial detail: there's a stopper on one end of the thread. The flat part should be flush against the skin, with the open part facing away. And here's a key insight—don't push that stopper back all the way to the end. If you do, when you insert the thread, there will be too much bunching. Keep it at a nice midway point. You don't need to insert the entire needle to its base; focus on where the needle is going and where the stopper releases the thread into the skin.
The Insertion
The insertion itself is shallow and superficial—never going deep into the skin. I crisscross the threads, creating that mesh foundation. After placing them, I let them sit for a moment to allow hemostasis, which essentially clots the blood and prevents excessive bleeding. Then, I spin them gently to ensure the thread is released, hold the area, and pull the needle out slowly. Twist, twist, twist—there we go.
Patience and the Cumulative Effect
With PLLA threads, you won't see immediate dramatic results. What you'll notice is some swelling, which will subside. This is a cumulative process. Every two months or so, I go back in and rethread those areas. Since I used 25-millimeter threads this time, I might use 38-millimeter next time to cover more surface area.
The sweet spot typically arrives around four to six weeks. That's when water accumulation begins, and connective tissue starts forming around the thread. The results are subtle, natural, and sustainable—exactly what we're seeking.
This is the art of temporal rejuvenation with PLLA threads: creating that hashtag pattern, that mesh foundation, to give overall support to the skin. It's a journey of patience, precision, and gentle progress—one that honors both the science and the beauty of natural aging.