Structural Rejuvenation · Lakewood Med Spa · Dallas, TX
Facial Volume &
Structural Aging
Temples · Mid-Cheeks · Tear Trough · Jawline · Chin
Facial aging is not random — it follows a predictable structural cascade. Understanding the inverted triangle of youth and the sequence in which volume is lost allows us to restore it in the correct order, with the least product and the most natural result.
The Science
The Inverted Triangle of Youth
A youthful face is widest at the temples and cheekbones, tapering to a defined chin — an inverted triangle. This shape is determined by the distribution of facial fat, bone, and soft tissue.
With age, the triangle reverses. Volume loss in the temples narrows the upper face. Descent of the mid-face fat pad flattens the cheeks and widens the lower face. Jowl formation and chin recession further widen the base. The result is a rectangular or pyramid-shaped face — the hallmark of advanced aging.
Structural rejuvenation works by reversing this cascade in the correct sequence — restoring the widest point first (temples), then the central support (mid-face), then the details (tear trough), and finally the base (jawline and chin).
Youthful Face Shape
↑ Inverted triangle = youthful
The Sequence
The Structural Rejuvenation Algorithm
Sequence matters. Treating the details before the foundation produces suboptimal results. This is the evidence-based order of treatment.
Temples
Restore lateral width, lift brow tail, reduce orbital shadow
Mid-Face
Lift structural foundation, reduce tear trough 50–70%
PRF / PRP
Thicken periorbital skin before any direct under-eye filler
Tear Trough
Only if still needed after steps 1–3
Jawline
Restore mandibular border, reduce jowl shadowing
Chin
Restore projection, re-establish inverted triangle base
Zone by Zone
Understanding Each Treatment Zone
Temple Hollowing
The lateral frame of the face — and the first to deflate.
The temporal fossa is filled by the temporalis muscle and a layer of fat. Both atrophy with age, beginning as early as the mid-30s. The result is a visible concavity at the lateral brow and temple — a skeletonized appearance that makes the orbital rim more prominent, the brow tail drop, and the upper face appear narrower and older.
Temple hollowing is one of the most commonly overlooked contributors to facial aging. Patients often notice it as a "sunken" look at the side of the head, or as a shadow that makes them look tired or gaunt — even when the rest of the face appears relatively youthful.
Why treat temples first? Because temple volume directly affects the appearance of the brow, the lateral orbital rim, and the upper periorbital area. Restoring temple volume lifts the brow tail, widens the upper face, and reduces the orbital shadow that contributes to the appearance of dark circles — all before any under-eye treatment is performed.
At Lakewood, temple filler is placed using a firm HA gel or dilute biostimulator (Sculptra) via cannula, targeting the deep temporal fat pad. The result is a subtle but transformative restoration of the lateral facial frame.
Key Points
- Restores the lateral frame of the upper face
- Lifts the brow tail and opens the lateral orbital area
- Reduces the shadow cast over the upper orbit and periorbital zone
- Addresses the skeletonized, gaunt appearance of advanced aging
- Firm HA gel or dilute Sculptra placed via cannula in the deep temporal fat pad
- Results last 12–18 months (HA) or 18–24 months (Sculptra)
- Treated first in the algorithm — improves all downstream periorbital results
Ideal For
Patients with visible temporal concavity, brow tail drooping, or a gaunt/skeletonized upper face — often most apparent in the 40s and beyond
Clinical Note
Temple filler is often the single most impactful treatment for patients who feel they look 'tired' or 'older' but cannot identify why.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with a Structural Assessment
Every treatment plan begins with a physician assessment of your facial anatomy — bone structure, fat compartment descent, skin quality, and Fitzpatrick classification. We build a staged protocol in the correct sequence.
Licensed medical professionals · Physician-directed protocols · 8210 Walnut Hill Ln, Suite 516, Dallas TX