GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Volume / Contour · Temporal hollow

PLLA filler (Sculptra) evidence for Temporal hollow

B 50.5 / 100 Supported 3 RCT/meta · 0 clinical/observational · 2 case · 13 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2024 Last 5 years 54% Positive results 38%

Known in Korea as

스컬트라

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Visual Loss in Biostimulator Injectables: A Review of Incidence, Risk Factors, Etiology and Management Proposal. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2025 · PMID 41263987

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: As the popularity of non-hyaluronic acid (HA) injectables such as biostimulators rise in medical aesthetics, so have the rates of complications related to these injectables, including that of iatrogenic visual loss from vascular occlusion. METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review of the available literature on visual loss related to the most widely used biostimulator injectables including...

Journal Article, Systematic Review, Review

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tier1 Nonsurgical Temple Volumization with Soft-Tissue Fillers: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2025 · PMID 40325223

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Facial aging leads to cosmetically unappealing volume loss in the temples. We systematically reviewed the available literature regarding nonsurgical temporal volumization with injectable fillers. METHODS: On Sept 16, 2024, Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane databases were queried with relevant terms for all articles describing temporal volumization with injectable fillers, including those with...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Traditional Versus Extended Techniques of Poly- l -Lactic Acid Injection for the Aesthetic Improvement of the Temporal Fossae. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2025 · PMID 39964077

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) can be used to improve the aesthetics of the temporal fossae but is usually only deposited within the visible area of the temporal hollows. However, extending the treatment area posterior to the hairline may provide a greater lifting effect. OBJECTIVES: Assess the efficacy and safety of 2 techniques (traditional vs extended) of injecting PLLA-SCA for aesthetic improvement...

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier0_review Vision-Threatening Complications of Soft Tissue Fillers: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmology · 2025 · PMID 40167411

Abstract summary (English) PURPOSE: To review evidence on ocular complications of injectable soft tissue fillers, identify features associated with risk for vision loss, and assess the efficacy and safety of reported treatments. METHODS: Literature search of the PubMed database was last conducted in May 2024. Articles were limited to English-language original research describing ocular complications of soft tissue fillers.

Journal Article, Review

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tier3 Neuropathic Pain Following Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) Injection. Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2017 · PMID 26108057

Abstract summary (English) Injectable fillers have become a prevalent means of facial rejuvenation and volume expansion. While typically well tolerated, serious complications have been reported. The authors present a case in which an otherwise healthy female with a history of multiple filler injections including poly-L-lactic acid, developed 3 weeks of neuropathic pain in the left temporal fossa following injection.

Case Reports, Journal Article

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tier_other Efficacy and Safety of a Poly-L-Lactic Acid Filler for Temporal Augmentation: A Randomized, No-treatment Control, Evaluator-blinded, Multicenter Study. Aesthetic surgery journal · 2026 · PMID 41637104

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Temple hollowing represents a prevalent aesthetic concern traditionally addressed with autologous fat grafting or hyaluronic acid fillers. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) offers gradual, collagen-mediated volumization and is increasingly utilized for soft-tissue augmentation. Nevertheless, to date, no approved study has evaluated its use for temporal augmentation.

Journal Article

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tier_other Prospective Single-Site Open-label Study Assessing Safety and Efficacy of Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Temple Volume Loss. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD · 2026 · PMID 41493260

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is an injectable biostimulatory filler used for restoring facial fat volume loss. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of injectable PLLA injections for volume loss in the temples using dual plane injections. Assessments included live ratings and ratings of standardized pictures and ultrasound imaging at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16 by a trained evaluator.

Journal Article

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tier_other Treatment of the Temples: Brazilian Consensus. Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2024 · PMID 39672948

Abstract summary (English) INTRODUCTION: The temporal region is emblematic and challenging due to its structural and volumetric changes during aging, which significantly affect facial aesthetics. Despite the importance of addressing temporal aging, many injectors hesitate due to the region's anatomical complexity and risk of complications. This consensus aimed to provide expert guidance on the safest and most effective treatment strategies...

Journal Article

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tier3 Poly-L-lactic acid: consultation on the injection techniques. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV · 2006 · PMID 16643420

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVES: When poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was first introduced (marketed as New-Fill), incorrect injection technique was largely responsible for the manifestation of device-related adverse events in the form of subcutaneous papules and areas of induration. Now marketed as Sculptra, widespread clinical experience with injectable PLLA has resulted in a wealth of information on product reconstitution and correct...

Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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tier_other Volume rejuvenation of the facial upper third. Facial plastic surgery : FPS · 2015 · PMID 25763896

Abstract summary (English) The next three articles in this issue take a unique approach to discussing volumetric restoration. Robert Glasgold has provided an assessment for each facial region and five different renowned authors (TK, SPS, RF, SML, and EFW) have been asked to speak on a particular volumetric product, of which they are considered an expert, as it applies to the different regions of the face. The articles are broken into the...

Journal Article

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Suggested interpretation

Limited evidence

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