Purpose Energy-based devices are often applied to the midface with uniform parameters despite anatomical and pigmentation variability. For bulk-heating technologies, clinical relevance depends on both superficial heating and the timing and magnitude of temperature rise at deeper tissue planes, where periosteal exposure in the malar cheek may affect safety and discomfort. This study aimed to quantify time to periosteal temperature rise in the malar cheek and to compare this parameter between Fitzpatrick skin types I–II and III–IV.Methods This cadaveric study was conducted using four human hemifaces (Fitzpatrick I–IV), grouped as I–II and III–IV. A multi-wavelength diode laser was applied to a malar cheek region using a stacking technique. Periosteal temperature at the zygomatic bone was measured with a thermocouple. Time to periosteal temperature rise was defined as the interval to a sustained temperature increase of ≥ 0.5°C.Results Time to periosteal temperature rise was longer in Fitzpatrick I–II specimens (6.4 ± 0.5 s) than in Fitzpatrick III–IV specimens (4.7 ± 0.4 s). Peak periosteal temperatures were higher in Fitzpatrick III–IV (68–71°C) than in Fitzpatrick I–II (58–62°C).Conclusion Fitzpatrick III–IV specimens showed earlier periosteal temperature rise and higher peak periosteal temperatures under identical delivery settings, supporting skin type–dependent differences in deep thermal response during stacking delivery of a multi-wavelength diode laser.