Gliding Brow Lift: A Modern Approach to Eyebrow Repositioning

By Dr. Scott J Turner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Last Updated May 2025

The position of the eyebrows contributes significantly to facial appearance and expression. Over time, natural aging, sun exposure, and repetitive muscle movements can cause the eyebrows and forehead tissues to descend, often resulting in a heavier appearance of the upper eyelids and forehead region. At Dr Scott J Turner’s clinics in Manly and Double Bay, the Gliding Brow Lift procedure is available as a surgical option that addresses these concerns through a technique that typically involves smaller incisions compared to some traditional approaches.

Understanding Brow Position and Its Impact

The eyebrows and forehead tissues are key features of facial expression. A lower brow position can affect the appearance of the upper face, potentially creating:

• Heavier-looking upper eyelids
• Horizontal lines across the forehead
• Vertical furrows between the brows
• A reduction in the visible eyelid area

These physical changes can sometimes be associated with an appearance that may not align with how a person feels. In some cases, a lowered brow position may also contribute to functional concerns, such as affecting the field of vision when excess tissue from a descended brow crowds the upper eyelids.

What is a Gliding Brow Lift?

The Gliding Brow Lift is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the position of drooping eyebrows and forehead skin. Unlike some traditional methods, this technique uses small cuts hidden within the hairline, making it less visible afterward.

During the procedure, Dr. Turner carefully creates a space between the outer layer of skin and the deeper tissues beneath. This allows him to lift and reposition the eyebrows and forehead. The technique is based on how facial tissues naturally connect and move with each other.

What makes this procedure different from other brow lift methods is how the tissues are handled during surgery and the special way they’re secured in their new position afterward.

Comparison with Traditional Brow Lift Techniques

Before discussing the benefits of the Gliding Brow Lift, it’s helpful to understand how it differs from traditional approaches:

Coronal/Classic Brow Lift

The coronal brow lift involves a single incision running from ear to ear within the hairline. While effective, this approach:

• Requires a long incision with visible scarring
• Involves extensive tissue manipulation
• Results in longer recovery times and more post-operative discomfort
• Can cause permanent areas of scalp numbness
• Sometimes creates an unnatural “surprised” appearance

Endoscopic Brow Lift

The endoscopic brow lift uses small incisions and a camera-guided system. Compared to this technique, the GBL:

• Doesn’t require specialized endoscopic equipment
• Offers more straightforward tissue manipulation
• Provides more reliable tissue positioning through the hemostatic net fixation
• Achieves comparable patient satisfaction with less technical complexity

Lateral/Temporal Brow Lift

The lateral brow lift focuses on the outer third of the brow area. The GBL improves upon this approach by:

• Facilitating movement across natural gliding planes
• Using the hemostatic net for more distributed, tension-free fixation
• Creating more natural-appearing outcomes
• Better distributing lifting forces across the entire brow region

For more information about different brow lift techniques, visit our Brow Lift page.

Benefits of the Gliding Brow Lift

The Gliding Brow Lift technique offers several distinct features:

• Smaller incisions: The technique uses four small incisions typically hidden within the hairline
• Customisable outcomes: The procedure allows for tailored positioning based on facial structure and preference
• Enhanced tissue support: The hemostatic net technique provides support during the healing process
• Reduced fluid accumulation: Studies suggest the hemostatic net may help reduce fluid collection complications
• Moderate recovery timeline: Recovery is generally shorter compared to more extensive brow lift approaches
• Durable results: Clinical research indicates that brow elevation can be maintained at measurable levels for extended periods
• Versatility: Can be performed alongside other procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or facelift for patients seeking combined treatments
• Longevity: While individual outcomes vary, results typically last between 5 to 10 years or longer

Who is an Ideal Candidate?

Patients seeking a Gliding Brow Lift are typically healthy men and women experiencing:

• Mild to moderate brow ptosis (drooping)
• Forehead lines and wrinkles
• Hooding of the upper eyelids caused by low brow position
• Desire for a more energised, youthful appearance

The GBL technique is particularly effective for lifting and reshaping the outer third of the eyebrows, which often show the earliest signs of ageing. It’s ideal for patients seeking noticeable rejuvenation without the extensive recovery associated with more invasive procedures.

The Gliding Brow Lift Procedure

A Gliding Brow Lift is performed under general anaesthesia in a private hospital with the assistance of a specialist anaesthetist. The procedure typically takes 1 hour depending on whether it’s combined with other treatments like blepharoplasty or facelift.

The Surgical Technique

1. Preparation: The procedure begins with infiltration of tumescent anaesthetic fluid into the treatment area.
2. Dissection: Using specialised instruments, Dr Turner delicately separates the skin and soft tissues from the underlying frontalis muscle, orbicularis muscle, and temporoparietal fascia through four small incisions hidden within the hairline.
3. Undermining: Wide undermining of the forehead and lateral orbital region to the lower border of the zygomatic arch is performed at the subcutaneous level.
4. Repositioning: This careful separation allows the eyebrow and forehead tissues to glide upwards to an improved position without disrupting the function of deeper facial structures.
5. Securing: A hemostatic net (a network of temporary sutures) is placed to hold the tissues in their new position, ensuring stable results and minimising complications such as bleeding, seroma, and hematomas.

The hemostatic net is a significant component of the Gliding Brow Lift technique. This approach involves placing a network of continuous external sutures that eliminate potential spaces between the skin and underlying tissues. Beyond reducing the risk of fluid accumulation, the net secures the newly positioned brow tissues in place until the body forms new connective tissue attachments, typically within days. These sutures are removed just 3 to 4 days after surgery, by which time the tissues will have adhered naturally, maintaining the desired contour.

Unlike traditional brow lifts, which often involve long incisions, complex release of deep retaining ligaments, and higher tension on the skin incisions, the Gliding Brow Lift focuses on repositioning the soft tissue layers with minimal tension, resulting in a more natural appearance. The small incisions also mean the results are virtually scarless.

Recovery After a Gliding Brow Lift

The recovery process after a Gliding Brow Lift follows a general timeline:

Initial Recovery Period

• Head positioning: Keeping the head elevated is recommended during the early recovery phase
• Post-operative dressing: A compression dressing is typically applied and removed at a follow-up appointment around day 3 to 4
• Temperature management: Cold compresses may be advised according to post-operative instructions
• Suture removal: The external compression sutures are generally removed at the follow-up appointment

Subsequent Weeks

• Bruising and swelling typically progress through a gradual resolution phase
• Any temporary tissue contour irregularities generally settle during the first few weeks
• Most patients can resume light daily activities after the initial recovery period
• Any excess skin that appears bunched in the upper forehead or hairline typically settles within approximately 2 weeks

Follow-up Period

• Progression toward final results continues as residual tissue swelling resolves
• Regular follow-up appointments allow for monitoring of the healing process
• Physical activity is usually reintroduced gradually according to Dr Turner’s specific guidance

The healing timeline varies between individuals based on factors such as age, general health, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.

Clinical Research on the Gliding Brow Lift

Several clinical studies have examined the outcomes of the Gliding Brow Lift technique. This research has documented:

• Measurable changes in brow position following the procedure, particularly in the lateral (outer) brow region
• Maintained elevation at various anatomical points measured up to one year post-surgery
• Documentation of complication rates, especially when combined with the hemostatic net technique
• Patient satisfaction assessments

Published data indicates that the lateral canthus and tail of the brow regions typically show the most substantial positional changes. Research has also suggested that the hemostatic net technique may contribute to reduced rates of hematoma formation compared to procedures performed without this approach.

Why Choose Dr Scott J Turner?

Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with over a decade of experience in cosmetic plastic surgery. Dr Turner has a special interest in aesthetic surgery of the Face, Nose, and Breast.

Dr Turner performs the Gliding Brow Lift procedure and has experience with the hemostatic net technique. This procedural knowledge enables him to offer patients:

• Detailed assessment of facial anatomy
• Tailored surgical planning
• Careful tissue handling techniques
• Comprehensive post-operative care

Our practice is committed to patient education and support throughout the surgical process. From initial consultation to post-operative follow-up, our team provides information and guidance to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Book Your Consultation

If you’re interested in learning more about the Gliding Brow Lift procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr Scott J Turner at our Manly or Double Bay clinic.

During your consultation, Dr Turner will:

• Assess your facial anatomy and discuss your concerns
• Explain the procedure and its potential outcomes
• Review the available technical approaches
• Outline the recovery process
• Answer your questions about the procedure

For more information about brow lift options, you can also visit our comprehensive Brow Lift page to learn about all the techniques available.

Contact us to arrange an appointment.