Everything You Need to Know About the GBL Technique
When it comes to facial procedures, there are plenty of options available. From non-surgical treatments like volumising and wrinkle treatments to surgical procedures, such as Facelifts and Blepharoplasty, the field of plastic surgery offers many ways to change and alter your appearance. Among these techniques, Brow Lift procedures have long been a popular choice for those seeking to address the upper face. The Gliding Brow Lift is a specific technique that specifically targets the brow area.
Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan has extensive experience in performing a wide range of facial procedures, including Facelift, Neck lift, Brow lift, and Blepharoplasty.
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Historical Context of Brow Lift Techniques
To better understand the GBL, it’s helpful to become familiar with the evolution of brow lift procedures. Historically, brow lifts have been performed using various methods, each with its own advantages and limitations.
The journey began with the traditional coronal brow lift, a technique that involved a long incision across the scalp from ear to ear. While effective, this method often resulted in visible scarring and a somewhat ‘surprised’ look. As surgical techniques advanced, the endoscopic brow lift emerged in the 1990s. This approach used small incisions and a camera-guided system, reducing scarring and recovery time.
Following this, the temporal brow lift gained popularity, focusing on lifting the outer third of the brow. However, this technique, provides more limited results. Then there was the development of a direct brow lift, which involved incisions just above the eyebrows, this technique offered precise control but left visible scars.
It’s within this context that the Gliding Brow Lift emerged. Developed to address the limitations of previous techniques, the GBL aims to provide aesthetically pleasing results. This new approach represents the latest step in the ongoing evolution of brow lift procedures.
Overview of the Gliding Brow Lift (GBL)
The Gliding Brow Lift, or GBL, is an advanced surgical technique designed to address the upper face by elevating the eyebrows and reducing forehead wrinkles. Unlike traditional brow lift methods, the GBL employs a unique approach that works with your facial anatomy to create optimal results.
At its core, the GBL involves making small incisions within the hairline, through which Dr Kernohan can access and reposition the underlying tissues. The ‘gliding’ aspect of the technique refers to the gentle, controlled movement of these tissues upwards, effectively lifting the brows and opening up the eye area.
What sets the GBL apart from traditional techniques is its focus on preserving movement and expression. While older methods often resulted in a ‘frozen’ or overly tight appearance, the GBL aims to maintain your ability to form expressions. This is achieved by carefully manipulating the soft tissues and adjusting the position of key muscles, rather than simply pulling the skin taut.
Compared to traditional brow lifts, the GBL offers several advantages:
- Scarring: Once healed the small incisions used in GBL are well-concealed within the hairline.
- Optimal Results: By working with your existing facial structure, the GBL avoids the ‘surprised’ look often associated with older techniques.
- Recovery: The less invasive nature of the procedure typically results in a shorter downtime when compared to other techniques.
- Customisable: Dr Kernohan tailors the degree of lift to suit your individual needs and preferences.
- Long-lasting results: While not permanent, the effects of a GBL can last for several years.
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Technical Aspects of the GBL Procedure
The GBL is grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy and leverages advanced surgical techniques to achieve optimal results.
Anatomically, the procedure focuses on the forehead and brow complex, which includes the frontalis muscle (responsible for raising your eyebrows), the corrugator muscles (which create frown lines), and the procerus muscle (which causes horizontal lines across the bridge of your nose). The GBL technique manipulates these structures to alter your appearance.
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Small incisions are made within the hairline, carefully placed to reduce visibility.
- Through these incisions, Dr Kernohan accesses the underlying soft tissues and muscles.
- Using specialised instruments, the tissues are carefully separated from the bone, creating a ‘gliding plane’.
- The eyebrows and forehead tissues are then elevated and repositioned.
- Key muscles may be selectively weakened to reduce the appearance of frown lines.
- The lifted tissues are secured in their new position using absorbable fixation devices.
- Excess skin may be trimmed if necessary.
- The incisions are closed with fine sutures.
This methodology allows for precise control and customisation, enabling Dr Kernohan to tailor the procedure to your unique facial structure and goals. The ‘gliding’ aspect of the technique helps achieve optimal results, whilst avoiding the tight or pulled appearance sometimes associated with traditional lifts.
Patient Eligibility and Considerations
While the Gliding Brow Lift can be an option for some people, it’s important to understand that not everyone is a candidate for this procedure. Your suitability for a GBL will depend on various factors, which Dr Kernohan will evaluate during your consultation.
Typically, good candidates for a GBL include:
- People in their 40s to 60s experiencing moderate to significant brow ptosis (sag)
- Those with deep forehead wrinkles or frown lines
- People who have a heavy or tired appearance around the eyes due to low-set brows
- Individuals in good overall health with realistic expectations about the outcome
Factors that may affect your suitability for a GBL include:
- Your age and skin quality
- The degree of brow ptosis and forehead wrinkling
- Your hairline position and hair density
- Any previous facial surgeries you’ve undergone
- Your overall health status and any medical conditions
- Your lifestyle habits, such as smoking
It’s worth noting that younger patients with only slight ptosis/excess skin might be better suited to less invasive treatments, while those with very severe brow ptosis might require more extensive techniques. Additionally, if you have a high hairline, Dr Kernohan might recommend alternative approaches to avoid further raising the hairline.
During your consultation, Dr Kernohan will thoroughly assess these factors and discuss your goals to determine whether a GBL is the most appropriate option for you.
GBL Procedure: Process and Recovery
Being aware of the process of undergoing a Gliding Brow Lift and what to expect during recovery can help you feel more comfortable and prepared for the procedure. Here’s an overview of what you can anticipate:
Pre-operative Consultation
Before your GBL, you’ll have an intial consultation with Dr Kernohan. This is your opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and undergo a physical examination. He will explain the procedure in detail, discuss potential risks and benefits, and provide pre-operative instructions.
Procedural Steps
The GBL is typically performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia.
- Dr Kernohan will make small incisions within your hairline.
- Through these incisions, he will access and reposition the underlying tissues.
- The brows will be elevated to the desired position.
- Any excess skin may be removed.
- The incisions will be closed with fine sutures.
The procedure usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of work required.
Post-operative Care and Recovery Timeline
- Immediately after surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area before being allowed to go home.
- You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
- Cold compresses can help reduce swelling.
- You’ll need to keep your head elevated for the first few days, including while sleeping.
- Sutures are typically removed after 7-10 days.
- Most patients can return to light activities within a week and resume normal activities within 2-3 weeks.
- Full recovery and final results are usually evident after 3-6 months.
Dr Michael Kernohan will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including how to care for your incisions, when to follow up, and any activities to avoid during recovery. It’s important to follow these instructions closely to ensure optimal healing and results.
What Are The Potential Risks And Complications Associated With The GBL Procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, the Gliding Brow Lift (GBL) does come with potential risks and complications. While these are generally rare, especially when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, it’s important that you’re fully informed. Here are some of the potential risks and complications associated with the GBL procedure:
- Infection: Although uncommon, there’s always a risk of infection with any surgical procedure. Dr Kernohan will provide instructions on wound care to lower this risk.
- Bleeding or haematoma: There’s a small risk of excessive bleeding or blood accumulation under the skin (haematoma).
- Scarring: While incisions are small and typically well-concealed within the hairline, there’s always a possibility of visible scarring.
- Changes in sensation: You may experience temporary or, rarely, permanent changes in sensation in the forehead or scalp area.
- Asymmetry: There’s a possibility of slight asymmetry in brow position, though Dr Kernohan will take great care to achieve balance.
- Hair loss: In rare cases, there may be hair loss near the incision sites, though this is usually temporary.
- Eyebrow or eyelid malposition: In some cases, the brows or eyelids may be lifted too high or unevenly.
- Facial nerve injury: Though extremely rare, there’s a risk of injury to facial nerves, which could affect facial movements.
- Anaesthesia risks: As with any procedure involving anaesthesia, there are associated risks, which your anaesthetist will discuss with you.
- Unsatisfactory results: There’s a possibility that you may not be fully satisfied with the aesthetic outcome, which might necessitate revision surgery.
- Recurrence of drooping: Over time, ageing may cause some recurrence of brow ptosis.
- Dry eyes: Temporary difficulty closing the eyes fully may occur, leading to dry eyes.
Make sure to discuss these potential risks and complications thoroughly with Dr Kernohan during your consultation. He can provide more detailed information based on your individual case and medical history.
FAQs about Gliding Brow Lift
How long do the results of a GBL last?
- While the ageing process continues, the results of a GBL can last for several years. Some patients find that their results last 5-10 years or more.
Are there any risks associated with the GBL procedure?
- As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks, including infection, scarring, and changes in sensation. However, these are generally rare when the procedure is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Will I have visible scars after a GBL?
- The incisions for a GBL are small and placed within the hairline, making any resulting scars well-concealed.
How much pain should I expect after the procedure?
- Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
When can I return to work after a GBL?
- Most patients can return to light work duties after 7-10 days, though this can vary depending on the nature of your job and your individual healing process.
Will a GBL affect my hairline?
- Unlike some traditional brow lift techniques, the GBL is designed to reduce any impact on your hairline.
Further Reading about Face Procedures with Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Michael Kernohan
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Blog about Eyelid Ptosis – How Eyelid Surgery Can Help Heavy Eyes
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Blog about Blepharoplasty vs Forehead Lift
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Blog about 8 Features of a Balanced & Harmonious Face
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Blog about SMAS vs Deep Plane Facelift
