PROVIDERS
Orbital decompression is a surgical procedure that relieves pressure in the eye socket by removing or reshaping bone or fat. It is often performed to treat thyroid eye disease, reducing bulging eyes (proptosis) and improving vision or cosmetic concerns.
Orbital decompression surgery is typically recommended for individuals who are experiencing orbital-related conditions, including:
Proptosis (bulging eyes)
Thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease)
Orbital tumors
Orbital fractures
Ideal candidates for orbital decompression:
Have a stable thyroid condition, if applicable
Are in good overall health and do not have underlying medical conditions that could increase surgical risks
Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure
During your consultation with Dr. Schwarcz, he will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if orbital decompression surgery is the appropriate treatment option for your specific needs and goals.
While orbital decompression surgery offers significant benefits for many patients, certain factors may preclude you from undergoing the procedure. You may not be a suitable candidate if you:
Have uncontrolled thyroid disease or other medical conditions that could compromise healing
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have unrealistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure
Dr. Schwarcz will thoroughly discuss your medical history and individual circumstances to determine if orbital decompression surgery is the right choice for you.
Orbital decompression surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in a hospital operating room to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The specific techniques used will depend on your unique anatomy and the underlying cause of your orbital issues. However, the general steps of the procedure may include:
Incisions: Dr. Schwarcz will make carefully placed incisions around the eyes to access the orbital bones.
Bone Removal: Using specialized instruments, Dr. Schwarcz will remove a portion of the orbital bone to create additional space within the eye socket.
Soft Tissue Adjustment: If necessary, Dr. Schwarcz may also adjust the soft tissues surrounding the eyes to achieve optimal results.
Closure: Once the desired improvements have been achieved, Dr. Schwarcz will close the incisions with sutures for optimal healing.
Following orbital decompression surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the eyes. Dr. Schwarcz will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to help manage any discomfort and promote a smooth recovery.
Most patients are able to return home the same day as their surgery, although you may experience some temporary vision changes and eye irritation during the initial healing period. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with Dr. Schwarcz to ensure that your recovery is progressing as expected.
If both eyes require orbital decompression, Dr. Schwarcz will recommend performing the procedures on separate occasions, with approximately four weeks between surgeries. This is because each eye will be covered with a bandage for approximately one week, and covering both eyes at the same time will result in hinderance of vision while the bandage is placed.
Restore comfort and confidence with orbital decompression in NYC, a specialized surgical procedure expertly performed by Dr. Robert Schwarcz. This transformative surgery is designed to address thyroid eye disease (TED), providing relief for symptoms such as bulging eyes, discomfort, and vision changes. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Schwarcz is a leading oculofacial plastic surgeon, trusted for his advanced techniques and patient-focused care. His practice, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and in Rye, NY, is dedicated to delivering exceptional results with a focus on safety and aesthetics.
TED decompression, or orbital decompression surgery, helps reduce the prominence of bulging eyes by creating more space in the eye socket, alleviating pressure, and improving both appearance and function. Whether you're seeking relief from the physical discomfort of thyroid eye disease or aiming to restore a natural appearance to your eyes, Dr. Schwarcz tailors every procedure to meet your unique needs. Experience compassionate care and expert results with orbital decompression in NYC. Schedule a consultation today at our Manhattan or Rye location to explore how this life-changing procedure can help you achieve both comfort and confidence.