Dr. Robert Schwarcz is a leading expert in orbital decompression surgery in NYC, with extensive experience in facial and reconstructive surgery. His meticulous attention to detail ensures natural-looking, functional improvements for patients suffering from thyroid eye disease or other orbital conditions. With hospital-based surgery and personalized follow-ups in our Manhattan or Rye offices, you’ll receive top-tier care every step of the way.
Ready to restore eye comfort and achieve a balanced, natural appearance? Click the Request an Appointment button below to take the first step toward expert care and long-lasting results.
CHOOSE ROBERT SCHWARCZ MD
For patients seeking non-surgical options, consider:
Tepezza – An FDA-approved infusion therapy that helps reduce inflammation and bulging in thyroid eye disease patients.
While Tepezza can provide temporary symptom relief, it does not offer the permanent structural correction that orbital decompression surgery provides.
ALTERNATIVES
To further enhance your orbital decompression results, consider these complementary treatments:
Eyelid Surgery (Upper or Lower Blepharoplasty) – Address excess skin or under-eye bags for a fully refreshed look.
CO2 Laser – Improve skin texture and reduce fine lines around the eyes for a polished finish.
Combining these treatments can refine both functional and cosmetic results for a more rejuvenated appearance.
COMPLEMENTARY
Orbital decompression surgery provides both functional and cosmetic improvements:
Reduced eye bulging (proptosis), creating a more natural, balanced look
Relief from pressure, dryness, and discomfort caused by orbital crowding
Improved vision in cases where pressure was affecting the optic nerve
Long-lasting results with a carefully customized surgical approach
While the effects of thyroid eye disease may still require additional treatments (such as eyelid surgery or CO2 laser for skin tightening), orbital decompression offers dramatic relief and aesthetic enhancement.
RESULTS
Recovery from orbital decompression surgery requires patience, but following post-operative instructions will ensure the best outcome:
First 1-2 Days: Expect mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with cold compresses and prescribed pain medication.
First Week: Swelling and bruising peak around day 3-4 and then begin to subside. Avoid strenuous activities.
1-2 Weeks: Most patients can return to non-strenuous work or social activities at this stage.
1-3 Months: Vision stabilizes, swelling continues to decrease, and the final eye position becomes more apparent.
Full Healing: By 6 months, results are fully visible, with long-term functional and aesthetic improvements.
Dr. Schwarcz will monitor your healing progress through follow-up visits in either the Manhattan or Rye office.
RECOVERY
Orbital decompression surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Here’s what happens during the process:
Before Surgery: The surgical plan is reviewed, and imaging studies guide the precise areas of decompression.
During Surgery:Small incisions are made (inside the eyelid or in a concealed area) to access the orbital bones.
Excess bone and/or fat is carefully removed to create additional space for the eyes.
The procedure is meticulously performed to relieve pressure while preserving eye function and symmetry.
After Surgery: You will be monitored in the hospital’s recovery area before being discharged with post-operative care instructions.
Dr. Schwarcz’s surgical expertise ensures minimal visible scarring and balanced, natural-looking results.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Proper preparation ensures a smooth surgical experience and optimal recovery. Key steps include:
Comprehensive Evaluation: Dr. Schwarcz will assess your condition, discuss goals, and review medical imaging (such as CT scans) to plan the best surgical approach.
Thyroid Stability: If thyroid disease is the cause, your levels should be stable before undergoing surgery.
Medications: Avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E at least two weeks before surgery to minimize bruising and swelling.
Pre-Surgical Clearance: You may need a medical clearance from your primary care physician before undergoing surgery in a hospital setting.
Support System: Arrange for a friend or family member to assist you after surgery, as your vision may be temporarily affected.
Dr. Schwarcz will provide personalized pre-operative instructions to help you prepare for your procedure.
PLANNING
Orbital decompression may not be suitable for individuals who:
Have mild thyroid eye disease that may improve with medication or Tepezza.
Have unstable thyroid function, as TED-related symptoms can fluctuate.
Are unable to undergo general anesthesia due to medical conditions.
Have unrealistic expectations about the cosmetic results of surgery.
For mild cases, Tepezza infusions may be a non-surgical alternative that reduces inflammation and bulging over time.
NOT CANDIDATES
You may be an excellent candidate for orbital decompression surgery if you:
Have thyroid eye disease with moderate to severe eye bulging (proptosis).
Experience eye pressure, dryness, tearing, or discomfort due to orbital crowding.
Have vision impairment caused by pressure on the optic nerve.
Are looking for a permanent surgical solution to improve both function and appearance.
Are in good overall health and able to undergo surgery under general anesthesia.
A consultation with Dr. Schwarcz will determine if orbital decompression is the right treatment for your condition.
CANDIDATES
Orbital decompression is a surgical procedure that reduces pressure in the eye socket by carefully removing excess fat and/or bone from the orbit. This creates more space for the eye, helping to improve both function and appearance.
This procedure is most commonly used for:
Thyroid eye disease (Graves' orbitopathy) – A condition where the immune system attacks the tissues behind the eyes, causing inflammation, bulging (proptosis), and discomfort.
Orbital congestion and pressure – Patients experiencing discomfort, vision problems, or excessive tearing due to crowding in the eye socket.
Cosmetic concerns – Individuals with prominent or bulging eyes seeking a more balanced, natural eye position.
The surgery is customized based on the severity of the condition, with Dr. Schwarcz determining the most effective approach for each patient.
THE PROCEDURE
Orbital decompression is a specialized surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure in the eye socket and reduce bulging of the eyes, commonly caused by thyroid eye disease (TED). By removing small portions of bone or fat from the orbit, this procedure creates additional space, allowing the eyes to return to a more natural position and alleviating symptoms like eye pain, dryness, and vision problems. Unlike many other procedures, orbital decompression is performed in a hospital setting, but consultations and follow-ups can take place in either our Manhattan or Rye offices. For non-surgical alternatives, Tepezza, an FDA-approved infusion therapy, may help reduce inflammation and eye bulging in some cases. If you’re considering orbital decompression in NYC, Dr. Robert Schwarcz, a double board certified oculofacial plastic surgeon in NYC, can offer expertise in this functional and aesthetic eye surgery.