What is the best treatment for genetic bulging/prominent eyes? (Photo)

Question

I'm 27, male, and healthy. I don't have Graves' disease or any thyroid problems. This is just the way my face looks. My eyes are naturally prominent (scleral show, negative orbital vector, and upper eyelid exposure yippee!). The discoloration around them is also genetic. What is the best treatment for this? I'm doubtful fillers would be sufficient. I had a doctor recommend orbital decompression, but that seems like a bad idea to me because I'd be moving my already deficient orbital further backwards.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Your eyes are slightly prominent; not significant.  Technically, cosmetic orbital decompression can be done to set the eyeballs back.  Orbital decompression makes the orbit (eye socket) expand so it allows more room for the eyeball to go back; it does not make the orbital rim to go backwards.  Filling around the eyes can also be done to reduce their bulgy appearance.  Overall, your problem is minor but if it does bother you, cosmetic orbital decompression with or without filling around the eyes with fat or filler can be done.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Your eyes look normal to everyone but you. There is so little to gain and much risk of looking worse--NO SURGERY.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I think orbital decompression is a poor idea and I would caution you about any surgery to correct very modest lower eyelid position.

Gaby D. Doumit, MD · Answer

The best option for you is an orbital rim implant.I have a written a paper on this topic and it is published in the best plastic surgery journal. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery: Sept 2014doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000453Reconstructive: Head and Neck: Original ArticlesAesthetic Refinements in the Treatment of Graves OphthalmopathyYou will definitely benefit from an implant.

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

I would strongly suggest avoiding any skeletal or soft-tissue surgery to improve the cosmetic appearance of minimally prominent eyes. The potential deformity and complications associated with peri-orbital surgery outweigh the small chance of improvement.

What is the best treatment for genetic bulging/prominent eyes? (Photo)

Answers (7)