Restore facial balance and address the symptoms of bulging eyes (proptosis), including prominent eyes, visible sclera (white under the iris), dryness, eyelid retraction, and difficulty closing your eyes. David Isaacs, MD, our expert dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon and orbital surgery expert, specializes in evaluating the anatomical causes of proptosis and offering tailored solutions that enhance both appearance and comfort.
Improve Comfort and Reduce Eyelid Retraction
Bulging eyes, or proptosis, refers to the forward projection of the eyes, often creating a wide-eyed or “staring” appearance. While it can result from some medical conditions, many people experience proptosis due to natural facial anatomy, such as shallow orbits, midface retrusion, or negative vector morphology. These structural features can cause the eyes to appear overly prominent and are often accompanied by lower eyelid retraction, leading to visible sclera, dryness, irritation, and an unbalanced facial appearance.
Dr. Isaacs takes a highly individualized approach to treating proptosis. By carefully analyzing your anatomy, he creates a treatment plan that may include cosmetic orbital decompression, midface volume restoration, or lower eyelid support procedures. His goal is to achieve natural, harmonious results that restore facial balance and improve both aesthetics and eye comfort.
Common Symptoms of Bulging Eyes (Proptosis):
- Appearing wide-eyed or constantly surprised
- Visible white (sclera) beneath the iris
- Lower eyelids sitting unusually low
- Difficulty fully closing the eyes
- Chronic eye dryness or irritation
- Tired or unbalanced facial appearance
- Increased sensitivity to wind or light
Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Proptosis Treatment
Dr. David Isaacs offers a highly specialized and personalized approach to treating bulging eyes (proptosis) and associated lower eyelid retraction. He combines multiple modalities to correct the underlying structural causes of bulging eyes and eyelid retraction. Whether performing orbital decompression alone or in combination with fat grafting, implants, or fillers, he tailors every plan to your anatomy for results that are functional and naturally beautiful.
Cosmetic Orbital Decompression
This surgical procedure creates additional space within the orbit, allowing the eye to sit further back for a more balanced and natural appearance. Dr. Isaacs carefully removes small amounts of bone and/or fat from the orbit to reduce eye prominence and improve lower eyelid support. As a recognized instructor in cosmetic orbital decompression at UCLA, Dr. Isaacs uses minimally invasive techniques to minimize visible scars and expedite recovery time.
Under-Eye and Midface Fat Grafting
To restore volume and support beneath the eyes, Dr. Isaacs performs fat grafting using your body’s own fat, typically harvested from the abdomen or thighs. This fat is carefully injected into the under-eye and midface regions to lift the lower eyelids, smooth contours, and reduce scleral show. This natural, long-lasting solution enhances facial symmetry and rejuvenates hollow or sunken areas without the need for synthetic implants.
Tear Trough Implant
For patients with significant volume loss or midface retrusion, Dr. Isaacs may recommend a tear trough implant. This permanent, customized implant is placed just beneath the eyes to provide structural support and elevate the lower eyelids.
It helps correct negative vector morphology and restores a smoother transition between the eyes and cheeks, reducing visible sclera and improving long-term eyelid position and facial balance.
Fillers for the Undereye and Midface
For those seeking a nonsurgical option, Dr. Isaacs offers hyaluronic acid fillers to restore volume and improve eyelid support. Carefully placed dermal fillers can elevate the lower eyelid, reduce the appearance of bulging, and create a smoother, more youthful contour between the eyes and cheeks. This minimally invasive treatment involves little to no downtime and can be reversed if needed, making it ideal for patients exploring conservative enhancement.
Schedule Your Consultation
David Isaacs, MD, is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced fellowship training in orbital surgery. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and expertise in treating complex concerns, Dr. Isaacs offers personalized solutions for bulging eyes and lower eyelid retraction. Whether caused by shallow orbits, midface retrusion, or negative vector morphology, he can help restore a natural appearance. Schedule a consultation in Beverly Hills today to explore your proptosis treatment options.
