Restore natural facial development and symmetry with pediatric orbital reconstruction by David Isaacs, MD, our dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon. This specialized treatment addresses congenital conditions like anophthalmos and microphthalmos, which can disrupt orbital growth and facial balance. Dr. Isaacs offers advanced, early interventions to support proper development, long-term function, and optimal cosmetic outcomes for your child.
Promote Healthy Facial and
Orbital Growth
Pediatric orbital reconstruction is a surgical approach used to treat anophthalmos (absence of an eye) and microphthalmos (a small, underdeveloped eye), congenital conditions that disrupt normal orbital and facial development. Without early intervention, the affected eye socket may remain underdeveloped, leading to facial asymmetry and limited options for fitting a prosthetic eye. These conditions require prompt attention to expand orbital volume and stimulate bone growth, ensuring balanced facial structure and better long-term outcomes.
Dr. Isaacs is a leading expert in pediatric orbital reconstruction and was the first surgeon at UCLA to implant an orbital expander in a 1-year-old child. His surgical approach includes early evaluation, customized orbital implants or expanders, and long-term follow-up to guide orbital growth and development. Dr. Isaacs’ innovative techniques promote normal facial development while maximizing the cosmetic and functional success of future prosthetic placement.
Pediatric Orbital Reconstruction Treats:
- Anophthalmos (complete absence of an eye)
- Microphthalmos (underdeveloped or small eye)
- Underdeveloped orbital bone growth
- Facial asymmetry caused by orbital volume loss
- Difficulty fitting an ocular prosthesis
- Socket contraction in early childhood
- Cosmetic concerns from congenital eye deformities
Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Pediatric
Orbital Reconstruction
Dr. Isaacs takes a proactive approach to pediatric orbital reconstruction. His method integrates cutting-edge surgical techniques with a deep understanding of pediatric facial growth and ocular development. Whether treating anophthalmos or microphthalmos, Dr. Isaacs prioritizes orbital volume restoration, facial symmetry, and preparation for future prosthetic use.
Customized Orbital Implantation & Expansion
For children with a small or non-functional eye, Dr. Isaacs may perform enucleation (removal of the eye) or evisceration(removal of the eye’s internal contents while preserving the outer shell). A precisely sized orbital implant is placed in the eye socket to restore volume and encourage bone growth. In infants and toddlers, expandable implants are often used, allowing for gradual orbital enlargement as the child matures and promoting balanced facial development.
Orbital Expanders for Severe Cases
In cases of severe anophthalmos where no eye is present, Dr. Isaacs uses surgically placed orbital expanders to gently and progressively enlarge the eye socket. This ensures that the orbit grows in proportion to the rest of the face, reducing long-term asymmetry. Dr. Isaacs was the first surgeon at UCLA to perform this procedure in a 1-year-old, setting a new standard for early surgical intervention and guiding best practices in pediatric orbital care.
Custom Ocular Prosthesis With Ocularists
Once orbital volume is stabilized, Dr. Isaacs works closely with expert ocularists to design and fit a custom ocular prosthesis. This artificial eye is carefully crafted to match the child’s natural eye in terms of color, size, and movement. The collaboration ensures a lifelike cosmetic result and smooth integration between surgical reconstruction and prosthetic placement.
Long-Term Follow-Up & Adjustments
Because children grow and develop rapidly, ongoing follow-up is essential. Dr. Isaacs monitors facial symmetry and orbital development over time, making necessary modifications like upsizing implants, adjusting the socket, or refining the eyelids to accommodate a growing prosthesis. This ensures the reconstructed orbit remains functional and balanced.
Schedule Your Consultation
David Isaacs, MD, is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon specializing in pediatric orbital reconstruction. He is on staff at UCLA’s Mattel Children’s Hospital and Cedars-Sinai, where he offers world-class care for children with anophthalmos, microphthalmos, and other congenital orbital conditions. Dr. Isaacs offers early, personalized treatments to promote healthy growth and achieve lasting facial symmetry. Schedule your consultation today to give your child access to the most advanced pediatric orbital care available.
