Orbital Decompression Surgery in Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles
Orbital decompression surgery is a highly specialized procedure used to relieve pressure in the eye socket, most often caused by thyroid eye disease, trauma, or tumors. For patients in Beverly Hills and the surrounding Los Angeles area, it can relieve eye bulging, protect vision, and restore facial balance. At the practice of Dr. Kami Parsa, patients receive individualized care guided by subspecialty training in orbital and eyelid surgery.
Surgery inside the orbit calls for detailed anatomical knowledge, and it is an area Dr. Parsa has both studied and taught. He has lectured internationally on innovations in complex orbital reconstruction and on custom oculofacial implants for facial and orbital reconstruction, and during his fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute he took part in research on developing customized facial implants. He holds hospital affiliations with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Los Angeles General Medical Center, works alongside endocrinologists and ophthalmologists who refer patients for orbital care, and serves as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. His full background is available on his credentials page.
“Orbital decompression is about creating room, not about reshaping the eye. How much space to create, and where, depends on your vision, your risk of double vision, and your anatomy.” — Dr. Kami Parsa
Understanding Orbital Decompression: Causes and Candidates
Orbital decompression is most often performed for patients with thyroid eye disease, particularly those with proptosis (eye bulging), exposure keratopathy, or compressive optic neuropathy, in which swelling presses on the optic nerve. Other candidates include people with orbital trauma, significant asymmetry, or pressure from orbital tumors and other space-occupying lesions.
Timely evaluation matters. When the optic nerve is under pressure, treatment protects vision that might otherwise be permanently lost.
If you develop sudden or worsening vision loss, colors that appear washed out or dull, or severe eye pain, seek emergency care right away. These can be signs that the optic nerve is being compressed.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Orbital Surgery
The practice is dedicated entirely to oculofacial surgery. Dr. Parsa and his team provide a concierge-level experience that begins with detailed diagnostic imaging, a personalized discussion of risks, and a one-on-one consultation. Every decompression plan is built around the patient’s anatomy and goals, whether the underlying issue is thyroid orbitopathy, trauma-related change, or an orbital tumor. Patients are guided through each phase, from pre-operative planning through post-surgical recovery.
How Orbital Decompression Works
Orbital decompression creates additional space within the eye socket so the eye can settle into a more natural position. The procedure typically involves removing or reshaping orbital bone, most often along the medial wall, lateral wall, or floor, and removing orbital fat when appropriate. Incisions are placed in hidden locations such as the natural eyelid creases or inside the eyelid, which avoids visible scarring.
Benefits typically include reduced orbital pressure, improved eye position, relief of exposure symptoms, and better facial balance. The amount and location of bone or fat removed is tailored to each patient rather than following a single formula.
Understanding the Risks
Orbital decompression is a major procedure, and an honest discussion of risk is part of every consultation. Potential complications include new or worsened double vision, changes in eyelid position, numbness of the cheek or upper teeth, sinus problems, infection, and, rarely, vision loss. Double vision is the most common concern after decompression, and Dr. Parsa will discuss how your individual anatomy and eye alignment affect that risk.
Surgery is recommended only when the expected benefits outweigh these risks. When double vision persists, eye muscle surgery may be performed as a second stage, followed by eyelid surgery if retraction remains.
Why Choose Dr. Kami Parsa for Orbital Decompression
Dr. Parsa is not a general plastic surgeon. His practice is devoted to the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding facial structures.
- Orbital Focus: Decompression is planned around the anatomy of the orbit and the structures that surround it, including the sinuses and optic nerve.
- Staged Care When Needed: Dr. Parsa can address the sequence of decompression, eye alignment, and eyelid retraction so the steps happen in the right order.
- Collaboration With Referring Physicians: He works with endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists managing thyroid disease.
- Hidden Incisions: Approaches through the eyelid crease or inside the eyelid avoid visible external scarring.
- Honest Candidacy Discussions: Patients receive a clear explanation of what surgery can and cannot achieve, including timing relative to active inflammation.
Schedule an Orbital Decompression Consultation in Beverly Hills
If you live in Beverly Hills, West LA, Santa Monica, or a surrounding community and are seeking specialized orbital decompression care, Dr. Kami Parsa can help. Trusted by referring physicians across Southern California, he combines reconstructive expertise with patient-focused care. Schedule your personalized consultation to learn whether orbital decompression is appropriate for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orbital Decompression
Medically reviewed by Kambiz K. Parsa, M.D. on
- How do I know if I’m a candidate for orbital decompression surgery?
- Is the procedure covered by insurance?
- What is the recovery like?
- Will the surgery improve my appearance?
- When is the right time to have surgery?
If you have noticeable eye bulging, chronic orbital pressure, or vision impairment due to thyroid eye disease or past trauma, you may be a candidate. Dr. Parsa will conduct a thorough clinical evaluation and imaging study to confirm the diagnosis.
Go To TopOrbital decompression is often deemed medically necessary and is typically covered by insurance if symptoms affect vision, cause eye exposure, or impair quality of life. Our Beverly Hills team helps coordinate pre-authorizations and provide supporting documentation.
Go To TopMost patients experience swelling and bruising for about 7 to 14 days and return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks. Full healing may take several months, with follow-up visits along the way.
Go To TopMany patients notice improved symmetry and a more natural eye position, since reducing bulging affects how the eyes look. Appearance-related results vary by patient and are discussed during your consultation.
Go To TopTiming depends on whether your thyroid eye disease is still active. Decompression for appearance-related concerns is usually performed once the condition has stabilized, while urgent surgery may be needed sooner if the optic nerve is at risk. Learn more in Orbital Decompression FAQs.
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