Eye & Oculoplastic Surgery
Orbital Fat Prolapse
Assessment and surgery for orbital fat that bulges forward and shows as a swelling near the eye.
Consult Dr. Raman Mittal ↗
View before & after photos
Illustrative image · not a patient resultOverview
About Orbital Fat Prolapse
Orbital fat prolapse can look like a soft swelling on or near the eye. It has to be told apart from other causes of swelling, and may be observed or treated depending on the findings.
When to see a specialist
- 01A swelling on or near the eye
- 02A swelling that needs to be told apart from other conditions
- 03Questions about whether treatment is needed
Whether treatment is suitable can only be decided after a consultation and examination.
Your doctor
Dr. Raman Mittal
Ophthalmology • Oculoplastic Surgery
- MBBS
- DNB – Ophthalmology
- Fellowship in Oculoplasty
Ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon. He treats problems of the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit and eye socket, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery around the eye.
Your consultation
What happens at the consultation.
At the first visit the doctor listens to your concern, takes a medical history and examines you. Not everyone who comes for a consultation needs a procedure.
Treatment planning
How the plan is decided.
The plan depends on the examination, the position of the swelling and any symptoms.
- 01
Your anatomy
- 02
Examination findings
- 03
What you want to change
- 04
General health
In detail
Orbital fat prolapse: what to know.
What it is
Orbital fat prolapse is a harmless condition in which normal fat from around the eye pushes forward through a weak spot and shows under the clear lining of the eye.
- It appears as a soft, yellowish, movable swelling, usually on the upper outer part of the white of the eye. About half of cases affect both eyes.
- It is more common with age and in men, and after injury, previous eye surgery or in thyroid eye disease.
- It usually causes no symptoms, but can cause discomfort, watering or concern about appearance.
How it is assessed
- It is usually recognised on examination.
- It has to be told apart from other lumps in the same area, such as a dermolipoma (usually present from birth), a displaced tear gland or, rarely, a lymphoma. A CT or MRI scan helps when the diagnosis is uncertain.
Treatment options
- Treatment is only needed if it causes discomfort or you are unhappy with how it looks. Lubricating drops can help with irritation.
- Surgery either removes the prolapsed fat through a small cut in the lining of the eye, or pushes it back and stitches it in place. The cut is closed with fine stitches or tissue glue.
- The operation is usually done under local anaesthetic.
Risks
Every operation carries some risk. Your doctor will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.
- Redness and discomfort while the eye heals.
- There is a small chance that the swelling comes back.
General information, checked against published guidance (September 2026). It does not replace an individual consultation; your doctor will advise on your own case.
Sources: EyeWiki (AAO): Orbital fat prolapse · EyeRounds (University of Iowa)
Before & After
Orbital Fat Prolapse Results
Photographs of patients treated at I·PLAST, published with their consent. Results vary from patient to patient.
Orbital Fat Prolapse
Before and after treatment of orbital fat prolapse.
Specialist: Dr. Raman Mittal
About this treatmentBefore
After
Results vary between patients. These photographs show individual cases and cannot predict the result for anyone else.
Considering this treatment?
Book a consultation to find out whether it is suitable for you.
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up.
- 01
Consultation
Tell the doctor what concerns you and ask your questions.
- 02
Examination & Planning
The doctor examines you and explains the options, including their limits.
- 03
Treatment
Carried out only if it is suitable for you and you decide to go ahead.
- 04
Follow-Up
Check-ups after treatment to review healing and any next steps.
FAQs
Common questions.
This can only be decided after a consultation and examination. The doctor will go through your concern, your medical history and the options available.
The doctor asks about your concern and medical history, examines you, and discusses what you hope to change and whether treatment is advisable.
Dr. Raman Mittal sees patients for this treatment at I·PLAST.
Yes. If treatment is planned, the doctor will explain aftercare, any activity restrictions and the follow-up visits you will need.
Not necessarily. Results depend on your anatomy, the examination findings, your general health and the procedure. Photographs of other patients show their results only.