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Eye Whites Showing After Upper and Lower Eye Surgery

  • 4 years ago

I had upper and lower eye surgery done two weeks ago, the white portion is showing under each eye. Is it too soon to see final results or will this stay? Is there surgery to correct this.

Doctor Answers 3

White (Scleral) show after Lower Eyelid Surgery

May 26th, 2010
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White (Scleral) show is a sign of looseness of the lower lid. It is often seen with the aging lower lid where the center of the lid no longer hugs the colored portion of the eye and slips lower exposing the white portion.

Lid laxity and looseness need to be watched for BEFORE performing the operation and take measures to prevent it by doing a lid tightening procedure (Canthopexy or Canthoplasty) along with the lower lid operation. In most people it may improve with time and gentle upward massaging of the lower lid. If it does not improve, you may require a lid tightening procedure to restore the higher position of the lower lid.

Peter A. Aldea, MD


Memphis Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 100 reviews

Scleral show often resolves....

May 26th, 2010
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I agree with Dr Rand, the visibility of the whites of the eyes usually is temporary after surgery. Check with your Surgeon for advice. Often gentle massage can help and and as the swelling improves the lid comes back up. If too much skin was removed sceral show can be permanent but it is too early to tell that. Hope this helps.

Ivan Wayne, MD

Ivan Wayne, MD
Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 54 reviews

Scleral show after eyelid surgery

May 26th, 2010
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The showing of the whites of the eyes after surgery is called "scleral show."  It is from pulling down of the outer corners of the lower lid and is usuall self limited.  In the old days when more skin was removed it was more common.  If your lids had good tone before surgery, this should correct itself.  Stick close to your doctor for advice during the healing.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.