Not every eyelid is the same—and neither are the goals behind double eyelid surgery. For patients of Asian descent, upper blepharoplasty is rarely about changing who they are. It’s about enhancing natural beauty while honoring ethnic features, creating balance, and achieving a look that feels authentically their own.
Dr. Melanie Ho Erb is an ASOPRS-certified oculoplastic surgeon who brings a unique perspective to Asian blepharoplasty. As a fourth-generation Chinese American who was born with one single eyelid and one double eyelid, she understands both the clinical nuances and personal significance of this procedure. With over two decades of experience performing thousands of eyelid surgeries, Dr. Erb offers patients throughout Orange County a rare combination of surgical precision and cultural sensitivity.
Whether seeking a crease, correction of asymmetry, or improvement in puffiness, patients trust Dr. Erb to deliver elegant, natural-looking results that enhance—rather than erase—their identity.
I had a great experience with Dr Erb. Getting surgery is a nerve racking process and what made Dr Erb stand out is her ability to make me feel calm and focus on enjoying the process rather than the scary logistic stuff. I remember the tone of our first consultation was very caring, engaging, and personal, which made the appointment enjoyable and stand out. That, along with her extensive experience with eyelid surgery, are there reasons why I decided to move forward with her. 2 years later and I am still in love with the end results post surgery! Thank you Dr Erb!
A Culturally Informed Approach to Double Eyelid Surgery
The delicate anatomy of the Asian upper eyelid differs significantly from Caucasian eyelids—and successful surgery requires a surgeon who recognizes and respects these differences. Dr. Erb’s training and personal experience allow her to approach each case with genuine insight into what patients want: results that look natural, not “Westernized.”
“I specialize in Asian blepharoplasty because I understand the unique goals of my patients—not only because I’ve performed thousands of these procedures, but because I’ve lived the experience myself. My job is to enhance what makes you beautiful, not to change it.” — Dr. Melanie Ho Erb
This philosophy shapes every consultation and surgical plan. Dr. Erb takes time to understand each patient’s aesthetic preferences, facial structure, and cultural background before recommending a customized approach.
What Is Asian Blepharoplasty?
Asian blepharoplasty—commonly called double eyelid surgery—creates or enhances a natural-looking crease in the upper eyelid. Approximately 50% of East Asians are born with a visible eyelid crease, while the other half have what’s known as a monolid or single eyelid. Both variations are beautiful, and this procedure is never about conforming to Western standards.
Patients choose this surgery for many personal reasons, including a desire to appear more awake, alert, or expressive; difficulty applying eye makeup due to hooded or heavy upper lids; noticeable asymmetry between the two eyes; a persistently tired or puffy appearance; or simply wanting more definition and balance in the upper lid contour.
The objective is always the same: to refine and complement the patient’s natural anatomy in a way that looks effortless and authentic.
Why Patients Consider Asian Upper Eyelid Surgery
Each patient who walks into Dr. Erb’s Irvine office has their own reasons for considering Asian Blepharoplasty. Common motivations include:
- Asymmetrical Eyelids: one eye has a crease while the other does not, creating visible imbalance
- Heavy or Hooded Lids: excess skin weighs down the upper eyelid, making eyes appear smaller or less defined
- Desire for a Natural Crease: patients with monolids seeking a soft, subtle fold that enhances their features
- Difficulty With Makeup Application: eyeliner and eyeshadow often disappear or smudge without a defined crease
- Tired or Puffy Appearance: despite adequate rest, the eyes convey fatigue due to structural issues
Whatever the motivation, Dr. Erb listens carefully and designs a surgical plan that addresses individual concerns while preserving each patient’s unique ethnic characteristics.
What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery
Most Asian blepharoplasty procedures are performed in Dr. Erb’s private Irvine office procedure room using oral relaxing pills with injections of numbing medicine. The procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours.
- Recovery time: Bruised and swollen for 2 weeks on average.
- Pain: Most patients have no pain after the surgery. Occasionally, a patient needs Tylenol for pain.
- Downtime: Patients can usually read and resume non-strenuous activities the next day
- Scarring: Minimal and hidden in the eyelid crease
- Results: Non-surgical-looking
Asian Upper Blepharoplasty methods
Together with Dr Erb, you will decide what you want your eyelid to look like in terms of the height and what it looks like at the far inner corner of your eyelid and far outer corner of your eyelid.
Incisional Technique
Dr Erb does her blepharoplasty using the incisional technique whereby the skin is incised open and all of the work is done under direct visualization of all of the anatomy. This approach allows Dr. Erb to precisely sculpt the eyelid, and also if needed, eliminate lower creases, make the skin tighter against the ‘platform’ of the eyelid, reduce puffiness, reduce hollowness, and achieve lasting results with excellent control over crease height and shape.
Non-Incisional (Suture) Technique
Dr Erb does not do the non-incisional technique because the sutures (done elsewhere and not by Dr Erb), can rarely rub on the eyeball causing discomfort. As an ophthalmologist, Dr Erb feels like she needs to protect the eyeball whenever possible. Therefore, she does not do the suture technique.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Melanie Ho Erb
Dr. Erb’s expertise in Asian blepharoplasty extends beyond technical skill. Her personal connection to this procedure—having been born with eyelid asymmetry herself—gives her rare insight into both the aesthetic and emotional dimensions of the surgery. Patients trust her because she offers:
- Specialized Training: double board certified in oculoplastic surgery and in ophthalmology
- Cultural Sensitivity: customized crease design that honors Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asian heritage
- Artistic Precision: an eye for symmetry, balance, and subtle enhancement that avoids an overdone appearance
- Proven Experience: thousands of successful eyelid surgeries and consistent recognition as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor
- Personalized Care: every consultation, procedure, and follow-up visit is performed directly by Dr. Erb
Schedule Your Asian Blepharoplasty Consultation in Irvine
Choosing double eyelid surgery is a personal decision—and it deserves a surgeon who understands both the technique and the meaning behind it. Dr. Melanie Ho Erb offers patients throughout Orange County, Los Angeles, and beyond a thoughtful, culturally informed approach to Asian upper eyelid surgery. To learn how a customized double eyelid lift can help you look more refreshed, balanced, and confident while honoring your heritage, schedule a consultation at her Irvine practice today.
Medically reviewed by Melanie Ho Erb, M.D. on