They say the eyes are the windows to the soul–but when droopy lids, sagging skin, or puffiness take over, those windows can start to look closed, tired, or aged. For many women, the upper eyelid area is one of the first facial features to show signs of aging, especially if you’re active, sun-exposed, or naturally expressive.
If you’re feeling like your eyes no longer match your energy–or if your eyelids are beginning to interfere with how you apply makeup, take photos, or show emotion–upper lid blepharoplasty may be the right solution for you.
At her boutique practice in Irvine, CA, Dr. Melanie Ho Erb offers female eyelid lift surgery with a highly specialized, artistic approach. With thousands of procedures performed and a reputation for natural-looking results, Dr. Erb is one of the most trusted names in cosmetic eyelid surgery across Orange County.
It has been less than (3) weeks since my upper eyelid surgery, and already the improvement is amazing and far better than I had ever expected. Dr. Erb is a creative perfectionist. In addition to being an outstanding surgeon, she is a kind and caring doctor in all aspects prior and post surgery. The Office staff (Gina) is extremely friendly and helpful too. I highly recommend Dr. Erb…you will be so happy with the outcome!
What Is Female Upper Lid Blepharoplasty?
Upper lid blepharoplasty (also called an eyelid lift) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, and lax muscle from the upper eyelids. It’s designed to restore a more open, awake, and youthful appearance while respecting the natural shape and identity of the face.
Common concerns treated with this procedure include:
- Drooping or hooded upper eyelids
- Puffy or heavy-looking eyelids
- Wrinkled, crepey, or sagging eyelid skin
- Difficulty applying makeup
- A tired or aged appearance
You get to design your eyelids
Do you want natural looking results or dramatic changes? You can have it your way. Dr Melanie Ho Erb will spend the time to really try to figure out what you want your eyelids to look like, will let you know if it is possible, and will try to craft the eyelids that you desire.
What to Expect from Surgery and Recovery
Most upper eyelid lift procedures are performed in Dr. Erb’s private Irvine office procedure room using oral relaxing pills, oral sleeping pills, numbing eyedrops, numbing cream, and injections of numbing medicine. The procedure typically takes 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. Rarely, a patient requests Norco for pain.
- Downtime: Patients can usually read and resume non-strenuous activities the next day
- Scarring: Minimal and hidden in the eyelid crease
- Results: Natural-looking and lasts 10 to 30 years
Frequently Asked Questions About Female Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
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If you have excess upper eyelid skin, puffiness, or sagging that makes you look tired or affects daily life, blepharoplasty may be a good option. Dr. Erb will evaluate your anatomy and goals during a personalized consultation.
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For patients who request a natural result, Dr Erb’s goal is to help you look refreshed, like you get back from a great vacation.
For patients who have had hooded eyelids their entire lives and want a dramatic change to a high, sculpted crease with more eyeshadow space, Dr Erb counsels the patient extensively before surgery. We discuss how you will look different than how you looked when you were younger, and others will know that you have had eyelid surgery. Some patients change their minds and decide to have a more natural looking eyelid. Other patients really want to proceed with the higher eyeshadow space. These patients are usually thrilled to have changed the hooded eyelids that bothered them their entire lives.
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Most patients feel minimal discomfort. Dr. Erb uses gentle techniques, lots of numbing injections, and relaxing and sleeping pills to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
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Yes, after the incisions have healed – typically 2 weeks. . Dr. Erb will provide post-op instructions for safely resuming cosmetics.
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Most patients enjoy their results for 10 to 30 years, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and aging factors. After many years, if another upper blepharoplasty is needed, then there is usually no problem in doing surgery again.
Why Women Choose Dr. Erb
Dr. Erb is a double certified oculoplastic surgeon (ASOPRS + ABO) and one of the few female experts in her field. Patients trust her with their eyes for many reasons:
- Over 20 years of surgical experience
- Thousands of eyelid procedures performed
- Personal understanding of female cosmetic goals
- Artistic eye, perfectionism, and technical precision
- All consultations, surgeries, and follow-ups are performed by Dr. Erb herself
Dr. Erb also understands what it’s like to be on the other side–she has undergone eyelid surgery herself.
Meet Dr. ErbRestore Brightness Without Changing Who You Are
If your upper eyelids are making you look older, tired, or less vibrant, a female upper eyelid lift can help. With her elite training, gentle approach, and eye for balance, Dr. Melanie Ho Erb delivers results that feel just right–not too much.
Schedule your consultation in Irvine to explore if upper lid blepharoplasty is right for you.
Medically reviewed by Melanie Ho Erb, M.D. on