Double eyelid surgery creates or refines an upper eyelid crease in suitable patients. This page is about creating double eyelids in younger patients. For mature Asian eyelid lift surgery, see Asian blepharoplasty.
Australian-trained medical practitioner with postgraduate training in cosmetic surgery
Extensive experience in blepharoplasty procedures
Focused clinical practice in cosmetic eyelid surgery
Fees and treatment options are discussed transparently during consultation.
Double Eyelid Surgery Fees
Fixed procedure fee$5,000
The procedure fee includes the planned treatment component and standard postoperative care. Final fees are confirmed during consultation.
Thread Lift$3,500
Consultation fee$250
Attendance at a consultation does not create any obligation to proceed. The fee is reimbursed if you proceed with treatment within three months.
About Double Eyelid Surgery
This page provides general information about double eyelid surgery, which refers to procedures that may be used to create or refine an upper eyelid crease in suitable patients. Individual suitability and outcomes vary and are assessed during consultation. This page is about creating double eyelids in younger Asians. For mature Asians, please see our page on Asian blepharoplasty.
Double eyelid surgery aims to create or enhance an upper eyelid crease where one is absent or poorly defined. The goal is to modify eyelid contour and crease definition based on individual anatomy and preferences. Not all patients are suitable for this procedure, and outcomes vary.
A monolid refers to an eyelid without a visible upper lid crease. A double eyelid refers to the presence of a defined upper eyelid crease. The difference is anatomical and varies naturally between individuals. The crease creates a more open, defined eye appearance and is highly sought after by many in the Asian community.
The photo on the left shows a monolid, while the image on the right displays a double eyelid. The key difference is the presence of an upper lid crease, which defines the “double eyelid.”
Finding Your Desired Double Eyelid Shape
You can choose the shape of your double eyelids.
There are several commonly described eyelid crease configurations, and the right one depends on your individual anatomy, facial proportions, and personal preference. There are four general shapes to choose from, as shown below, ranging from a subtle, tapered fold to a wider, more defined crease.
These are the four type of double eyelids that are popular in Asians.
During your consultation, Dr Peter Kim will assess your eyelid structure and discuss which style will look most natural and balanced for you, so the final result suits your face rather than following a one-size-fits-all template.
Techniques That May Be Considered
Two approaches can be used to create a double eyelid, and the right one depends on your anatomy.
Non-surgical thread technique: In selected patients, an upper eyelid crease can be created with a thread-based technique that involves no skin incision. Suitability and durability vary between individuals. The indicative fee is $3,500, with no extra cost.
Surgical incision technique: In some patients, a small surgical incision is used to create or refine the crease. This may involve removing or repositioning tissue where clinically indicated. The indicative fee is $5,000, with no extra cost.
Depending on what shape you would like to have, one or more of the following procedures may be needed to create, reshape or lift the double eyelids:
Full incision v Partial incision v Non-incision (non surgical)
Levator Lifting
Mongolian fold Surgery (epicanthoplasty)
Sub-Brow lifting
These procedures are generally done under local anaesthesia in doctor’s procedure room. They are not covered by Medicare or private insurance.
Before & After Gallery
Featured cases
Before & after
Double Eyelid Surgery — case 1
Clinical photograph of a patient treated by Dr Peter Kim. Individual healing and results vary.
Monolid vs double eyelid
What defines a double eyelid
The photo on the left shows a monolid, while the image on the right displays a double eyelid. The key difference is the presence of an upper lid crease, which defines the “double eyelid.” This crease creates a more open, defined eye appearance and is highly sought after by many in the Asian community.
Non-surgical threads
Double eyelids created non-surgically
This is an example of a young Asian person with a monolid. An upper lid crease (double eyelid) was created non-surgically by inserting threads.
All patient photos
Images show patients treated by Dr Peter Kim. Individual healing and results vary. 📍 Chatswood & Cabramatta · 📞 02 9411 4880
Procedure Details, Recovery & Risks
Steps Involved with Asian Double Eyelid Surgery (Surgical Procedure)
A standard Asian double eyelid operation involves six steps:
1. Skin incision. A fine incision is made at the height of your chosen double eyelid crease.
2. Removal of excess skin. Loose or excess upper eyelid skin is removed.
3. Removal of excess fat. Excess fat is removed where needed to reduce puffiness.
4. Creating the permanent crease. A permanent attachment is made to form the double eyelid crease. This is the key step in creating a double eyelid. It is not part of standard Western eyelid surgery, which is why Asian eyelid surgery costs $500 more than Western eyelid surgery.
5. Checking symmetry and shape. Dr Kim checks the shape and symmetry of both eyelids during surgery. Natural eyelids are never perfectly symmetrical, so perfect symmetry is not possible.
6. Closing the wound. The incision is closed with fine sutures. They sit within the new crease, which helps the scar fade from view.
Double Eyelid Threads: The Durable Suture Technique
A refined, incision-free way to create or reshape your double eyelid, developed right here in Sydney by Dr Peter Kim.
For many people of Asian heritage, a defined upper eyelid crease can open up the eyes and bring a natural, balanced look to the face. The Durable Suture Technique creates that crease without a scalpel and without the downtime of traditional eyelid surgery.
What creates a double eyelid?
A double eyelid is formed by the upper eyelid crease. If you have monolids, that crease isn’t there. If you already have a crease but it’s uneven, too low, or not the shape you want, its position can be adjusted.
The Durable Suture Technique does both. Using fine, specially placed sutures, a new crease is gently anchored to the tarsal plate (the firm structure inside the upper eyelid), giving you a defined fold exactly where it suits your eye shape.
Why “Durable”?
These sutures are designed to last. Unlike simple stitch methods that can loosen over time, the Durable Suture Technique is built for a long-lasting result, which is how it earned its name.
A technique with a proven track record
Dr Kim developed the Durable Suture Technique and first published it in the Australasian Journal of Cosmetic Surgery in 2009. In 2023, he published a 15-year follow-up study of the technique in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, one of the longest follow-ups of its kind. Read the study here.
When you choose this procedure, you’re being treated by the doctor who created it, with over 15 years of documented results behind it.
Why patients choose it
No incision: the crease is created with sutures, not a surgical cut, so there is no incision scar.
Quick: in experienced hands the procedure usually takes around 15 minutes.
Local anaesthetic only: you stay awake and comfortable, with no general anaesthetic.
Done in our clinic: no hospital admission required.
Long-lasting: designed to give you a lasting, natural-looking crease.
Is it right for you?
The Durable Suture Technique works best for people with relatively thin upper eyelids. It may not be suitable if you have excess eyelid skin, excess fat, or a drooping eyelid (ptosis). In these cases, a different approach may give you a better result.
Every face is different, so a personal consultation with Dr Kim is essential. He will assess your eyelids, talk through your goals, and explain the expected recovery, possible risks, and whether this technique is the best option for you.
As with any cosmetic procedure, results vary from person to person.
Book your consultation today to find out whether the Durable Suture Technique is right for you.
Up to 50% of Asians have medial epicanthal folds, also known as Mongolian folds, which distort the shape of Asian double eyelids. They make the eyes look smaller and give a “closed in” appearance. By removing the Mongolian fold, we can lengthen the width of the eyelids, and that will “open up” the eyes. This procedure is called Mongolian fold surgery, also known as medial epicanthoplasty.
Before and after Mongolian fold surgery (medial epicanthoplasty).
This patient had a small Mongolian fold, as shown by the markings in the photo before surgery. Removing the Mongolian fold gave her eyes a more “opened” look, and a small parallel-type double fold was what she desired. She had Mongolian fold surgery as an independent procedure, as she liked her natural double eyelids.
The biggest concern following epicanthoplasty is visible scarring. Scars generally heal well and fade after 3 months. However, some scars don’t heal well and may need corrective treatments, and scars are more obvious if the Mongolian fold is larger.
The cost for Mongolian fold surgery as a stand-alone procedure is $5,000, or a 50% discount applies if it is done on the same day as double eyelid surgery (as of 2026).
Dr Kim’s epicanthoplasty technique was published in the Australasian Journal of Cosmetic Surgery in 2010.
Droopy Eyelid Surgery (Ptosis)
Droopy eyelid surgery is complex and has high recurrence rates. We shorten the levator muscles non-surgically.
The cost for droopy eyelid surgery is $5,000.
Post-Op Recovery
Progress photographs show healing following Asian upper blepharoplasty lift surgery and non-surgical double eyelid stitches (Durable Suture Technique).
Durable Suture Technique results shown are before, 1 week, 6 weeks and 3 months.
Healing progress examples
Recovery and healing timelines vary between individuals.
Complications
There are a number of complications that are generally associated with all surgeries, and some specific to upper blepharoplasty. Most complications are temporary and heal spontaneously.
Scarring — unavoidable; we place the scar in the crease to make it less perceptible.
Pain — usually paracetamol is sufficient.
Prolonged swelling — lasting for months and in rare events up to a year.
Bleeding after discharge — may require a return to the clinic to stop the bleed.
Asymmetry — 10% is normal; may require correction.
Abnormal scars — may require scar injections and other corrections.
Blurred vision — usually a few days, due to swelling.
Dry eyes — may need some lubricating eyedrops.
Over- and under-correction — careful planning to avoid this.
Not meeting patient's expectations — discussed and managed during consultation.
Infection — we routinely give antibiotics.
Allergic reaction — to local anaesthesia, antibiotics or antiseptics.
Double eyelids getting undone — may require a repeat procedure.
We are not aware of any cases of blindness and death from blepharoplasties performed under local anaesthesia, as these complications are usually related to general anaesthesia, under which they have been reported.
Our Expertise — Publications
Dr Peter Kim has published numerous papers on the topic of Asian double eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty, including:
Combined Sub-Brow Lift and Upper Blepharoplasty to Minimize the Supratarsal Fold Thickness and Lateral Hooding: A Concept and Review of Cases.The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, July 2022.
Durable Suture Technique: A Simple and Versatile Nonsurgical Technique to Create/Reshape Double Eyelid in Asians.The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, January 2023.
T epicanthoplasty: New Surgical Treatment of Asian Mongolian Fold.Journal of Cosmetic Surgery & Medicine, 2010; 5(1):58–62.
Publications may be discussed during consultation where relevant.
Disclaimer & Important Information
In accordance with the Good Medical Practice guidelines and Medical Board of Australia expectations, patients are advised: all surgical, invasive, non-surgical and laser procedures carry risks; complications can occur and outcomes vary between individuals; previous outcomes do not guarantee future results; patients are encouraged to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before proceeding.
All before-and-after images displayed are clinical photographs of patients treated by Dr Peter Kim and are provided for illustrative purposes only. Dr Kim practises within the scope of his registration and in accordance with AHPRA and Medical Board of Australia guidelines.
Arrange a Consultation
If you have any questions or concerns about double eyelid surgery, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to discuss the procedure with you in more detail and answer any questions you may have.
Mandatory two consultations are required before the surgery, a cooling-off period, a Body Dysmorphic Disorder assessment and a referral from your GP. General information about blepharoplasty can be found on this webpage; during the consultation, Dr Kim will provide you with specific advice after reviewing your case. For your convenience, Dr Kim consults at Chatswood and Cabramatta.
