Why Choose Dr Peter Kim?

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.

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.

Comparison of a monolid and 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.”

Techniques That May Be Considered

Two approaches may be considered depending on anatomy, skin thickness, fat distribution, and patient goals.

Non-Surgical Thread Technique

In selected patients, an upper eyelid crease may be created using a thread-based technique. This method does not involve skin incision. Suitability and durability vary between individuals. See our double eyelid threads page. Indicative fee: $3,500, no extra cost.

Surgical Incision Technique

In some patients, a small surgical incision may be used to create or refine an upper eyelid crease. This approach may involve removal or repositioning of tissue where clinically indicated. Indicative fee: $5,000, no extra cost.

Not all patients are suitable for non-surgical techniques. The most appropriate method is determined during consultation. Fees and inclusions are discussed clearly prior to any procedure. Some patients may wish to have epicanthoplasty to widen the eyes and added costs apply.

You can choose the shape of double eyelids you wish for

There are several commonly described eyelid crease configurations. Selection depends on individual anatomy, facial proportions, and personal preference. There are four general shapes of double eyelids you can choose from as shown below.

Diagram showing four common shapes of double eyelid creases — Which double eyelid procedure is best for me? Try picking one of these four shapes.

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 and after double eyelid surgery by Dr Peter Kim — featured case 1 — Before & afterDouble Eyelid Surgery — case 1
Clinical photograph of a patient treated by Dr Peter Kim. Individual healing and results vary.

Comparison photo of a monolid and a double eyelid by Dr Peter Kim. — Monolid vs double eyelidWhat 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.

Before and after non-surgical double eyelid creation with threads in a young Asian patient with a monolid. — Non-surgical threadsDouble 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

Asian Double Eyelid Surgery (Surgical Procedure)

Double eyelid surgeries are a popular surgical procedure for Asians who wish to create or reshape their double eyelids. It is Dr Kim’s intention to create the double eyelids non-surgically whenever possible. A surgery is required where there is excess skin hooding and where fat removal is desirable.

It is a procedure in which the upper eyelid crease is created or reshaped by removal of excess skin, removal of fat, creating double eyelids and stitching the skin. In some patients, where there is droopy eyebrows, sub-brow lifting will be recommended at the same time.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and usually takes about 60 minutes. It can be done in our clinic. The result is permanent.

A consultation is essential to determine whether you may benefit from it, which procedure you require and to ensure that Dr Kim can meet your expectations.

Double Eyelid Threads (Durable Suture Technique)

Stitch double eyelids (Durable Suture Technique) are popular as it is a non-surgical procedure for Asians who wish to create or reshape their double eyelids.

It is a procedure in which the upper eyelid crease is created by stitching it down to the tarsal plate. These stitches are called durable sutures. That is why our technique is called the Durable Suture Technique. Dr Kim invented this technique, and it was originally published in the Australasian Journal of Cosmetic Surgery in 2009. A 15-year follow-up study on the use of this technique was published in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery in 2023.

It is popular because it is a quick, non-invasive procedure that does not leave a scar. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and usually takes about 30 minutes. It can be done in our clinic.

The result is permanent, but not everyone is suitable for this procedure. A consultation is essential to determine whether you may benefit from it. See our dedicated double eyelid threads page for more detail.

Mongolian Fold Surgery (Epicanthoplasty)

Some people have medial epicanthal folds, also known as Mongolian folds, which distort the shape of Asian double eyelids. We specialise in Mongolian fold surgery, also known as epicanthoplasty.

It is a flap of skin located in the inner corner of the eyelids. Up to 50% of Asians are born with Mongolian folds. Where the Mongolian fold pulls down the inner part of the double fold, removing it through a procedure called medial epicanthoplasty can create a parallel fold.

The biggest concern following epicanthoplasty is visible scarring. Scars generally heal well and are not noticeable after 3 months. However, some scars don’t heal well and may need corrective treatments.

The cost for Mongolian fold surgery as a stand-alone procedure is $3,500. 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

Postoperative healing progress following Asian upper blepharoplasty lift surgery

Healing progress after non-surgical double eyelid stitch (Durable Suture Technique): before, 1 week, 6 weeks and 3 months

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.

(02) 9411 4880 SMS 0433 284 880