Frequently Asked Questions

In some cases, yes. A standalone neck lift can address excess skin, fat, and muscle banding in the neck without a full facelift. However, because the lower face and neck age together, Dr. Sturgill often recommends combining the two for the most balanced and natural result. Book Your Consultation →

Neck banding is caused by the platysma muscle separating and becoming visible beneath thinning skin. Combined with fat accumulation and skin laxity from aging, this creates the “turkey neck” appearance. A neck lift addresses all three components — muscle, fat, and skin.

Incisions are placed behind the ears and, when needed, beneath the chin — all in locations that heal inconspicuously. Dr. Sturgill uses meticulous closure techniques to ensure scars become virtually undetectable over time.

A compression garment is typically worn for the first one to two weeks to support healing and minimize swelling. Most patients return to daily activities within two weeks. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for about four to six weeks.

Neck lift results are long-lasting, with most patients enjoying significant improvement for 10 to 15 years. Maintaining a stable weight and protecting the skin from sun damage help preserve results over time.

Preservation rhinoplasty is an advanced approach that reshapes the nose by working with the existing nasal framework rather than breaking it down and rebuilding it. Dr. Sturgill describes it as the difference between an architect and a demolitionist. The result is a nose that looks refined but still natural, with less swelling and faster recovery than traditional methods. Book Your Consultation →

Dr. Sturgill performs rhinoplasty through incisions placed entirely inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars. This closed approach preserves the structural integrity of the nasal tip and reduces post-operative swelling compared to the open technique that requires an incision across the columella.

Most of the visible swelling resolves within the first two to three weeks, and patients are typically comfortable being seen in public within 10 to 14 days. However, subtle refinement continues as residual swelling dissipates, and the true final result takes about one year to fully materialize.

Dr. Sturgill addresses both form and function. If there is a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or internal valve narrowing contributing to breathing difficulty, these are corrected at the same time as the cosmetic reshaping. The goal is a nose that looks better and works better.

A lightweight splint is worn on the nose for approximately one week. Most patients return to desk work and daily routines within 7 to 14 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for about four to six weeks. Bruising under the eyes, when it occurs, typically fades within 10 days.

Yes. Rhinoplasty is frequently combined with chin augmentation to improve overall facial balance, or with a facelift and other procedures for patients seeking comprehensive rejuvenation. Dr. Sturgill evaluates facial proportions as a whole during your consultation.

Dr. Sturgill’s preservation approach is specifically designed to avoid the over-operated look. By maintaining the natural structural framework of the nose and making targeted refinements, the result is a nose that looks like it has always belonged on your face — just a more refined version of it.

Eyelid surgery addresses excess skin on the upper lids, puffiness or bags beneath the eyes, hollowing of the under-eye area, and loss of lid support. Dr. Sturgill evaluates each of these factors individually rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Learn More About Eyelid Surgery →

No. Dr. Sturgill’s approach to blepharoplasty focuses on restoring the natural architecture of the eyelid, not altering its fundamental shape. The goal is to remove what is weighing the lid down while preserving the features that make your eyes look like yours.

Yes. Upper and lower blepharoplasty are frequently performed together, and combining them in a single session is both safe and efficient. Many patients also pair eyelid surgery with a facelift or brow lift for a more complete rejuvenation.

Most patients return to normal routines within one to two weeks. Cold compresses and head elevation help manage swelling in the first few days. Bruising, when it occurs, typically fades within 10 to 14 days. Incision lines on the upper lids are hidden within the natural crease and become virtually invisible over time.

Upper eyelid surgery results are long-lasting, often 10 years or more, because the removed skin does not regenerate quickly. Lower eyelid results are also durable, though the under-eye area is more influenced by lifestyle factors like sleep, hydration, and sun exposure.

There is no single right age. Some patients develop hooded upper lids or under-eye bags in their 30s or 40s due to genetics, while others may not need surgery until their 50s or 60s. Dr. Sturgill evaluates based on anatomy, not age.

An endoscopic brow lift restores the natural resting position of the brow by releasing the muscles that pull it downward and repositioning the forehead tissue. The result is a more open, refreshed upper face without the heavy or tired appearance that a sagging brow creates. Book Your Consultation →

No. An over-elevated, startled look is the hallmark of a poorly performed brow lift. Dr. Sturgill’s goal is to return the brow to where it naturally sat years ago — not to create an artificially arched or frozen appearance.

The procedure is done through a few small incisions hidden behind the hairline. A tiny camera (endoscope) allows Dr. Sturgill to see and work beneath the skin without a large open incision. This minimally invasive approach results in less scarring, less numbness, and a faster recovery than older techniques.

Most patients experience mild swelling and tightness across the forehead for the first week. Bruising may extend to the upper eyelids and typically resolves within 10 to 14 days. Most patients are back to normal activities within two weeks.

Yes. A brow lift is frequently performed alongside a deep plane facelift, eyelid surgery, and other procedures. Addressing the entire face in one session produces a more cohesive, natural result and means only one recovery period.

Results are long-lasting. The repositioned tissue remains in its new location permanently, though gravity and aging will continue to have a gradual effect over many years. Most patients enjoy their brow lift results for a decade or longer.

Microfat grafting restores lost volume to areas like the cheeks, temples, and jawline using small parcels of your own fat. Nanofat is processed further into a finer form that improves skin quality, texture, and tone by delivering concentrated stem cells and growth factors. Dr. Sturgill often uses both in the same session for comprehensive restoration. Learn More About Fat Grafting →

Fat is harvested from areas of your own body where there is a natural surplus — commonly the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. Because the graft material is your own tissue, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.

Fat that successfully integrates into its new location becomes a permanent part of the tissue. Dr. Sturgill uses precise micro-injection techniques to maximize graft survival, and most patients retain 60 to 80 percent of the transferred volume long-term.

Fillers are synthetic products that provide temporary volume and need to be repeated every 6 to 18 months. Fat grafting uses your own living tissue, integrates naturally, and provides permanent volume restoration. It also delivers stem cells that actively improve skin quality — something fillers cannot do.

Yes, and Dr. Sturgill considers fat grafting an essential complement to most facelift procedures. A facelift repositions sagging tissue, while fat grafting restores the volume that aging has depleted. Together, they produce a more youthful and natural result than either procedure alone.

Swelling is the primary post-operative effect and peaks around day two or three before gradually resolving over the following weeks. Most patients return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days. The harvest site may have mild soreness similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue.

A lip lift shortens the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip border, restoring the natural proportions that elongate with age. The result is more visible upper teeth at rest, a fuller vermilion show, and a more youthful lip-to-nose relationship. It is a structural correction, not an augmentation. Book Your Consultation →

Lip filler adds temporary volume by inflating the lip tissue, and it needs to be repeated indefinitely. A lip lift is a one-time surgical procedure that permanently restores the structural position of the upper lip. Dr. Sturgill considers it a far more elegant solution for the aging upper lip than endless rounds of filler. Learn More About Lip Lift →

The incision is placed precisely at the base of the nose, where it heals within the natural shadow and crease of that junction. In most patients, the scar becomes virtually undetectable within a few months. Dr. Sturgill uses meticulous closure techniques specifically designed to minimize scar visibility.

Perioral rejuvenation refers to a combination of procedures that address aging around the entire mouth — not just the lips. This can include a lip lift, corner-of-mouth lift, skin resurfacing to smooth vertical lip lines, and fat grafting to restore volume. Dr. Sturgill tailors the combination to each patient’s anatomy.

Swelling and tightness around the upper lip are common for the first week. Most patients return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days. Temporary numbness of the upper lip is normal and resolves as the nerves regenerate over the following weeks.

Good candidates are individuals who notice an elongated upper lip, reduced tooth show when smiling or at rest, or a flattened vermilion border. If you feel that your upper lip has “disappeared” with age or that filler has not given you the result you want, a lip lift may be the right option. Dr. Sturgill evaluates candidacy during a one-on-one consultation.

Dr. Sturgill uses a conservative, partial-removal technique rather than extracting the entire buccal fat pad. By carefully removing a precise amount of fat, he ensures a refined yet natural contour that avoids the overly hollow or gaunt appearance that can result from excessive fat removal.

When performed conservatively — as Dr. Sturgill does — buccal fat reduction enhances facial contour without over-hollowing the cheeks. Because only a measured amount of fat is removed, the face retains enough volume to age gracefully. The goal is a sculpted yet natural look that stands the test of time.

Ideal candidates are individuals who feel their face appears too round or full, despite being at a healthy weight. This procedure works best for patients with excess fullness in the lower cheeks that does not respond to diet or exercise. During the consultation, Dr. Sturgill evaluates facial structure, skin elasticity, and overall goals.

Yes. Once the buccal fat pad is partially removed, it does not regenerate. It is important to maintain a stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations can affect overall facial fullness. The enhanced contour achieved through surgery will remain.

Yes. Buccal fat reduction can be performed alongside other facial procedures, including a deep plane facelift, rhinoplasty, or chin augmentation, to achieve a more comprehensive transformation. Combining procedures enhances overall facial harmony and reduces the need for multiple recovery periods.

Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort for the first few days, managed with prescribed medications. A soft-food diet is recommended for about a week to allow the inside of the cheeks to heal. Most patients return to normal activities within a week, with full results visible as swelling subsides.

No. The incisions are made inside the mouth, along the inner cheek lining. This intraoral approach ensures that there are no external scars, making the procedure virtually undetectable.

While buccal fat reduction can technically be performed under local anesthesia, Dr. Sturgill prefers general anesthesia administered by a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist to ensure patient comfort, safety, and optimal surgical conditions. General anesthesia allows for a completely pain-free experience and provides a controlled environment that minimizes patient movement — critical for precision in delicate facial surgery.

Buccal fat reduction is not a new technique — it has been performed for decades with well-documented, lasting results. The key is choosing a surgeon who takes a conservative, individualized approach rather than following a one-size-fits-all trend. Dr. Sturgill carefully evaluates each patient’s facial anatomy and goals to ensure results that are timeless, not trendy.

Otoplasty corrects ears that protrude too far from the head, ears that are disproportionately large, asymmetry between the two ears, and irregularities in ear shape. The goal is natural-looking ears that sit in proper proportion to the rest of the face. Learn More About Otoplasty →

Both. Ear cartilage is mature enough for surgery by around age seven, making otoplasty one of the few cosmetic procedures commonly performed on children. Adults who have been self-conscious about their ears for years are equally good candidates.

A headband-style dressing is worn for the first week to protect the ears and support their new position. Most patients return to normal activities within a week, though contact sports should be avoided for about six weeks. Discomfort is mild and well-controlled with standard pain medication.

Incisions are placed behind the ear, hidden in the natural crease where the ear meets the head. These scars are essentially invisible, even with short hairstyles.

Yes. Once the cartilage has been reshaped and secured in its new position, the correction is permanent. The ears will not gradually return to their previous position over time.

The Trifecta™ is Dr. Sturgill’s multi-modality skin resurfacing approach that combines a TCA chemical peel, erbium YAG laser, and dermabrasion in a single treatment session. Each modality targets a different depth and type of skin damage, producing a result that is greater than any single technique alone. Learn More About Skin Resurfacing →

Skin resurfacing treats fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, uneven texture, acne scarring, and rough skin quality. It is especially effective around the mouth and eyes where topical products and injectables have limited impact.

Yes, and Dr. Sturgill frequently pairs them. A facelift addresses sagging and volume loss, while resurfacing addresses the surface quality of the skin. The combination produces a result that looks both lifted and genuinely youthful.

The skin will appear red and feel tight for the first one to two weeks as new skin forms. Most patients are socially presentable within two to three weeks, though residual pinkness may persist for several weeks beyond that. Sun protection is critical during the healing phase and beyond.

A single treatment can take years off the appearance of the skin, and those results are long-lasting. The new skin that forms is genuinely younger in quality. Protecting it from sun damage and following a good skincare regimen will extend the benefit significantly.

Skin resurfacing is performed under anesthesia when done alongside a surgical procedure, so there is no pain during treatment. When performed as a standalone treatment, appropriate sedation or anesthesia is used. Post-procedure discomfort is typically described as a sunburn-like sensation and is well-managed with medication.

Dr. Sturgill offers chin implants, jawline implants, cheekbone implants, temple implants, and custom-designed implants engineered from a patient’s own CT scan data. Each type addresses a specific area of the facial skeleton where structure is naturally deficient or has been lost. Learn More About Facial Implants →

Yes. Unlike fillers that dissolve over time, facial implants provide a permanent structural foundation. Once placed and healed, they become a fixed part of the facial framework and do not require maintenance, replacement, or repeat procedures.

Fillers add soft-tissue volume temporarily and need to be repeated indefinitely. Implants correct the underlying skeletal structure permanently. For patients with a genuinely weak chin, underdefined jawline, or flat cheekbones, an implant provides a level of structural correction that filler cannot replicate.

Swelling and tightness are common for the first one to two weeks. Most patients return to normal routines within 10 to 14 days. Implants placed through intraoral incisions leave no visible external scars. Final results are apparent once swelling fully resolves, typically within four to six weeks.

Yes. Chin and jawline implants are frequently combined with rhinoplasty, facelifts, or neck lifts to create balanced facial proportions. Dr. Sturgill evaluates the entire facial structure during consultation and recommends combinations that produce the most harmonious result.

Custom implants are designed using 3D imaging and CT scan data specific to the patient’s anatomy. This allows Dr. Sturgill to create an implant that fits precisely and addresses the exact areas of skeletal deficiency. Custom implants are particularly useful for complex jawline or midface corrections.

The best candidates are in good general health, non-smokers, and have specific concerns they want to address — not a vague desire to look “different.” Equally important is having realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot do. During the consultation, Dr. Sturgill evaluates your anatomy, discusses your goals, and gives you a straightforward assessment of what is achievable. If he does not think surgery is the right answer, he will tell you. Book Your Consultation →

No — and this concern is exactly why technique matters so much. The “weird” results people notice in the world are the product of aggressive skin-pulling techniques, over-resection, or a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Sturgill’s techniques are designed to restore, not alter. The goal is a refreshed version of you — not a different person. Advanced imaging during the consultation lets you see a simulation of expected results before any decisions are made. View Before & After Photos →

Start with the concern, not the procedure. Most patients come in knowing what bothers them but not necessarily which surgery addresses it — and that is exactly how it should work. During the consultation, Dr. Sturgill examines your anatomy, listens to your goals, and recommends the procedure or combination of procedures that will produce the best result. He will also tell you what will not work and why. Book Your Consultation →

As with any surgical procedure, facial plastic surgery carries some risks including bleeding, infection, asymmetry, and poor wound healing. These complications are rare, and Dr. Sturgill minimizes risk through advanced surgical techniques, strict safety protocols, and comprehensive pre- and post-operative care.

There is no single ideal age. Dr. Sturgill operates on patients as young as seven years old for otoplasty and as old as their 80s for facial rejuvenation. The right time depends entirely on the individual’s anatomy, concerns, and goals — not a number on a calendar. Dr. Sturgill evaluates each patient individually during consultation. Book Your Consultation →

During the consultation, Dr. Sturgill discusses your aesthetic goals and conducts a detailed examination. Pictures are taken and used with advanced imaging software to show a simulation of expected results. This allows you to visualize potential outcomes and ensures that goals are aligned with realistic expectations.

Yes. Virtual consultations are available and especially encouraged for out-of-town patients evaluating their options before traveling. To schedule a virtual consultation, call the practice at (317) 575-0330 during business hours — virtual consults must be arranged by phone and are not available through online booking.

Come with a clear sense of what bothers you about your appearance and what you hope to achieve. Bring a list of any medications you take and be prepared to discuss your medical history. Dr. Sturgill’s team handles the rest, including imaging and a thorough evaluation of your anatomy and goals.

Grogginess from anesthesia is normal and resolves within a few hours. Swelling and mild discomfort begin as the anesthesia wears off and are managed with prescribed medications. Dr. Sturgill’s team provides detailed written instructions for every stage of recovery so there are no surprises.

Follow-up visits are typically scheduled within the first week after surgery, then at regular intervals over the following months. These appointments allow Dr. Sturgill to monitor healing, remove any sutures or dressings, and ensure recovery is progressing as expected.

Sleep on your back with your head elevated on two to three pillows for the first two weeks. This position reduces swelling and prevents pressure on the surgical sites. A travel neck pillow can help prevent rolling onto your side during sleep.

Light walking is encouraged within the first few days to promote circulation. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that significantly raise blood pressure should be avoided for four to six weeks. Dr. Sturgill provides specific clearance at follow-up appointments.

Contact the office if you experience sudden or severe swelling on one side, fever, increasing redness or warmth around incisions, heavy bleeding, or any symptom that feels significantly outside what was described in your post-operative instructions.

Most cosmetic facial plastic surgery is not covered by insurance. However, certain functional procedures — such as rhinoplasty to correct a breathing obstruction or eyelid surgery to address visual field impairment — may qualify for partial coverage. The team can help determine eligibility.

Yes. The consultation fee is $195. If you decide to move forward with surgery, that fee is applied toward your surgical cost. The consultation includes a thorough evaluation of your anatomy and goals, advanced imaging, and a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Sturgill about what is realistic and what he recommends.

For most procedures, Dr. Sturgill offers IV sedation or general anesthesia, both administered by a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist. This ensures continuous monitoring of vital signs throughout the procedure. For minor procedures, local anesthesia may be appropriate. The best option is discussed during consultation.

All anesthesia is administered by a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist — not a nurse anesthetist. This provides an additional layer of safety and expertise, particularly for longer or combined procedures.

The center is equipped with hospital-grade monitoring equipment, emergency protocols, and a full anesthesia team. Operating in a dedicated surgical environment — rather than a hospital — reduces infection risk and allows for a more private, personalized recovery experience.

Initial improvement is visible once post-operative swelling begins to subside, typically within the first two to three weeks. However, final results continue to refine for several months. For most facial procedures, the true final outcome is fully apparent at about one year.

Most patients should plan to stay in the Carmel/Indianapolis area for approximately 5 to 7 days after surgery. This allows for the initial recovery phase and the critical first follow-up appointment. Dr. Sturgill clears patients to travel home once it is safe to do so.

Yes. Virtual consultations are available and encouraged for out-of-town patients. This allows Dr. Sturgill to review your concerns, discuss options, and determine whether you are a candidate before you make travel arrangements. To schedule a virtual consultation, call the practice at (317) 575-0330 — virtual consults must be arranged by phone.

Dr. Sturgill provides all necessary post-operative instructions before you travel home. Follow-up can be conducted virtually for routine check-ins. If an in-person evaluation is needed, the team coordinates accordingly. Many patients also establish a relationship with a local physician for suture removal or basic wound checks.

Yes. The patient coordinator assists with scheduling, provides hotel recommendations, and helps plan the timeline so that pre-op, surgery, and post-op appointments align efficiently. The goal is to make the experience as seamless as possible.