Rhinoplasty in Carmel & Indianapolis
Personalized nose reshaping designed to improve facial harmony, balance, and confidence — natural-looking results from a board-certified surgeon.
What Is Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)?
At My Plastic Surgery Group, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Aker takes a highly individualized approach to rhinoplasty surgery, helping patients refine the appearance of the nose while maintaining balance with the rest of the facial features. Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as nose surgery, can address concerns related to nasal shape, profile appearance, symmetry, projection, or structural abnormalities that may affect breathing function.
Because the nose plays a central role in overall facial harmony, rhinoplasty requires careful surgical planning and a thoughtful artistic approach. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and develop a customized treatment plan designed to create refined, natural-looking results that complement your unique facial structure.
Many patients choose rhinoplasty to address concerns such as a dorsal hump, nasal asymmetry, tip refinement, width reduction, or breathing difficulties caused by structural obstruction. Our focus is creating balanced, proportionate results that help patients feel more confident while still looking like themselves.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure: Open vs. Closed Technique
The rhinoplasty procedure usually takes around 1 to 3 hours. It begins with the administration of anesthesia — either general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Once the anesthesia takes effect, an incision is made in the target area. There are two general incision options:
Open Rhinoplasty: Creates a small incision across the columella (the external tissue between the nostrils), giving the surgeon maximum visibility and precision during reshaping. The scar is typically very small and discreet.
Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made entirely within the nostrils, leaving no visible external scarring. This technique is ideal for patients requiring more limited modifications.
Dr. Aker recommends the approach best suited to each patient's anatomy and aesthetic goals. After the incisions are made, the surgeon modifies the bone, cartilage, and/or soft tissue to sculpt the nose into the desired shape. The incisions are then closed with sutures to complete the procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
People looking to improve the appearance of the nose are good candidates, as is anyone suffering from breathing issues due to nasal obstruction. Because the nose continues to change as the face matures, men 16 years or older and women 15 years or older are considered good candidates. Ideal candidates are generally:
- In good overall health with no untreated medical conditions
- Non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after surgery
- At a stable, healthy weight
- Have realistic expectations about what rhinoplasty can achieve
- Motivated by personal goals — not external pressure
- Bothered by a dorsal hump, tip shape, width, asymmetry, or post-traumatic deformity
You Don't Recover Alone
After surgery, you're driven to our dedicated recovery suite at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Carmel, where one of our caregivers — Evelyn, Lori, or Charmaine — meets you in the lobby and provides monitored overnight care, with a direct line to Dr. Aker, Dr. Beckman, and PA Amanda. You're never sent home to an empty house.
Learn About the Recovery SuiteRhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
After the procedure, the surgeon may place gauze in your nostrils to support the nose during initial healing, and you will be given prescriptions to make the healing process comfortable. What to expect:
- Return to work: most patients resume work, school, and light daily activities within 10–14 days
- First week: bruising and swelling are most noticeable, then gradually improve; avoid blowing your nose
- Nasal tip: subtle swelling continues to resolve over 6–12 months
- Final result: fully visible at approximately 12 months post-surgery
- Activity: refrain from strenuous activity until cleared, as the nasal structure is temporarily more susceptible to injury
Our team provides detailed recovery instructions and ongoing support throughout your healing process.
Rhinoplasty Cost in Carmel & Indianapolis
Pricing varies with surgical complexity and anatomy, open vs. closed technique, whether functional (breathing) correction is combined with cosmetic reshaping, and anesthesia and facility fees. A formal quote is provided after your consultation — financing available through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
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Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
How much does rhinoplasty cost in Indianapolis?
How long is rhinoplasty recovery?
Can rhinoplasty fix a deviated septum?
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Will my insurance cover rhinoplasty?
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
Meet with Dr. John Aker or Dr. Di Beckman at My Plastic Surgery Group in Carmel, Indiana. Board-certified, fellowship-trained · 4.8★ rated · 361 reviews.