Meredith Kugar, MD

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Carmel, IN
Meredith Kugar, MD

Dr. Meredith Kugar is a fellowship-trained aesthetic plastic surgeon at Meridian Plastic Surgery in Carmel, Indiana.

She offers a wide range of aesthetic surgery and is committed to a safe and personalized experience for each of her patients.

11/19/2025

As we age, the distance between the base of our nose and the top of our upper lip (called the cutaneous upper lip) gets a bit longer. If noninvasive treatments like filler and Botox aren't giving you the results you're hoping for, a surgical lip lift can be a great solution for the right patient.

The key? Avoiding overcorrection – this surgery is all about removing (and leaving behind) just the right amount of skin. Millimeters matter! This patient achieved a beautiful, natural result with a surgical lip lift that helped her upper lip look subtly more youthful.

Images shared with patient consent.

11/14/2025

Let’s talk implant placement (or “planes” as we Plastic Surgeons call it!) ↓

There are 4 typical “planes” for implants:

1. Submuscular – what it sounds like! Underneath the pectoralis major muscle. I most commonly do a “total submuscular approach” because there is less risk of capsular contracture (thick scar tissue around the implant) and there is more support for the implant over time.

2. Subglandular – “on top of the muscle.” I rarely utilize this plane as there can be increased risk of capsular contracture (thick scar tissue around the implant) and not a lot of support over time – the opposite of submuscular!

3. Subfascial – this is my go-to alternative for patients who are not great candidates for the implant underneath the muscle. This is for patients who do not want their muscle cut, or anything underneath this muscle. Most commonly, this is patients who are very focused on working out, specifically weightlifting. With the subfascial approach, you do not have to modify your chest exercises (i.e. bench press, butterfly, etc).

4. Dual plane – this is where it gets a bit confusing! This was invented by a plastic surgeon named Dr. John Tebbets and has become very popular. The top of the implant is under the muscle, and the bottom of the implant is underneath the breast gland. I do not routinely do this approach as instead of giving the “best of both worlds,” it can also be associated with the less-desirable effects of each approach.

Questions? Send me a DM or comment below 🤍

11/04/2025

What’s the surgery with the biggest “happiness return”??

Breast reduction would certainly have to be in the running!

This patient in her mid 30s had constant neck, back, and shoulder pain due to her large breasts. They also limited her running, which is an activity that she loves.

Shown here 2.5 months after a breast reduction, she is loving both how her symptoms (neck, back and shoulder pain) have improved, and that her breast size feels more proportionate.

Have you been considering a reduction? Let me know what questions you have below! 🍒

All images are shared with patient consent.

10/29/2025

Baby Diamont’s first trip to Pilot Mountain, NC 🤍 Life has a way of moving fast, but we're excited (and slightly terrified lol) to welcome this mini Hoosier + North Carolinian in February 2026. Daisy has already claimed her spot as the cuddly big sister, so we're calling that a win.

For anyone navigating fertility struggles or loss, my heart is truly with you.

10/28/2025

I LOVE walking through what to expect from the plastic surgery process with my patients - providing education, discussing why we are making the decisions we are making together, and melding their goals with my surgical expertise. It's one of the best parts of my job!

10/21/2025

Facial Rejuvenation – sounds like a fancy plastic surgery term, but what does it actually mean? A personalized combination of facial surgical procedures designed to create a subtle, natural, but impactful result. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts ✨

This beautiful 71-year-old patient radiates from within. We were able to help her inner light shine through with the following procedures:
– Endoscopic forehead lift
– Facial fat grafting
– Lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery)
– Deep plane face and neck lift

Questions about facial rejuvenation? Drop them below or schedule a consultation so we can chat about what might work for you.

Images shared with patient consent.

10/16/2025

Taking care of my patients is the single BEST part of my job 💞🥹

10/08/2025

While breast implants are more commonly placed beneath the pectoralis muscle, subfascial implant placement is a great alternative for some women, including those who do not want to restrict any weight lifting exercises that focus on the chest after surgery.

This 34-year-old patient breastfed her two children and wanted to naturally fill out her deflated breasts. She is shown 4 months out from:
– Subfascial breast augmentation with placement of Galaflex
– Patient height: 6’0
– Patient weight: 146
– Implants: Motiva Ergonomix ERSD-380cc

Come see me to chat about the nuances of breast surgery and what option is best for you! 🍒

These images are shared with patient consent.

09/26/2025

Life lately – fueled by puppy cuddles, snacks, rad plastic surgeon friends, nerding out over new implant technology, and trips to the Penrod art fair with .jenniferkugardds 💞 And yes, that is me working out in flats… we’re just out here doing our best OK?!

09/23/2025

This is one of the most common skincare questions I get! You don’t have to put your entire skincare routine on hold just because retinol is off the table. While nothing works exactly like the real deal, there are some solid alternatives that will keep your skin in good shape while you’re busy growing a human.

My go-to recommendations:

1) Three Ships SkinHero Bakuchiol + Calendula - Bakuchiol activates the same receptors as retinol to boost collagen and promote cellular turnover. It’s a pick and actually works.

2) Kyomi Skin Organic Bakuchiol Face Oil - Another bakuchiol option that works as a retinol alternative. The oil format makes it great for dry or sensitive skin during pregnancy.

3) ZO Exfoliator Accelerator - The glycolic and lactic acid complex gently exfoliates dead skin cells without being harsh.

4) SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst - Contains alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and taurine that work together to enhance cellular turnover and improve skin texture.

I always recommend checking with your OB before starting new skincare products during pregnancy, but these are the ones I consistently recommend to patients looking for retinol alternatives!

Address

170 W 106th Street
Carmel, IN
46290

Telephone

+13175750330

Website

http://www.meredithkugarmd.com/

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