Liposuction in Charlotte, NC

Liposuction has been the standard in minimally invasive body contouring for the last 50 years. Liposuction in Charlotte, NC, is used to sculpt, define, shape, and flatten almost everything from the neck down to the ankles. More recently, fat obtained through liposuction has been used as a natural volume enhancer in areas such as the cheeks, lips, breasts, and buttocks.

Liposuction Overview

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a method where a layer of fat underneath the skin can instantly and permanently be removed through a small hollow tube referred to as a cannula. Liposuction is great for stubborn areas resistant to diet and exercise, such as the belly, love handles, thighs, and bra rolls. Smart Lipo in Charlotte, NC, is often combined with other procedures, such as tummy tucks and cosmetic breast surgery to enhance these results through additional shaping further.

Procedure and Patient Testimonials

Liposuction Before & After Photos

Liposuction Before & After Photos Charlotte NC

What Is the Cost of Liposuction in Charlotte, NC?

Liposuction is a highly customizable surgical procedure, which is why the cost of the procedure varies so much. The specific price of your surgery will depend on how much excess fat you’re having removed and where on your body it’s being removed from. Other variables will include the facility fee, anesthesia fee, post-surgery garments, medical tests, and any necessary prescription medications. Once you’ve had your consultation with Dr. Pratt, he’ll know much more about the specifics of your liposuction procedure, which will allow him to provide you with exact cost details. Typically, the cost range is between $7,500 and $13,000.

Areas That Can Be Slimmed With Liposuction

Liposuction in Charlotte, NC, can target various areas of the body to achieve a slimmer and more contoured silhouette. Common areas that can be treated with liposuction include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, buttocks, arms, back, and neck. Liposuction can also sculpt and enhance smaller areas, such as the chin, knees, and ankles. Liposuction skillfully targets and eliminates surplus fat deposits, fostering a harmonious and well-balanced aesthetic by addressing stubborn areas impervious to traditional diet and exercise methods.

What Are the Most Common Liposuction Benefits?

Instant and permanent fat removal
The ability to target stubborn areas resistant to diet and exercise
Can be done without general anesthesia
Extremely high rate of patient satisfaction
Minimal downtime

Who Makes a Good Candidate for Liposuction in Charlotte, NC?

Ideal Liposuction Candidates Meet These Criteria:

Patient is a nonsmoker (or will cease smoking for several weeks before and after the procedure).
Patient has no significant or advanced illnesses that could prevent healing.
Patient is not obese.
Patient is within 30 percent of their ideal body weight.
Patient has firm and elastic skin in the area he or she intends to have lipo.
Patient is of sound mind and has realistic expectations for their procedure.
Patient has not been oversold on the potential of liposuction as a method of weight loss.

Poor Liposuction Candidates Include:

Persons with blood disorders.
Persons who are unhealthy.
Persons on certain drugs that may cause excessive bleeding.
Persons who are currently obese.
Persons with very poor skin elasticity.

What to Expect During Your Liposuction Procedure

You can expect to be treated with the utmost care and attention to detail during your liposuction procedure with Dr. Pratt. The process begins with administering anesthesia, which may be local or general, depending on the extent of the treatment area and your preferences. After the anesthesia has fully set in, Dr. Pratt will create small, inconspicuous incisions through which a slender, hollow tube known as a cannula will be carefully inserted. Excess fat is suctioned out using gentle, controlled movements, sculpting the targeted areas to achieve the desired contours. Dr. Pratt's precise technique and artistic approach ensure that the results are natural-looking and harmonious with your body's proportions.

What Will My Liposuction Recovery Entail?

Downtime from liposuction in Charlotte, NC, typically ranges from 2 to 5 days, depending on the extent of liposuction. A compression garment can easily be worn underneath work clothing and will be worn for approximately four weeks. Being active is always encouraged after any surgery. Modifications, however, of your normal routine may be required. Dr. Pratt will make recommendations that guide you in your recovery.

5 Liposuction Recovery Tips

Follow your surgeon's instructions carefully.
Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
Wear compression garments as recommended.
Manage pain with prescribed medications.
Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet.

Why Choose Dr. Pratt for Your Liposuction in Charlotte, NC?

Dr. Pratt creates a compassionate, all-inclusive atmosphere at his practice, where his patients feel his approach is undeniably comprehensive and tailored to their needs. His philosophy of focusing on what is required to restore a youthful appearance rather than an unnatural or overdone look has always been his approach to plastic surgery in Charlotte, NC. His aesthetic surgery practice has been one almost exclusively based on word of mouth and patient referrals, which is a testament to the quality of his work and consistency in the results. If you're looking for the best place to get liposuction in Charlotte, NC, look no further.

Earned his MD from the University of Florida
Awarded the Ambrose Paré Award by the American College of Surgeons
Completed general surgery residency at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC
Completed a research fellowship in minimally invasive surgery with Dr. B. Todd Heniford
Published in leading surgical journals and authored a textbook chapter on minimally invasive cancer management
Provides emergency and facial trauma care at Charlotte's Level One Trauma Center
Participated in medical missions in West Africa and Haiti

Dr. Pratt sitting in a blue suit smiling

Liposuction FAQs

I don’t want regular liposuction—I want Smart liposuction.

With the rising popularity of liposuction, devices have emerged to assist the surgeon with fat removal. Techniques such as laser and ultrasound are among such devices. Contrary to popular belief, these devices are used in addition to traditional liposuction and not in lieu of. These devices have at times made the process of physically removing the fat slightly easier for the surgeon; however, in Dr. Pratt’s experience, consistency in results are independent of the device and always related to surgical technique.

Will my skin tighten after the fat is removed with liposuction?

The ideal candidate for liposuction has a youthful, elastic quality to their skin. Because youthful skin has a natural tendency to “bounce back”, it will indeed conform to your new contour. Looser skin, especially skin with stretch marks is not as resilient, and may require a skin removal procedure done in combination with liposuction to optimize your results.

Do I need general anesthesia for liposuction?

Absolutely not. Liposuction can be done effectively with and without a general anesthetic. Our ability to be able to offer both mild sedation or general anesthesia allows Dr. Pratt to tailor your surgery specifically to your needs.

Can you take out the fat and use it somewhere else?

Yes. Fat grafting is one of Dr. Pratt’s specialties, as he routinely incorporates fat grafting as a way to add volume and shape to areas of the body such as the face, breasts, and buttocks. This is routinely done using a mild sedative, or can be incorporated in a more comprehensive surgery like a mommy makeover.

What other procedures can be paired with liposuction?

Liposuction can be combined with various procedures to enhance and complement the results. Commonly paired treatments include tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) to address excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, as well as cosmetic breast surgeries such as breast augmentation or breast reduction. Additionally, liposuction can be performed in conjunction with body lift procedures to address multiple areas of concern and achieve comprehensive body contouring results.

What are the risks/complications associated with liposuction?

Like all surgeries, liposuction comes with its own set of risks and potential complications. These may include infection, bleeding, changes in sensation, fluid accumulation, and irregular contours. However, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Pratt, who prioritizes patient safety and follows stringent surgical protocols, can significantly minimize these risks.

How should I prepare for liposuction?

Before your liposuction procedure, Dr. Pratt will offer personalized guidelines to help you prepare effectively. This may include adjusting medications, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It's essential to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by Dr. Pratt to ensure a smooth and successful surgery. Moreover, it's crucial to ensure that a dependable adult accompanies you to drive you home post-procedure and to have someone on hand to aid you during the early phases of your recuperation.

When will I begin to see my liposuction results?

While some initial improvements may be visible shortly after the procedure, the full liposuction results will become more apparent as swelling subsides and the body heals. Most patients notice significant improvements within a few weeks to a few months after their procedure, with final results becoming increasingly visible as the body adjusts to its new contours.

How long does the procedure take?

The duration of a liposuction procedure can vary depending on the extent of the treatment area and the specific technique used. On average, a liposuction procedure can take anywhere from one to several hours, with Dr. Pratt's focused approach and expertise ensuring that the process is efficient and tailored to your individual needs.

What anesthesia will be used?

The choice of anesthesia for your liposuction procedure will be tailored to both the size of the treatment area and your personal preferences. Dr. Pratt will discuss the options with you during your consultation and recommend the most suitable anesthesia approach to ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure.