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Cellulite Correction
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
— delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Smoother Skin That Starts From Within
Cellulite is extremely common, with around 80-90% of women experiencing these all-too-familiar dimples at some point. Cellulite can be hard to treat, and there isn’t a permanent cure, but there are several treatments we can use to make the skin on your thighs and buttocks smoother. At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brian May uses a combination of surgical and nonsurgical
Local or None
1-2 Hours
1-2 Weeks
What Is Cellulite Correction?
Cellulite is a complex issue and often requires a multi-modal approach, so Dr. May uses a number of techniques for cellulite correction, including Avéli, microneedling, targeted liposuction and laser treatments. Avéli addresses the underlying cause of cellulite directly by releasing the fibrous connective bands (septa) that pull the surface of the skin down and push surrounding fat cells upward to restore a smooth appearance. Other treatments, such as lasers and microneedling, focus on improving the quality, thickness and texture of the skin, while liposuction can be used to reduce the amount of fat that pushes through these fibrous bands.
- Dr. Brian May
Cellulite correction can help improve:
- Skin laxity and quality, including thinning skin that makes dimpling more visible
- Underlying fat, where uneven fat distribution creates ripples
- Fibrous septa, the tight connective bands that tether the skin
When we improve the quality of your skin, we can make small irregularities, like dimples and an orange peel-like texture, less noticeable. Releasing specific tethers that cause the cellulite is also a great way to relax the surface of the skin and make it smooth again.
The Art & Science of Body Contouring With Dr. May
There’s an art to sculpting the body that goes far beyond measurements or technique. It’s about understanding how curves interact, how light moves across the waistline, and how to restore definition without creating results that feel artificial or overdone. Dr. May brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented mindset to every contouring procedure, not just aiming to flatten the abdomen or remove fat, but to create a natural-looking shape and proportion that feels uniquely yours.
Body contouring requires precision, but it also requires restraint. Knowing when less is more, and how to shape rather than simply remove. “Body contouring isn’t just about skin and fat removal,” Dr. May explains. “It’s more important to know what to leave behind. That means looking beyond any one feature and designing something that makes sense for the whole body… something that feels natural and balanced.”
Every decision Dr. May makes, from where to remove fat to how each area flows into the next, is made with harmony and longevity in mind. His goal is always a result that enhances your shape while staying true to your natural form.
- Dr. Brian May
Procedure Details
Dr. May will start with a one-on-one meeting with you to see where your dimples are appearing and what is causing them under the skin. He will take a look at how thick your skin is and the amount of excess fat that is in the area, and will also determine whether there are any bands pulling down your skin. Then he will create a treatment plan that is unique to you.
Avéli is an under-the-skin device with a hook and blade that severs and releases the fibrous septa. Dr. May can perform it using local anesthesia. He uses a small incision to insert the device and then targets the specific bands that are causing deep dimples. Laser and microneedling treatments boost collagen production in the skin for firmer and more resilient skin. These treatments are minimally invasive and have less downtime.
Liposuction is a surgical method that removes fat from the area where you have cellulite. Dr. May will use local or general anesthesia and make an opening for the cannula. He fills the area with tumescent fluid that numbs the area and reduces bleeding, and then he removes the fat. Sometimes, Dr. May uses ultrasound technology to break down the fat and make it easier to remove.
Recovery & Results
Recovery is different for everyone. You will have a week or two of downtime after liposuction while your body heals and adjusts. Expect some bruising and swelling, and a few days away from exercise or other intense activities. You will also need to wear a compression garment to help your body settle into its new shape. If you have laser or microneedling treatments, your skin will be a little sensitive for a few days, and you will need to stay away from direct sun exposure.
With Avéli, you will see some results right away since the fibrous bands will no longer be tethering the skin. With this treatment and with liposuction, you may have some bruising and swelling that keep you from seeing your full results for several weeks. With other treatments, you will have to wait several weeks for your body to produce more collagen and for skin quality to improve. You may need more than one laser or microneedling treatment.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Cellulite Correction
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Request Your Consultation
At May Plastic Surgery, Dr. May personalizes every cellulite reduction plan to each patient’s unique needs, goals and anatomy. He has many different methods he can use to make the skin on your buttocks and thighs smooth while prioritizing a natural-looking contour. To learn more about our cellulite correction procedures, reach out online or by phone.
Let's Connect
We are here to help. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to schedule, our team is here to answer your questions about procedures, recovery, and next steps — and to personally guide you every step of the way.