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Liposuction
Charlotte's Most Trusted Plastic Surgeon
delivering confidence through precision and care.
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Contour Your Body With Precision Fat Removal
Your body works hard for you, but sometimes, stubborn fat lingers in places that don’t reflect the way you eat, move or take care of yourself. Dr. Brian May helps patients refine and rebalance their shape through liposuction, revealing the natural contours that have been there all along. His approach is precise and thoughtful, designed to sculpt, not just shrink, so you feel more confident, proportional and at ease in your own body.
Local or general (depending on areas treated)
1-4 hours
2-3 weeks
What is
Liposuction
?
Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes stubborn pockets of fat that don't respond to diet or exercise. These areas often develop due to genetics, hormonal changes or the natural aging process, and can leave you feeling out of proportion, even when you're otherwise healthy and fit.
While liposuction isn't a tool for weight loss, it can dramatically refine your silhouette and restore balance to your overall shape. Dr. May performs liposuction using the SAFELipo technique, an advanced approach developed by his mentors at UT Southwestern and the Wall Center for Plastic Surgery, which stands for separation, aspiration, and fat equalization.
This method allows him to sculpt the body with greater precision while reducing the risk of contour irregularities or surface rippling. From the abdomen and flanks to the thighs, arms, and beneath the chin, liposuction can be performed on its own or combined with other procedures to help you feel more confident and aligned with how you want to look.
- Dr. Brian May
What Can Liposuction Address?
Fat distribution varies greatly from person to person, and genetics often determines where your body stores excess fat. Dr. May understands that successful liposuction requires careful attention to how each treated area relates to surrounding regions.
Expert liposuction with Dr. May can target:
- Abdomen and flanks (love handles)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Arms and back
- Neck and chin area
- Hips and buttocks
- Bra roll and armpit areas
- Areas of asymmetric fat distribution
Dr. May will frequently incorporate energy-based technologies like VASER to help break up the fat cells for easier removal while also stimulating collagen production to help firm and tighten the skin. His expert approach focuses on creating smooth, seamless transitions for the most natural-looking results.
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."
- Dr. Brian May
Liposuction
Procedure Details
At May Plastic Surgery, liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure using either general or local anesthesia. The type of anesthesia depends on the size and number of areas being treated.
General anesthesia is typically preferred for more comprehensive contouring, while local anesthesia may be appropriate for smaller areas (such as under the chin) or minor touch-ups.Dr. May begins by making a series of small, strategically placed incisions that are carefully hidden within natural body creases whenever possible. Through these incisions, he inserts a narrow tube called a cannula to access the fatty layer beneath the skin. Then, using the SAFELipo technique, he will first separate the fat and suction it out before smoothing the remaining tissue and blending one body area into another.
This multi-step approach allows for more precise sculpting while minimizing the risk of contour irregularities such as lumps, dips or bulges, which are the main complications associated with other liposuction techniques.
Recovery & Results
Liposuction recovery involves wearing compression garments for several weeks to reduce swelling, support healing and help the skin conform to your new contours. Most patients return to desk work within a few days to one week, with full activities being resumed after about three weeks. Initial swelling will gradually decrease over several months as your final shape emerges. Results are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.
Recovery from liposuction is a gradual process, with your final shape and contour revealing themselves over the course of a few months. Dr. May will prescribe medication to keep you comfortable, and you'll wear a compression garment with soft compression foam for the first several weeks to control swelling, support healing and help the skin conform to your new contours.
Lymphatic massage is also a key part of Dr. May's recovery protocol, helping to minimize swelling more quickly, smooth tissues, address early scar tissue, and enhance comfort. Our team will coordinate your sessions with a trusted specialist so you can focus fully on your recovery without having to manage the logistics.
Inside the Consultation Room With
Dr. Brian May
Adjunct Procedures:
To take your
Liposuction
results to the next level, consider these options for a more complete transformation:
Request Your Consultation
Dr. May understands that stubborn fat can be one of the most frustrating obstacles to feeling confident in your body. His meticulous attention to detail and liposuction techniques target these resistant areas while maintaining natural proportions and smooth contours. Discover what's possible for you by contacting May Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, NC, at 704-200-2493 to schedule a consultation.
Any questions?
We are here to help. Reach out with any questions about our procedures, recovery process, or how to get started. Our team is ready to provide the guidance and information you need to feel confident moving forward.