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BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

LIPOSUCTION Contour Your Ideal Silhouette

Precisely remove stubborn fat deposits and sculpt a more defined physique with Dr. Clayton Crantford’s advanced liposuction techniques and ERAS Rapid Recovery program in downtown Charleston, SC.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION or call (843) 755-6591
15+
Years Experience
1,000+
Procedures Performed
Joint
Commission
Accredited Facility
ERAS
Enhanced Recovery
Protocol
Medically reviewed by Dr. Clayton Crantford, MD | Last updated: 2026-02-24
Liposuction at a Glance
Procedure Time
1–3 Hours
💉
Anesthesia
General or Local
📅
Recovery
1–2 Weeks
Results
Permanent

WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?

Key Takeaways
  • Permanently removes stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise
  • Can target abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, chin, and other areas
  • Tumescent technique minimizes bruising and speeds recovery
  • Often combined with other procedures like tummy tuck or BBL
  • Results visible within weeks, with final contour at 3–6 months

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that precisely removes unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body to create a more contoured, defined silhouette. Unlike diet and exercise, which can be ineffective for certain stubborn fat pockets, liposuction allows board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford to sculpt your ideal shape with precision and artistry.

Performed at our state-of-the-art facility in downtown Charleston, SC, liposuction can enhance your confidence by targeting areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, arms, back, and chin. Dr. Crantford uses advanced techniques including tumescent and power-assisted liposuction, combined with our ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol, to minimize discomfort and accelerate your return to normal activity.

Ready to sculpt your ideal figure? Schedule a consultation to explore your liposuction options with Dr. Crantford.

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LIPOSUCTION TREATMENT AREAS

Dr. Crantford can treat virtually any area where stubborn fat deposits accumulate. Common treatment areas include:

Treatment Area

ABDOMEN & WAIST

Remove excess abdominal fat and define waistline contours. Liposuction creates a flatter, more sculpted midsection without affecting deeper muscle structures.

Treatment Area

THIGHS & HIPS

Contour inner thighs, outer thighs, and hip dips. Liposuction creates smoother, more proportionate leg and hip contours for a shapelier silhouette.

Treatment Area

ARMS & BACK

Reduce bat wings, underarm fat, and back bulges. Precise liposuction in these areas reveals arm definition and back contours you’ve been working toward.

Treatment Area

CHIN & NECK

Define the jawline and create better neck definition. Submental liposuction improves facial profile and can achieve results comparable to a mini neck lift.

LIPOSUCTION TECHNIQUES

Dr. Crantford offers advanced techniques tailored to your anatomy and treatment goals.

Traditional Method

TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION

Fluid-Infusion Technique

Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a sterile saline solution mixed with lidocaine (local anesthetic) into target areas. This tumefies (swells) the fat, making it easier to extract while minimizing blood loss and providing local anesthesia.

  • Reduced blood loss and bruising

  • Effective for various body areas

  • Minimal scarring with small incisions

  • Proven results with decades of use

Ideal For

Patients seeking reliable fat removal with excellent safety profile and minimal discomfort during recovery.

Advanced Method

POWER-ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION

Mechanical Vibration Technology

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) uses a specialized cannula that vibrates at high frequency, gently breaking apart fat cells for more efficient extraction. This allows for greater precision and smoother results with less trauma to surrounding tissues.

  • More efficient fat removal

  • Smoother, more precise contouring

  • Less tissue trauma and bruising

  • Ideal for delicate areas

Ideal For

Patients wanting refined results with maximum precision, especially in areas requiring delicate sculpting and enhanced aesthetic outcomes.

LIPOSUCTION SAFETY & EXPERTISE

At Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery, patient safety and optimal results are our top priorities.

Joint
Commission
Accredited
Facility
Board
Certified
Plastic
Surgeon
ERAS
Enhanced Recovery
Protocol

JOINT COMMISSION ACCREDITATION

Our facility meets rigorous accreditation standards for patient safety, quality care, and surgical excellence, ensuring you receive care at the highest level of standards.

BOARD-CERTIFIED EXPERTISE

Dr. Clayton Crantford is board-certified in plastic surgery with advanced training in body contouring and liposuction techniques, ensuring optimal artistry and safety.

PATIENT-CENTERED CARE

We prioritize your comfort, safety, and satisfaction at every step, from pre-operative planning through post-operative recovery and follow-up care.

ERAS RAPID RECOVERY

Our evidence-based Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol minimizes discomfort, reduces downtime, and helps you return to your routine faster with optimal results.

THE LIPOSUCTION JOURNEY

From consultation through final results, Dr. Crantford guides you every step of the way.

CONSULTATION & BODY MAPPING

During your consultation, Dr. Crantford analyzes your body shape, discusses your goals, and creates a personalized treatment plan. Advanced imaging helps you visualize your potential transformation.

YOUR PROCEDURE DAY

You’ll arrive at our Joint Commission-accredited facility in downtown Charleston. Using tumescent or power-assisted liposuction, Dr. Crantford precisely removes fat while sculpting contours with artistic precision. Most procedures take 1-3 hours.

RECOVERY & REVEAL

With our ERAS Rapid Recovery protocol, most patients return to light activity within 1-2 weeks. Final results improve over 3-6 months as swelling subsides and skin tightens, revealing your beautifully contoured new silhouette.

LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY TIMELINE

Most patients can return to light office work and daily activities within 1 to 2 weeks after liposuction. Compression garments help minimize swelling and support skin tightening during the critical early recovery phase. Dr. Crantford’s ERAS protocol minimizes discomfort and accelerates healing through optimized anesthesia, pain management, and post-operative care.

You can gradually resume exercise and strenuous activity at 4 to 6 weeks as directed by Dr. Crantford. Final results continue to improve over 3 to 6 months as swelling completely resolves and your skin adapts to your new contours. Most patients report being pleasantly surprised by how manageable their recovery is, allowing them to enjoy their transformation sooner than expected.

LIPOSUCTION COST IN CHARLESTON, SC

The cost of liposuction varies based on several factors unique to your procedure.

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Pricing includes surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee, and follow-up visits. Customized based on your specific treatment areas and goals.

Treatment areas: Number and size of areas being treated affects procedure time and complexity

Technique: Tumescent vs. power-assisted liposuction and extent of body sculpting

Anesthesia type: General anesthesia or local with sedation based on scope of procedure

Financing options: We offer flexible payment plans to make your transformation affordable

LIPOSUCTION BEFORE & AFTER RESULTS

View inspiring results from Dr. Crantford’s liposuction patients. Each gallery image shows real patients who consented to share their body contouring transformation.

VIEW OUR GALLERY

Enhance your results by combining liposuction with tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift, or comprehensive body contouring for dramatic transformation.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

WHY CHOOSE CC PLASTIC SURGERY

Dr. Clayton Crantford is board-certified in plastic surgery with extensive experience in body contouring and liposuction. He believes that beautiful results come from combining surgical precision with artistic vision, always prioritizing your safety, comfort, and natural-looking outcome.

At Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in downtown Charleston, you’ll receive personalized care in a Joint Commission-accredited facility equipped with advanced technology. Dr. Crantford listens to your goals, respects your concerns, and guides you toward results that enhance your confidence and complement your unique body.

Board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in body contouring and liposuction

Joint Commission-accredited facility with state-of-the-art surgical technology

Specializes in advanced liposuction techniques for optimal contouring and natural results

ERAS Rapid Recovery program for minimized discomfort and faster return to activity

SERVING CHARLESTON AND THE LOWCOUNTRY

Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic is proudly located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, serving liposuction patients from throughout the Lowcountry and beyond. Whether you’re in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, Folly Beach, or anywhere across South Carolina, Dr. Crantford provides board-certified expertise and personalized care for your body contouring goals. Our convenient downtown location makes it easy to schedule your consultation and follow-up appointments while experiencing the charm and hospitality of historic Charleston.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that precisely removes unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body to create a more contoured silhouette. Unlike diet and exercise, liposuction targets stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to traditional weight loss methods, allowing Dr. Crantford to sculpt your ideal shape with precision.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
Ideal candidates are generally healthy individuals with localized fat deposits in specific areas, realistic expectations about results, and a stable weight. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure but rather a body contouring technique. During your consultation, Dr. Crantford will evaluate your health, anatomy, and goals to determine if you’re a good candidate.
What areas can liposuction treat?
Liposuction can treat virtually any area where unwanted fat accumulates, including the abdomen, flanks, waist, thighs (inner and outer), hips, buttocks, arms, back, chest, neck, and chin. Dr. Crantford can treat single or multiple areas during the same procedure to achieve comprehensive body contouring.
Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?
No. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove localized fat deposits and sculpt specific areas, not to achieve significant overall weight loss. The removed fat volume is typically much less than what would be required for major weight reduction. Ideal candidates are close to their goal weight and seeking refinement.
How long does liposuction take?
Liposuction procedures typically take 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number of areas being treated, the volume of fat being removed, and the technique used. Treating multiple areas naturally takes longer than treating a single area. Dr. Crantford will provide a specific time estimate during your consultation.
What is recovery like after liposuction?
Most patients can return to light office work within 1 to 2 weeks. Compression garments are worn to minimize swelling and support skin contraction. Full activity and exercise typically resume at 4 to 6 weeks. Dr. Crantford’s ERAS protocol minimizes discomfort and accelerates healing, with most patients reporting manageable recovery.
Are liposuction results permanent?
Yes, liposuction results are permanent in the treated areas. Once fat cells are removed, they do not return to that location. However, if you gain significant weight after the procedure, remaining fat cells throughout your body may enlarge. Maintaining a stable weight helps ensure long-lasting results.
Will I have visible scars after liposuction?
Liposuction incisions are very small (typically 2-3mm) and strategically placed in natural creases or inconspicuous areas. Most patients find scars barely visible or completely hidden by clothing. Over time, scars continue to fade and become even less noticeable. Dr. Crantford uses meticulous surgical technique to minimize scarring.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Liposuction is frequently combined with other procedures such as tummy tuck, Brazilian butt lift, breast augmentation, or facial contouring. Combining procedures can provide comprehensive body transformation and may be more efficient than staged surgeries. Dr. Crantford will discuss what combinations are appropriate for your goals.
What is the cost of liposuction in Charleston?
The cost of liposuction varies based on the number of treatment areas, amount of fat being removed, technique used, anesthesia type, and facility fees. During your consultation at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery, Dr. Crantford will provide a detailed cost estimate. We also offer flexible financing options to make your transformation affordable.
How soon will I see results?
You’ll see some results immediately after the procedure, but significant swelling masks the final outcome in the first few weeks. As swelling diminishes over 4 to 6 weeks, your refined contours become increasingly visible. Final results continue to improve over 3 to 6 months as skin tightens and settles into your new shape.
What is the difference between liposuction techniques?
Tumescent liposuction uses fluid infusion to swell the fat, making it easier to remove with reduced bleeding. Power-assisted liposuction uses mechanical vibration for more efficient fat removal and smoother results with less tissue trauma. Both techniques are effective; Dr. Crantford selects the best approach based on your anatomy and goals.

READY TO SCULPT YOUR IDEAL FIGURE? Schedule your liposuction consultation with Dr. Crantford today.

Take the first step toward the body contours you’ve always wanted. Dr. Clayton Crantford and the team at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic are here to answer your questions and guide you through your transformation.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION (843) 755-6591

247 Calhoun St. · Charleston, SC 29401 · (843) 755-6591

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