Charlotte has more plastic surgeons than ever. That's good for patients in theory, but it makes the selection process harder. More options means more noise, and more room for the wrong choice to slip through.
The decision comes down to a few things that actually matter: credentials, surgical depth, and a surgeon honest enough to tell you what you need to hear. Dr. Broc Pratt, founder of Bespoke Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, built his practice on the idea that great outcomes depend on great decisions made long before surgery. Here's what to look for.
1. Board Certification Is the Floor, Not the Ceiling
"Cosmetic surgeon" has no legal definition. Any physician can use the title regardless of training. Certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is what separates qualified surgeons from the rest. The ABPS is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, and its process requires at least six years of surgical training, a minimum of three in plastic surgery, plus rigorous written and oral exams.
2. Go Beyond the Certificate: Look at the Training Behind It
Certification confirms a baseline. Fellowship training tells you far more. Dr. Pratt completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before joining the faculty at Carolinas Medical Center, where he had trained in general surgery. That foundation in both general and plastic surgery gives him an unusually comprehensive command of anatomy and surgical risk.
3. Ask About Surgical Focus
Plastic surgery is broad. A surgeon who operates across all categories may be less refined than one who has spent years specializing in specific procedures. Look at the before-and-after gallery and patient reviews to see whether a surgeon's actual experience matches what you're there for.
At Bespoke, Dr. Pratt focuses on:
- Facial procedures, including facelift, neck lift, and the Bespoke Lift
- Breast surgery, from augmentation and lift to reduction
- Body contouring, including tummy tuck, liposuction, and mommy makeover
- Men's plastic surgery, with an emphasis on natural-looking results
4. The Consultation Should Feel Like a Conversation
A surgeon who does all the talking and asks none of the questions is a problem. Good surgeons want to know about your lifestyle, your concerns, and your goals before they recommend anything.
Dr. Pratt spends real time in every consultation. If a procedure isn't the right call, he says so directly. Most of his patients come by word of mouth, which is usually how people feel heard.
5. Verify the Operating Facility
Accreditation for surgical facilities sets requirements for staffing, equipment, and patient safety. Look for certification from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), or the Joint Commission.
If a surgeon is vague about where the procedure takes place or what standards the facility meets, that's a reason to keep looking.
6. Study the Gallery With a Critical Eye
Before-and-after photos show you more than any marketing copy will. Look at patients close to your age and body type. Check whether results look consistent, natural, and varied, or whether everything looks the same. A good gallery should reflect both the surgeon's skill and their range.
Dr. Pratt's patient gallery is built around proportion and balance, results meant to enhance rather than announce.
7. Trust the Relationship, Not Just the Resume
Technical skill matters. So does a surgeon willing to give you a frank assessment, including whether a procedure is right for you at all. The right surgeon makes sure you leave each appointment with fewer questions than you came in with, not more. At Bespoke, patients are part of the process.
The Consultation Is Part of the Result
Dr. Pratt has practiced in Charlotte since 2005. His reputation was built on honest consultations and results that hold up, and that approach is what Bespoke Plastic Surgery is built around. Schedule a consultation and find out what the right fit actually looks like.