October 08, 2013 | 3 minute read
As we age, our body tends to hold onto fat in certain areas, like the “spare tire” around our midsection. For women, the inner and outer thighs and knees are particular problem areas. Excess fat on the inner thighs and knees can rub together, causing discomfort, irritation, and rashes – not to mention embarrassment. When the knees appear flabby, you might feel that your legs look disproportionate or misshapen.
If diet and exercise have not sufficiently reduced those annoying bulges around your knees, it might be time to get a little help. At our San Francisco practice, knee liposuction has given patients great-looking legs and a pep in their step. If you feel like chubby knees are holding you back, keep reading!
Am I a Good Candidate for Knee Liposuction?
For most people who are considering plastic surgery, the reasons are very personal and individualized. In general, our knee liposuction patients are close to their ideal weight, in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the procedure, and have a specific area of fatty deposit they want removed from the knee area. Ideal candidates should also have elastic skin that will shrink in response to the fat removal.
For the smoothest leg contouring results, thigh liposuction or thigh lift may also be recommended. A comprehensive consultation and physical exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon will confirm if you are a suitable candidate for these or other treatments.
What Is Involved in the Procedure?
At our practice, liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, which means you will be “asleep” during the surgery.
We start by making a couple of small incisions just behind your knee and then insert a small cannula (tube) to suction out the fat. Once an appropriate amount of fat has been removed and the knee looks smooth and toned, we will stitch up and bandage the incisions, and you will be fitted with a compression wrap to help reduce swelling and bruising.
You will need to wear the compression garment for about a month. You may notice significant bruising around the knees. Pain, soreness, and stiffness usually subside within two to four weeks. As swelling goes away, you will notice a more toned and contoured shape. Scars should be barely visible, and you should see the full results within two to three months after surgery.
How Effective Is Liposuction on Inner Knees?
Most people know that liposuction is popular for treating the thighs, but you may not know that the inner knee area is also a very common location for liposuction and has a high degree of success and patient satisfaction. For the best results, patients should have healthy skin with good elasticity and a relatively small, localized fat deposit. Also, the compression garment that helps reduce swelling also helps prevent saggy, loose skin. Each patient heals differently, but most patients achieve excellent results.
Learn More about Knee Liposuction
For more information about knee liposuction or other options for body contouring, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kimberly Henry. As an experienced, trustworthy plastic surgeon, she will honestly answer your questions and discuss if liposuction is a good treatment option for your concerns.
