Liposuction, also called suction-assisted lipoplasty, is a common cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from targeted areas of your body.
Knee liposuction is one such area that may be of interest. Although not a sustainable weight loss treatment, this procedure is ideal for targeting small collections of fat that are difficult to reduce with diet and exercise alone.
However, knee liposuction is not suitable for everyone. It is important to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss all the potential benefits, risks, and costs associated with this procedure.
Keep reading to learn more about the process, whether you’re a good candidate, and how to find a qualified provider.
Knee liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves removing fat from the inner knee. The procedure is often done in conjunction with liposuction of the thighs to achieve a more sculpted appearance.
Overall, the results of a knee liposuction procedure are considered permanent as long as you maintain your weight and fitness level. Depending on your contouring goals, more than one session may be needed.
You may be a good candidate for knee liposuction if you have good skin elasticity and are at a healthy weight for your body type. This procedure is designed for people who already follow a healthy lifestyle plan, but have problems with fat deposits in certain areas of their body.
You may not be a good candidate for this procedure if you experience weight fluctuations or if you are currently trying to lose weight. It is recommended that you be inside 30 percent of your ideal weight before liposuction.
Knee liposuction does not completely get rid of cellulite or loose skin. While these skin concerns are most common around the thigh area, they can sometimes appear around the knee as well. You can discuss other removal options with your plastic surgeon.
Liposuction is also not recommended for people who smoke or have serious chronic diseases.
You can expect the following procedure for knee liposuction:
- First, you will be given anesthesia so that you will not feel pain during the knee liposuction. This can come in the form of local anesthesia or general anesthesia which puts you to sleep for the entire procedure.
- Your surgeon will make small incisions around the inner knee. Next, they will insert a small tube called a cannula, which is designed to loosen the fatty deposits. This excess fat is then suctioned out through an attached vacuum-like device.
- Once the desired fat is removed from the knee area, your surgeon will close the incisions and cover the area with compression bandages. These are designed to control excessive bleeding and swelling during your recovery.
The procedure itself is done in an outside hospital or other surgical facility. An overnight stay is not required, but you can ask a loved one to stay at home with you for the first night of your recovery. You will also need a ride to and from your scheduled liposuction procedure.
Swelling (edema) of the entire leg is normal after this procedure. You can minimize swelling by elevating your leg and wearing compression garments.
You may be advised not to exercise or return to your other usual activities for a few weeks.
For healthy candidates, knee liposuction is generally safe. Swelling is to be expected and may peak up to 2 weeks after your procedure. Compression garments may be needed up to
Other possible side effects include:
- bruises
- thermal burns
- excessive fluid accumulation (serums)
- irregular pigmentation
- loose skin
- aggravated appearance of cellulite
- numbness or pain
In some cases, a separate surgery may be needed to remove excess skin on the legs after knee liposuction. Talk to your provider about the possibility of this scenario.
You should also ask your doctor about the risk of more serious side effects, such as the following:
- infections
- excessive bleeding
- nerve damage
- blood vessel damage
- deep vein thrombosis
You will be asked to temporarily stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and other types of medications or supplements that may increase bleeding during your procedure.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for aftercare, as he may advise you to refrain from vigorous activity for several weeks.
Another potential complication is removal as well very fat during knee liposuction. This can create an uneven outline, which can be difficult to correct.
Before booking your knee liposuction, you will want to consult with a specialist doctor. During your initial consultation, your doctor will discuss your overall goals for leg contouring, as well as any underlying health conditions you may have.
This is also a good time to ask the doctor about his credentials and see a portfolio of past work. You can also ask about any potential risks or side effects of the procedure based on your medical history. Be sure to tell them about any medications and supplements you are taking.
This procedure must be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. To find a specialist surgeon in your area, use this online search tool through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
As with other cosmetic procedures, knee liposuction is not considered medically necessary, so it is not covered by insurance. The nationwide average for liposuction procedures is $3,518. Your total cost will vary depending on your location and your carrier’s charges.
In addition to your plastic surgeon, you may need to consider other costs, such as anesthesia and outpatient costs, as well as supplies and medications required after your procedure.
To offset the overall cost, many plastic surgeons offer payment plans, financing and possible discounts. Be sure to ask about your options before booking your procedure. You may also need to take time off from work.
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It is important to know all the benefits versus risks beforehand and discuss them thoroughly with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
