Do you dislike your knees? Most women describe attractive legs as a gradual tapering from the thighs to the ankles. While a slight fullness at the knees is normal, many women have prominent fatty bulges on the inner knees, even without excess fat in the thighs. This is both genetically determined and age related. If you’re seeking shapelier legs, liposuction of the inner knees can eliminate the avocado-shaped “bump” in that area to create a more pleasing appearance. It’s wise to know that liposuction of the fatty area above the knee is rarely performed but, when it is, a minimal amount of fat is removed. Removal of too much fat above the knee can create a saggy “shelf” of fat and skin just above the knee.
Who is a Good Candidate for Knee Liposuction?
If you are a healthy adult who is bothered by your knees rubbing against one another when you walk, or if you are simply dissatisfied with the appearance of “fatty” knees, you may be a good candidate for liposuction of the knee. Indiana patients who see me about liposuction of the thighs and/or knees generally come under one of the following categories:
- Normal weight, with excellent skin elasticity and well defined areas of fat deposits;
- Slightly overweight, with acceptable skin elasticity but a more generalized amount of fat in the thighs and/or knees, not just pockets around the knees;
- Either of the patients above, but with loose skin. These candidates are not appropriate for liposuction alone due to the likelihood of skin sagging after the fat is removed. They are more appropriate for excisional liposuction, in which liposuction is followed by removal of pre-determined amounts of skin to create a tighter result.
How Is Knee Liposuction Performed?
I perform knee liposuction in Indiana at my Valparaiso and Schererville plastic surgery practices near Merrillville and Munster, in an accredited same-day surgical center or hospital. Based on patient preference, liposuction of the knee only could be performed with local anesthesia with or without sedation, or general anesthesia. After anesthesia is placed, a sterile salt water solution that contains buffered Lidocaine and adrenalin is injected into the area(s) to be treated. This solution, called tumescent solution, provides anesthesia, limits blood loss and keeps the treatment area firm so that removal of fat is as easy as possible. Small incisions are made, into which cannulas (thin metal tubes) are inserted. Fat is carefully suctioned from the area until a satisfactory appearance is created. Steri-strips are applied to the incisions and the area is dressed with a sterile bandage. Compression dressings are applied to minimize swelling.
Recovery from knee liposuction is rapid. You’ll be up right away and back to work, school, and/or social activities quickly.
The knees are one of the highest satisfaction areas, with very gratifying results coupled with a quick recovery. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your knees, make an appointment with me to discuss the options. Request a complimentary consultation online or call our Valparaiso or Schererville office at +1-800-721-3244.
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