Knee Liposuction

It is kind of difficult to say what a beautiful knee looks like.  It is much easier to complain about water and fat retention that give your knee a bloated, bulbous look. Why should wearing skirts and shorts make you feel uncomfortable?

Knee-beauty can add elegance to the legs when wearing pumps and that cute little black dress. For many women, getting knee liposuction is the only way to achieve a sculpted, slender appearance to the legs. Liposuction in the calves or inner thighs is often complemented by knee liposuction because it helps eliminate the undesirable excess fat stored in the knee region and the outer thighs.

Fatty deposits around the knee region can be nearly impossible to get rid of using only a dietary/exercise-based solution. To add to the difficulty of getting gorgeous knees, some individuals have a genetic predisposition to having more pronounced fatty areas in the knee region. In either case, cosmetic surgery can be an effective solution to rid the patient of unwanted fat or achieve more aesthetically pleasing knees.

About knee liposuction

The knee liposuction procedure is often overlooked. The fat deposits that gather around the patella (knee cap) in small, localized regions can dramatically affect the legs’ appearance if left untreated.

The surgeons at the Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Center use a liposuction method called Water Lipo when performing inner thigh liposuction. This procedure will not reduce cellulite.

Waterlipo™ uses a gentle stream of water pressure to extract fat cells using a powered straw called a cannula. The entire procedure takes only about 1-2 hours to perform, and it can be done using the AwakeLipo­ anesthetic method.

With AwakeLipo, liposuction patients receive an injection of a tumescent anesthetic in the treatment area, which totally numbs the region. There is no need for general anesthesia, and local anesthesia allows you to leave the clinic within a few hours.

Patients take a safe, mild sedative to help them relax.

Patients can communicate with surgeons for the entire duration of the surgery.

Through small incisions, the surgeon can access the fat deposits from the inner knee using a small cannula. In some cases, the doctor may decide to use SmartLipo to help with skin tightening by treating some areas of the body with a laser. This promotes the production of collagen that will give the knee a youthful appearance.

Patients who receive Waterlipo™ recover faster, reducing downtime to a minimum.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Knee Liposuction in Atlanta?

Ideal candidates for knee liposuction can be male or female, young or old. Patients who have unwanted excess fat around their knees are all potential candidates for knee liposuction. The Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Clinic takes the patient’s general health and personal goals into account before recommending any procedure. Patients who have particular illnesses requiring them to take certain medications may not be ideal candidates for knee liposuction.

A patient is a good candidate for knee liposuction surgery if they:

• Desire to have excess fat removed from the knees and legs and have no history of obesity
• know that liposuction is never a solution for weight loss
• Follow a generally healthy lifestyle and try to keep close to their ideal weight after surgery
• Are slim, fit individuals (or are individuals who are within 30% of their ideal body weight) who have stubborn fat stores around the knees
• Have supple, good skin elasticity, which can absorb the loose skin after surgery.
• Don’t have arthritis in the knees and will follow the surgery with regular exercise.
• Aren’t taking certain medications that could interfere with lidocaine tumescent anesthesia and/or other forms of localized anesthesia.

Patients should be aware that fat removal above the knees can result in excess skin. In some instances, you may require an additional knee lift for optimal results.

It’s essential to disclose your medical history honestly to your surgeon to give you the best chance of preparing for the right treatment.

Who will perform my knee liposuction surgery in Atlanta?

Louis D. Cole, M.D., is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society of Liposuction Surgery. Dr. Cole has been trained and is certified to perform SmartLipo, tumescent liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, and fat transfer to the breast and buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift). Dr. Cole has performed hundreds of successful surgeries.

Robert Ball, M.D. has over 20 years’ experience as a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Laser Medicine & Surgery. Dr. Ball received the Patients’ Choice Award in 2017 & 2018 and the Compassionate Doctor Certification Award in 2015, 2017, & 2018. Due to Dr. Ball’s years of training in general surgery and plastic surgery, he has been sought out for his abilities to repair and revise cosmetic surgery problems and complications.

Recovery after surgery

The time that different patients take to recover from knee liposuction surgery may vary according to:

• Age and general health/well-being
• The other target areas that were treated during the same surgery as the knee liposuction
• The amount of fat removed during the procedure

Taking plenty of time to rest and relax is crucial to the recovery process after having a Waterlipo™ treatment to remove fat in the knee area. Most patients can resume light daily activities within 2-3 days after surgery.

Recommendations after your body contouring procedure

The following are essential things to take into consideration during the healing process:

• Wear the compression garment as indicated: The compression garment provides support to healing body parts.
• Avoid spending too much time in one position during the first week.
• Eat nutritious foods: Nutrition is another central aspect of recovery. Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most important things a patient can do to keep their post-liposuction figure for the long-term. Fresh fruit/vegetables, lean protein, and nuts will allow your body to rebuild tissue quickly and minimize your recovery time.
• Drink plenty of water: Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to make sure your body is well hydrated. Drink more water if you feel thirsty. Water helps your skin stay supple so that your body can re-adjust to your post-lipo physique.
• Perform gentle massage and recovery exercises: After Waterlipo™ surgery, many patients benefit from performing a light, gentle massage in the liposuction treated areas. Self-massage stimulates the body’s healing systems and diminishes swelling and discomfort. Ask your surgeon about recommendations for post-surgery exercises that may speed up the healing process.
• Take medications recommended or prescribed by your doctor: Our surgeons may give you medicines to take after the Waterlipo™ procedure. Make sure to take these medications exactly as prescribed and ask your doctor if you have any questions or doubts.

During recovery from knee liposuction, patients usually experience swelling, bruising, and stiffness in the treated area. These issues gradually disappear throughout the recovery process. Every patient has a different recovery experience after knee liposuction.

What is the average cost of the procedure?

The procedure costs vary depending on the amount of fat that needs to be removed and the size of the patient. The beginning cost for the knee liposuction procedure is $3,900. Use of the SmartLipo laser in this region provides our patients with a more defined and sculpted look. Adding in the inner thigh region to address the fat in that region is an additional charge, but many patients love the look that adding that area provides.

Consultation!

If you are interested in improving the look of your knees and want to be able to wear shorts and dresses without being self-conscious of how your knees appear, you may be the right candidate for this procedure. We offer complimentary consultations and can provide you with a detailed quote for this procedure. Contact our office for more information!