Bodies change over time. The effects of aging, past injuries, or weight fluctuations can have dramatic effects on your appearance. While many people focus on changes to the face over time, other areas can also show signs of age or weight changes.
The knees are one such area. The constant movement of the knee joint combined with the natural loss of skin elasticity can lead to wrinkles around the kneecap. Significant weight changes can cause additional skin laxity or drooping. Changes to the skin around the knee can be unsightly and, in some cases, may affect mobility.
There are several options for correcting the appearance of saggy knees. Minimally invasive techniques like thread lifts or laser skin tightening can rejuvenate the appearance of knees. A surgical knee lift is another option for more significant wrinkling.
Who Should Get a Knee Lift?
People have different reasons for getting knee lift surgery. For some, the age-related loosening of skin around the knee causes unsightly wrinkles or bulges. They want to improve the appearance of their legs. People who have lost significant amounts of weight may have very loose skin on their legs, which can affect mobility. A knee lift may be part of a larger process of removing excess skin.
The extent of wrinkles and each person’s goals will determine whether they should opt for a minimally invasive knee lift or a surgical knee lift.
Like many cosmetic procedures, knee lifts are best for healthy adults. Your doctor will discuss your health history and determine if a knee lift is right for you. People with existing knee problems or a history of knee surgery may not be good candidates for knee lift surgery.
Knee Lift Procedure Options
Some of the minimally invasive techniques that hide signs of aging on the face can be used on the knees as well. Skin tightening treatments like Ultherapy can improve the appearance of knees by stimulating collagen production to make skin look plumper.
Thread lifting may also be effective for smoothing knees.1 Thread lifting involves inserting special fibers under the skin to tighten the surface from below. These procedures can be performed in the doctor’s office without general anesthesia. Plus, there is little to no downtime following this procedure.
The cost of these treatments can vary. Facial thread lifts can cost $2000 or more.2 The cost of Ultherapy depends on the size of the treatment area and the number of sessions needed for the desired results. A session may cost $500 or more.3
Surgical options are more invasive and complicated. Some people may get the results they want via liposuction. With this procedure, your doctor will make tiny incisions on the knee and insert a small cannula to suck out excess fat. This is appropriate for people who have good skin elasticity but may have fat deposits that affect how their knees look.
Liposuction may require general anesthesia. You may need to rest for several days afterward and wear a support garment to promote skin tightening as you heal. Lipo may cost $3,500 or more.4
A surgical knee lift requires general anesthesia. Your doctor will remove excess skin and tighten the remaining skin for a smoother look. There will be internal sutures placed inside the knee to prevent tearing and promote proper healing.
Knee lift surgery recovery time is significant. You will need to restrict your movement for a month after surgery. Additionally, the procedure leaves a visible scar around the knee. Knee lift surgery cost is often similar to thigh lifts and may cost $5000 or more.5
Check out My Body Treatment today for more information on body sculpting techniques, including the latest updates on plastic surgery procedures.
Sources:
- Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery. “Three Solutions for Saggy Knees.“
- Healthline. “Everything You Want to Know About a Thread Lift Procedure.“
- RealSelf. “How Much Does Ultherapy Cost?“
- HealthLine. “All About Knee Liposuction.“
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “Thigh Lift Cost.“
