Fat can accumulate in many areas of the body, and some areas that we think about first are more common than others. When someone brings up liposuction, you’ll likely immediately think of the stomach and about that bulge that is better off removed. Although you wouldn’t be wrong to think about your stomach first, one area that may not know is common for liposuction is the knee. It could be because genetics, aging, or weight gain that promotes fat development in the knee; even worse, the gym may not be enough to work away this fat. Fortunately for many of us, through liposuction, there is a solution for those stubborn pockets of fat that you can’t work off.
Liposuction uses a cannula, a thin hollow tube inserted through an incision in the targeted area. With controlled back and forth motions, your surgeon loosens the fat, which allows it to be sucked out through the cannula. For knee liposuction, the incision is made around the inner knee and is often done in conjunction with liposuction on your thighs to give the full cosmetic unit a more contoured look. Although knee and thigh lipo are usually done together, you can have liposuction on your knees alone if you choose to do so.
The procedure is done in an outpatient facility with no need to stay overnight. Compression bandages will cover the area to control any excessive bleeding or swelling that could occur during your recovery. Other side effects to be aware of are excess fluid accumulation, loose skin, or irregular pigmentation. Depending on how much fat is removed, you may have excess skin, which means that you might need additional surgery to remove it. Talk to your surgeon to see if this is a possibility based on your goals. Some forms of laser liposuction can also help tighten the skin in the treated area as well.
Once you have taken into consideration the procedure, its benefits, and the risks, the next step is the cost. Because insurance will not consider this procedure to be medically necessary, it will not be covered by your provider no matter how significant you feel it is to you. The average cost for liposuction is $3,518; however, your overall price will vary depending on your location and provider’s fees. For liposuction on the knees, the price should fall toward the lower end of price ranges, given that the knee is a smaller body part. Combining it with thigh lipo, however, can drive up the cost quickly. Other than your doctor, there are fees associated with the procedure, such as the facility, medication, and anesthesia. Talk to your surgeon to find out if they offer payment plans, financing, or possible discounts to help spread out the overall impact of the surgery’s cost.
Different areas of the body can change over time, but there are options to control their appearance. Our knees are affected by fat, just like any other part of our body, and sometimes more so. With knee liposuction, you can get back those killer legs and wear those shorts you’ve been eyeing while walking out with confidence.