It's been a year since I had a (successful) knee replacement. Is it too soon to do lipo around the knees (& calves, and thighs)?

Question

It's been a year since I had a (successful) knee replacement. Is it too soon to do lipo around the knees (and calves, and thighs)? Perhaps using a microcannula? If too soon, when? 2 ys?

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the knees can safely be performed after a knee replacement as long as all the swelling from the surgery has subsided.   Usually, a year would be sufficient in most cases as long as there has been no complications with the healing of the replacement.  Best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

liposuction around the knees after surgery can be done right away but I have people wait 3-6 months then proceed.
You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best.  Traditional liposuction awake and smart liposuction are old methods and do very poorly for tightening skin or significant skin tightening or contouring.  Small problem areas can be improved slightly by these methods.  The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heat the skin with radio-frequency devices such as J PLASMA/RENUVION, InMode BodyTite, ThermiRF to heat the under surface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HIDEF VASER contouring and can only be done by a well . trained body contouring specialist. At the same time fat should be harvested, PRP and stem cells added and injected into muscles or indentations/cellulite to get body shaping and contouring.  This is known as a Brazilian butt lift when you inject the fat to the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with cellfina, sculptra, subcision and/or fillers such as bellafill, renuva synthetic fat, or sculptra.  If skin is very loose before surgery then it will need to be removed such as lower abdominal skin (tummy tuck/abdominoplasty), breast skin (breast lift), arm skin (brachioplasty).  Overall you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting.  Dr. Emer.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This may be reasonable provided mobility is not hindered and the orthopedic surgeon clears you for the surgery.  Fat transfer with very small facial cannulae and small volume injections will give you the best chance for improvement.  The knee area is more prone to contour irregularity after liposuction, and as such liposuction should be limited.  You also do not want to have an issue with falling skin.  Would need photos or in-office exam to comment on lipo of calves and thighs,
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear  55 and counting,
it is hard to tell for sure but if you are fully healed and recovered from your knee replacement, you might be a candidate for a surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
You should be ok, but please talk to your primary doctor to see if you are clear for plastic surgery and then I suggest you to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the best options for your goals.
Hope this is helpful. Good luck :)

It's been a year since I had a (successful) knee replacement. Is it too soon to do lipo around the knees (& calves, and thighs)?

Answers (9)

Answer: Liposuction candidate

Answer: Liposuction candidate

Answer: It's been a year since I had a (successful) knee replacement. Is it too soon to do lipo around the knees (& calves, and thighs)?

Answer: It's been a year since I had a (successful) knee replacement. Is it too soon to do lipo around the knees (& calves, and thighs)?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

It's been a year since I had a (successful) knee replacement. Is it too soon to do lipo around the knees (& calves, and thighs)?

Answers (9)

Answer: Liposuction candidate

Answer: Liposuction candidate

Answer: It's been a year since I had a (successful) knee replacement. Is it too soon to do lipo around the knees (& calves, and thighs)?

Answer: It's been a year since I had a (successful) knee replacement. Is it too soon to do lipo around the knees (& calves, and thighs)?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.