Saggy and dimply knees - what is the best procedure?

Question

What's the best procedure(s) for knees? I'm petite and not overweight. My knees are dimply and a little saggy. What will help? I've over 60 years old. Thank you!

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

I cannot give you much useful information without photographs. If you have excess skin in the front of your knees, there is an a good procedure to help this. If you have extra fat at your middle knees, this response well to tumescent liposuction.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Saggy and dimply knees are common concerns for many people, and there are several procedures that can help improve the appearance of the knees. The best procedure for you will depend on various factors, including the severity of the sagging and dimpling, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Liposuction: Liposuction can be used to remove excess fat deposits around the knees, which may help improve the appearance of sagging and dimpling. This procedure involves suctioning out fat through small incisions using a thin tube called a cannula.
Skin tightening procedures: There are various non-surgical and surgical procedures available to tighten loose skin around the knees. These may include laser treatments, radiofrequency therapy, ultrasound therapy, or surgical skin tightening procedures such as a thigh lift or knee lift.
Cellulite treatments: If dimpling is a significant concern, treatments specifically targeting cellulite may be beneficial. These treatments often involve technologies like radiofrequency, acoustic wave therapy, or laser therapy to improve the appearance of cellulite by smoothing the skin.
Exercise and weight management: Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knees, along with maintaining a healthy weight, can also help improve the appearance of sagging and dimply knees. Building muscle tone in the thighs and calves can help support the skin and reduce the appearance of sagging.
Before undergoing any procedure, it's essential to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist who can evaluate your concerns, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for you. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and help you achieve the best possible results.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about addressing sagging knees, particularly as a non-overweight patient. Without pictures, a definitive answer is challenging, but based on your description of the issue, a general approach can be considered.
With age, it's common to experience a loss of muscle and body fat, as well as a reduction in skin collagen and elastin, which can contribute to sagging around the knees. Given this, a thorough physical examination by a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment.
There are a couple of surgical options to consider:
Knee Lift (Knee Reduction Surgery): This procedure involves making an incision to remove excess skin and potentially some fat, thereby tightening the area around the knees. The incision can be placed in different ways:
Vertically on the Inside of the Knee: Similar to the inseam on a pair of jeans, this approach may require an incision of about 4 to 6 inches.
Across the Top of the Patella (Kneecap): This approach resembles a horseshoe incision and can effectively address sagging skin around the knee.
These surgical procedures are aimed at permanently eliminating wrinkled skin and can help elevate the neighboring skin for a more tightened and youthful appearance.
Liposuction: While liposuction is primarily used for fat removal, it is not typically effective for tightening skin. As you mentioned not being overweight, liposuction may not be the most suitable option in your case.
Given these considerations, most plastic surgeons would likely recommend a knee lift or reduction, choosing between the vertical or horseshoe incision based on your specific anatomical needs and aesthetic goals.
I hope this information helps clarify the options available for treating sagging skin around the knee area. Consulting with a plastic surgeon who can provide a personalized assessment and recommendation is the next step in exploring these surgical options.
Good luck, and I hope you find a solution that meets your needs and expectations.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction can be done but the skin may hang and you may need surgical excision of the hanging skin, if that does occur.  Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs, which would be helpful in giving you a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would address the lose skin issue with radiofrequency treatment like Renuvion and also micro-needling and radiofrequency like Secret.

Saggy and dimply knees - what is the best procedure?

Answers (7)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Knees

Answer: Knees

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Saggy and dimply knees - what is the best procedure?

Answers (7)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Knees

Answer: Knees

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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.