Knee skin tightening

The skin around the knee is thin, has little subcutaneous fat and stretches every day as we walk, sit and bend our legs. That is why it is among the first to show changes: it becomes drier, develops wrinkles, and sometimes a small fold of hanging skin forms above the knee. This is completely natural, and the skin in this area responds well to treatments that stimulate the production of new collagen. In this article, we explain why the skin of the knee sags, what you can do yourself and how we choose between Alma PrimeX, Morpheus8 and Attiva radiofrequency treatments for sagging skin around the knees.

Why the skin around the knees sags

• age, as the skin produces less and less collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, becoming thinner and drier;
• weight gain that causes fat deposits to accumulate above the knees, and cellulite also frequently appears;
• weight loss resulting in sagging skin;
• low body fat percentage: even in thin people, the skin on the knees wrinkles because there is not enough support underneath;
• heredity, which determines how quickly the skin loses firmness.

What you can do yourself

Regular care with creams and lotions that moisturise and repair the skin makes it softer and smoother. Thigh exercises, running and cycling strengthen the muscles above the knee, and a balanced diet helps to keep body weight stable. When the skin remains loose despite this, treatments that act on the deeper layers help.

How we choose your treatment

During the examination, the doctor assesses how loose the skin is and whether there are fatty deposits and cellulite above the knees. Depending on skin thickness, the anatomy of the area and the degree of laxity, Alma PrimeX, Morpheus8 and Attiva radiofrequency treatments are considered. The method, number of sessions and potential combinations are determined individually.

Alma PrimeX

Alma PrimeX combines ultrasound and radiofrequency. The ultrasound targets fatty deposits and cellulite above the knees, while the radiofrequency energy heats the skin at multiple depths, causing collagen fibres to contract and the skin to produce new collagen. The treatment is performed without anaesthesia, a warm sensation is felt, and you can return to your daily activities immediately afterwards. The number of sessions is determined individually. We also use the same treatment for tightening the skin of the upper arms, stomach and buttocks. Read more about the treatment on our page about Alma PrimeX.

Morpheus8

Morpheus8 combines microneedling and radiofrequency. The needles deliver energy deep into the skin—up to 8 mm on the body—where it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and reduces minor fatty deposits. On the knees, it tightens thin, wrinkled skin and improves its texture. An anaesthetic cream is applied before the treatment, so only a mild tingling sensation is felt. After the treatment, the skin is red and slightly swollen for up to three days. The number of sessions and intervals are determined individually, and changes develop over the following months. Read more about the treatment on our page about Morpheus8.

Attiva radiofrequency for skin around the knees

Attiva radiofrequency can be considered for loose skin above and around the knees, when examination shows that a subcutaneous radiofrequency approach is suitable. A thin cannula is introduced beneath the skin through a small entry point, and controlled heating stimulates collagen contraction and remodelling.

This is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthesia with temperature monitoring. Because the skin here is thin and because of the anatomy of the area, the plan is tailored to each patient. Swelling, tenderness or bruising may occur, and improvements in firmness develop gradually. Attiva does not remove a large excess of skin.

Skin, fat tissue or muscle – and where the treatment boundaries lie

Above the knee, three changes are most commonly encountered, and they often occur together: thin, wrinkled skin above the kneecap that gathers into fine creases when the leg is bent, a softer fat pad on the inner side of the knee, and a weaker tone in the front thigh muscle, which makes the skin appear slacker. The choice of treatment depends on which change is dominant. Tightening devices yield the best results for mild to moderate laxity; with a greater excess of skin, for example after significant weight loss, non-invasive treatments have a limited effect, so the doctor explains during the examination when a consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary. A more detailed guide to choosing a treatment by goal can be found on our page about body toning.