When Can I Bend My Knees After A Knee Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Thank you so much for taking the time to educate us… i am forever grateful to come across your wisdom and knowledge. I noticed there are a few articles in regards to knee lift surgery procedures which i am currently considering but would like to educate myself more about this topic prior to going ahead with anything. How long until a patient can bend their knees beyond 90 degrees post op? During recovery is it ok to bend or no bending of the knee? And how long until the patient can resume all normal regular activities etc

A: The knee lift is marked and done so the patient can have 45 degrees of knee flexion immediately after the surgery. One can then bend the knee to 90 degrees after two weeks and 120 degrees after 4 weeks and full knee flexion (greater than 120 degrees thereafter.. These knee flexion recovery guidelines will help you determine what activities you can do along way until full range of normal motion can be done after 6 weeks.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon