What will the incision look like after the knee replacement surgery?
In general, the incision is over the front of the knee. Unfortunately, this incision crosses the normal natural skin lines at a 90° angle. In that setting, it is not uncommon for the incision to broaden quite a bit. In addition, this is made a bit worse by trying to have the patient work as diligently as possible with physical therapy to regain range of motion. Normally, the lower third of the incision will result in little broadening because there is not much mobility to the skin over this area. However, from the level of the lower portion of the kneecap to the upper end of the incision it is common to have some degree of broadening postoperatively. Usually, the incision will be somewhat reddened and swollen for approximately four to six months. Then, the incision will soften significantly and the incision will turn the more natural skin color after approximately six to twelve months.
