Knee patch jeans nightmare

Need some fashion advice. 😅

I bought this pair of jeans because I liked the knee patch design. But after trying it on, I realised the top knee patch sits around below my knee instead of around it. Guess my legs are longer or shorter than I thought. 😂
This is a size 36. I did consider exchanging it for a size 34, but I’m worried it’ll end up too tight on the waist and thighs.
Is there any alteration a tailor can do to make the patch sit higher? Can they shorten it from the top or somewhere else without affecting the fit too much? Or is this just not something that can realistically be altered?

Appreciate any advice. Thanks!