Is It True That Fat Cells Will Migrate to Other Parts of Body After Lipo Even if the Person Does Not Gain Any Weight?

     Liposuction in one area depletes fat cells in that area.  As a result, if a patient gains weight the fat will be stored in other areas of the body preferentially. 

The situation you are describing is not true.  Liposuction permanently removes fat from the areas that are treated.  If you do not gain weight, you will not see an increase in fat elsewhere.  This is not a lost cause and if you have a problem area or two that you just can't seem to get rid of, liposuction is a great tool for improving your figure.  Good luck.

Fat cells can't migrate.

However, if you ask the question "Can you gain volume in another area after liposuction, even if you don't gain any weight?", the answer is that it is possible. For most patients, this slight gain in volume in another area of the body will not be noticeable.

There have been studies looking at breast enlargement after liposuction of the abdomen (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2007 April 15;119(5):1584-9). They DID show that a certain number of women gained volume in their breasts (about 40%). I don't know of any studies looking at other areas of the body - ie thigh enlargement after lipo of the abdomen. So, if you are worried about volume gain in your breasts, you should ask your doctor at the consultation. I wouldn't worry about gaining volume in other areas.

Thanks for your post. Fat cells do not migrate or replicate. We can move fat cell s around using fat transfer techniques, but the cells can't do that on their own. Best wishes, Dr. Aldo.

Fat cells do not migrate through the body. After liposuction, you will not store new fat anywhere else in the body unless you gain weight. If you gain weight, the fat will be deposited into fat cells you currently have, wherever they may be.