J Korean Soc Aesthetic Plast Surg.  2009 Mar;15(1):78-81.

Median Nerve Injury after Liposuction of Upper Arm

• Lee KC
• Lee JH
• Heo J
• Kwon YS
• Kim SK

Abstract

Liposuction of upper arm is often performed to attain muscular definition of arms and correct lipodystrophy, referred to as the "Bat-wing deformity", with scarless results compared to brachyplasty. Many complications, however, have been reported with this procedure, including hematoma, irregularity, inadequate skin retraction, and so on. Authors hereby report one of serious complications, which is a median nerve injury after liposuction of upper arm. A 51 years old woman underwent liposuction on both arms at a private clinic. Immediately after procedure, the patient complained bullae formation and color change on medial side of left arm, and tingling sensation on left hand. She was transferred to our hospital with necrotic wounds, swelling on left arm, and severe pain. Several evaluations were made, resulting in diagnosis of median nerve injury and CRPS(complex regional pain syndrome). Necrotic wound was treated by debridement and primary closure. Prednisolon(60mg; Kukje Pharm, Korea) was used for median nerve injury, and pain was managed by PCA(patient controlled analgesia). We should be aware of such complications that can occur during the liposuction on upper arm. Through this experience, we must pay attention to important structures, especially the medial bicipital groove, and avoid the injury of median nerve.

Keyword

Liposuction; Arm; Median neuropathy

MeSH Terms

Female
Humans