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(60 mg; 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.