Atypical mycobacterial infection following blepharoplasty and full-face skin resurfacing with CO2 laser.
BACKGROUND
With the popularity of laser skin resurfacing for the correction of photoaging and the improvement of acne scarring, it is important to note complications that may result from this procedure. Infections must be recognized and treated early, as some can result in permanent local destruction and systemic spread to other body sites.


OBJECTIVE
To increase the awareness of an unusual infection that may result from laser resurfacing.


METHODS
We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who presented with two symmetrical nodules 1 month after full-face skin resurfacing with CO2 laser. These were found to be abscesses caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum infection.


RESULTS
The diagnosis was established following surgical debridement and subsequent culture grown from the exudate. Oral antibiotic treatment guided by organism sensitivity resulted in complete clearance of the infection with no recurrence or sequelae after 3 years of follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
This case demonstrates that atypical mycobacterial infections may arise after laser resurfacing procedures, despite proper technique, sterile instrumentation, and appropriate perioperative medications and postoperative wound care. If diagnosed and treated early, this potentially disastrous complication can be cured with no permanent sequelae.
Rao
Jaggi
J
Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Golden
Theodore A
TA
Fitzpatrick
Richard E
RE
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019882:Blepharoplasty / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D019907:Mycobacterium fortuitum / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D017192:Skin Diseases, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002939:Ciprofloxacin