Necrotizing fasciitis after cosmetic blepharoplasty

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of necrotizing fasciitis after cosmetic blepharoplasty.

Method: Case report. A 74-year-old woman with history of type II diabetes mellitus underwent bilateral upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Postoperatively she developed fever, grayish discoloration of the skin, violaceous bullae, and a right facial nerve palsy. Necrotizing fasciitis was diagnosed and treated with intravenous antibiotics, debridement of necrotic tissue, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Results: The infection resolved, but the patient required reconstruction for correction of cicatricial ectropion.

Conclusion: Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially fatal infection that typically occurs in the setting of trauma. Early recognition of its pathognomonic signs and aggressive management are paramount.