Necrotizing fasciitis after cosmetic blepharoplasty.

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of necrotizing fasciitis after cosmetic blepharoplasty.

METHODS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.