Necrotizing fasciitis caused by group A streptococcus infection after laser blepharoplasty.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient who developed early signs of necrotizing fasciitis after undergoing laser blepharoplasty.

METHODS

A 36-year-old woman developed wound discharge, wound dehiscence, and facial swelling 66 hours postblepharoplasty. Cloxacillin was administered but changed to high-dose intravenous penicillin G and clindamycin when the eyelid cultures grew group A streptococcus (an organism capable of causing necrotizing fasciitis organism).

RESULTS

The patient was treated with intravenous antibiotics for 10 days followed by 3 weeks of oral medications. The wounds healed spontaneously with an excellent result.

CONCLUSIONS

Infection postblepharoplasty is rare. When it occurs, tissue destruction can be potentially devastating. Prompt diagnosis, intravenous antibiotics, and close follow-up are essential.