Infectious Disease Complications of Plastic Surgery: Review of Cases and Discussion of Literature

Author : Alwyn Rapose

Abstract :With advances in surgical techniques there is an increased number of aesthetic surgery procedures performed all over the world. Infection following surgery is one of the most dreaded complications. Risk of infection depends upon the nature of the procedure performed, preoperative preparation, surgical technique and postoperative care. Patient factors like age, diabetes and smoking are also important. Less invasive procedures like botox injections, laser therapy for varicose veins and skin resurfacing surgeries carry less risk of post-procedure infection compared to more invasive procedures like breast implantation and breast reduction surgeries, abdominoplasty and other reconstructive surgeries. The rising cost of medical care in the United States coupled with lack of insurance coverage for most cosmetic procedures has also encouraged medical tourism to foreign countries where surgical clinics often offer an all-inclusive price covering the cost of the surgery as well as travel and lodging. Infectious disease complications in some of these patients involve organisms like atypical mycobacteria which are not routinely seen in United States. This presentation will review a few cases of “Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong” and some of the common pathogens associated with these complications. Advances in antibiotics for skin and skin structure infections will also be discussed.

Keywords :Aesthetic surgery, postoperative infections, medical tourism, antibiotic advancements, atypical mycobacteria, surgical complications.

Conference Name :International Conference on Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery (PAS-25)

Conference Place Sydney, Australia

Conference Date 16th Jan 2025