Mycobacterium Abscessus Skin Infection Following Mesotherapy for Fat Reduction: A Case Report

Abstract

Mesotherapy is referred to as a minimally invasive technique by using intradermal or subcutaneous injection with liquid containing a mixture of compounds for the treatment of varying medical and cosmetic conditions. Although noninvasive cosmetic procedures gain increasing popularity, mesotherapy remains a controversial treatment according to lack of scientific standpoint, standard formulas, and treatment protocol. In addition, a wide variety of side effects from mesotherapy have been reported. We reported a case of a 30-year-old Thai male, immunocompetent patient, who underwent mesotherapy for facial fat reduction at a private clinic and developed erythematous nodules on both cheeks 3 weeks after injection. The skin biopsy was then performed and histopathology showed mixed cell granuloma in deep dermis. Tissue culture was positive for Mycobacterium abscessus. He received a combination of clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin for six months with very good response. The nodules were healed with atrophic scar and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation without recurrence until eight months follow up.

Keywords

• Mycobacterium abscessus; non-tuberculous mycobacteria; mesotherapy; injection lipolysis