P52 – Extensive Bilateral Gluteal Necrotizing Myositis after International Cosmetic Tourism

Author(s):
Robel Beyene, Jeffrey Shupp, Anthony Shiflett, Chadi Abouassaly, MedStar Washington Hospital Center

Background: International cosmetic tourism, the practice of travelling outside of one’s home country to pursue low cost cosmetic surgery in developing nations, is a growing concern in many developed nations. As the popularity of cosmetic tourism increases, an increasing number of patients are presenting to healthcare providers in the developed world with complications from these surgeries. Among the most concerning complications is the potential for surgical infections. Necrotizing soft tissue infections secondary to a cosmetic tourism, which has not previously been described in the literature, represents a rare, but life threatening complication.

Hypothesis: Case report.

Methods: Case report and literature review.

Results: We report a case of a necrotizing myositis related to abdominoplasty, bilateral thigh liposuction, and gluteal fat injections. Cultures from the necrotic tissue grew Peptostreptococcus spp. and coagulase-negative Staphylococci. The virulence factor profiles of these pathogens were investigated. Additionally we review the literature on cosmetic tourism and infectious disease complications of medical tourism, as well as discussing the potential incentives and unforeseen consequences of medical tourism.

Conclusions: Cosmetic tourism represents an enticing financial option for patients who cannot afford aesthetic surgery in the developed world. However, the public should be made aware of the potential lack of set standards of care and reporting of complications in surgical tourism.