Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium infection after transfer of autologous fat to the face: a rare case

Autologous fat has long been used as a filler in the face, and has recently gained popularity in plastic surgery with a wound infection rate of 1% − 5%. The incidence of mycobacterial infections has increased over recent decades, which is attributed in part to the increased popularity of these procedures. ² Infections by non-tuberculosis mycobacteria often cause chronic inflammation and progressive infection that may eventually manifest themselves as severe scars, fistulas, and hollows, and irregular facial contours. However, few cases of mycobacterial infection have been reported to have been caused by plastic surgery. We present a rare case of non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infection after transfer of autologous fat to the face.