Subcutaneous infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus following botulinum toxin injections: A case report and literature review

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 May;23(5):1527-1532. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16170. Epub 2024 Jan 4.

Abstract

Background: The rapid development of cosmetic injections has led to an increased incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection.

Patients and methods: Here, we presented a case of cutaneous Mycobacterium abscessus infection subsequent to botulinum toxin injection for treating masseter hypertrophy, and reviewed the literature on skin and soft tissue infections caused by NTM after cosmetic injections.

Results and conclusions: The patient underwent surgical excision and regular antibiotic therapy and has had nearly 2 months of follow-up without any signs of infection. The diagnosis and treatment of NTM infection have always been challenging, and further research is needed to standardize and guide the treatment.

Keywords: Mycobacterium abscessus; botulinum toxin; cutaneous infection; nontuberculous mycobacterial infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / adverse effects
  • Cosmetic Techniques / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Masseter Muscle* / abnormalities
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / diagnosis
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / drug therapy
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / etiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous* / microbiology
  • Mycobacterium abscessus* / isolation & purification
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / etiology
  • Skin Diseases, Bacterial / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Supplementary concepts

  • Masticatory Muscles, Hypertrophy of