COsmetic surgery has become a hot topic of discussion in the world of fashion and lifestyle today. However, along with its growing popularity, there is also an emerging risk of developing a fungal infection after undergoing the procedure. In May 2023, the United States and Mexico entered Fungal meningitis outbreak, which affected more than 200 patients epidural anesthesia During liposuction, breast augmentation and Brazilian butt lifts. Some patients were hospitalized, and three of them died.
As a practicing dermatologist in India, I have personally encountered cases of infection after cosmetic surgery, including fungal infections and skin tuberculosis, almost a decade ago. One factor contributing to these infections was the injudicious provision of Botox treatments. At the time, dermatologists had limited options and often had to use the same set of Botox instruments on multiple patients, eventually leading to skin infections despite trauma and a lack of careful post-surgical care. Although infections can develop due to various factors, implementing safe and sound cosmetic surgery practices can significantly reduce the chances of such issues, and timely treatment can help reduce problems at an early stage.
Raising awareness of the most common risk factors and ensuring adequate care during surgical procedures is an important first step. Apart from fungal infection, overcrowding can also lead to other complications such as Tyndall effect. When fillers are inserted in large amounts or are not placed correctly in the subcutaneous layer of the skin, they can become displaced and accumulate in the under-eye area, causing blood vessels to appear superficial, puffy. Hui and starts to appear blue. But first, let’s understand fungal meningitis a little more.
Read also: Don’t be fooled by miracle beauty ads – this gimmick must stop
What is fungal meningitis?
Fungal meningitis is one of the most risky infections that can affect the human central nervous system. While it usually spreads beyond the meninges, which are the thin tissue layers surrounding the brain, it has traditionally been called fungal meningitis because of the significant inflammation that occurs in the brain and meninges. This condition causes a depression in the brain similar to encephalitis.
Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida species are the most common types of fungi that cause fungal meningitis. These organisms can infect people under specific circumstances and may be present in the environment in dirt, bird droppings, or decaying vegetation.
Read also: Is 30 a Good Age to Start Using Anti-Aging Products? Here are some tasks…
risk
There are several risk factors associated with fungal meningitis, including:
skin infection: Fungal infections on the skin can sometimes spread to the bloodstream and later reach the central nervous system, causing fungal meningitis. Individuals with a weak immune system are more prone to this type of infection.
weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, organ transplant recipients, or people taking immunosuppressive drugs, are more susceptible to fungal infections, including fungal meningitis.
Contaminated Injection: In some cases, outbreaks of fungal meningitis have occurred due to the use of contaminated injections. A notable example is the 2012 outbreak in the United States, which was linked to contaminated steroid injections.
Inhalation of fungal spores: In rare cases, fungal meningitis can develop when individuals inhale the fungal spores. This can happen in environments with high levels of fungal spores, such as construction sites or places with contaminated air-conditioning systems.
Symptom Fungal infections may include persistent headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, fever, back pain, hallucinations, and increased sensitivity to light.
When to see the doctor?
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if any of the symptoms of fungal meningitis occur. It is important to note that fungal meningitis is relatively rare compared to other forms of meningitis, such as viral or bacterial meningitis. However, it can turn into a serious condition and can even prove to be fatal. Patients must undergo necessary diagnostic tests for fungal meningitis under the guidance of a specialized doctor.
Several studies have highlighted complications associated with post-surgery tourism, where patients from South American and European countries travel for cosmetic surgery procedures. one 2017 Study published in Journal of Aesthetic Surgery Cases of cosmetic surgery tourism were found to increase post-surgery complications, even when patients were aware of the associated risks. This highlighted the need for standardized assessment and treatment protocols to ensure both cost-effectiveness and safety. A 2016 study, published in International Wound JournalFour cases of fungal infection were reported out of 1,000 patients in ICU Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka, In addition, a systematic review was published in Western Journal of Emergency Medicine (2020) stressed the need for discussion around plastic surgery complications among emergency physicians.
Fungal infections affecting the brain and spinal cord can be challenging to treat after surgery and are often considered curative. “devastating disease” and “life threatening if not treated immediately” If not treated immediately, it can cause life-threatening complications. Consequently, addressing this issue represents a significant public health challenge.
Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj is a Dermatologist, Anti-allergy specialist, Laser Surgeon and Internationally trained Esthetician. She tweets @dermatdoc. Thoughts are personal.
(Edited by Humra Laeek)