Bacteroides fragilis Abscess Associated With Fat Necrosis Following Breast Augmentation With Autologous Fat Grafting: A Case Report With Review of the Literature
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is a popular breast augmentation procedure characterized by high patient satisfaction and low complication rates.Infectious complications are uncommon with this technique, and gram-positive organisms are the predominant pathogens responsible for most cases.We report a rare case of abscess formation due to Bacteroides fragilis infection occurring in the setting of presumed fat necrosis following AFG, as indicated by ultrasound imaging and plastic surgery evaluation.A 52-year-old woman developed a postoperative infection after AFG and abdominal liposuction despite receiving ciprofloxacin for prevention of infectious complications.Initial imaging suggested postsurgical changes, and she was treated with oral amoxicillin-clavulanate.She re-presented two weeks later with fever and worsening bilateral breast pain; repeat imaging revealed bilateral rim-enhancing fluid collections.Aspiration cultures grew Bacteroides fragilis.The patient initially improved with intravenous (IV) antibiotics followed by oral metronidazole; cefadroxil was additionally prescribed to provide empiric coverage for grampositive organisms, given prior antibiotic exposure that may have affected culture results.However, the patient subsequently developed recurrent disease and ultimately required incision and drainage.This case highlights a rare anaerobic infection after AFG and emphasizes the need for early recognition and appropriate antimicrobial coverage.
Source: Cureus
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Northwell Health
OpenAlex ID: W7213891402