Necrotizing fasciitis of the face and neck.

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare infection in the surgical and infectious medical services, but when it is present, in most cases, the affected areas are the lower extremities and the abdominal and thoracic walls, and more frequently in perineum and genital areas, which is commonly known as Fournier's gangrene. This type of infection is extremely rare in the face and neck, because the great vascularity in these regions makes the tissues rarely susceptible to ischemia and infection, even when large flaps are lifted in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. We present a case of necrotizing fasciitis in face and neck, with emphasis on the medical and surgical treatment that should be based on antibiotic therapy of broad spectrum; secondary reconstructive procedures should be planned.