Five U.S. residents develop infections after facelift surgery in Mexico

At least five U.S. residents developed nontuberculous mycobacteria infections after facelift surgery at the same surgical center in Zapopan, Mexico, according to an investigation published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. All sought treatment in the United States, and no deaths occurred. Some patients are still receiving medication or undergoing procedures for drainage, scarring and disfigurement.

The CDC confirmed Mycobacterium abscessus of the same sequence type in three patients. Two others had Mycobacterium fortuitum and M. abscessus infections. The median interval from surgery to symptom onset was 33 days. During a February 2026 inspection, investigators found lapses in surgical instrument sterilization. The operating area was closed and instruments were confiscated. The CDC and Mexico’s Ministry of Health are continuing their investigation and seeking information about U.S. residents treated at the facility.