Effect of verapamil on reduction of peri-implant capsular thickness

Silicone is a material commonly used in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, but capsular formation is a very frequent complication of silicone implants. This study aimed to investigate whether verapamil, a calcium-channel blocker, can reduce the thickness of the peri-implant capsule in rats when it is instilled into the subcutaneous pockets. For this study, 60 female Wistar albino rats were used, and cubes of silicone blocks (10 x 10 x 5 mm) were crafted. The rats were divided into five groups of 12 each, and the groups were distinguished according to the use of silicone and artificially created hematoma relevant to administration of a single dose of 5 mg verapamil (Isoptin). The control group was left without silicone. In two of the four silicone groups, hematoma was artificially created around the silicone by a 1-ml injection of blood. The implants were removed 6 months later, and capsulectomy was performed. Under light microscopic examination, no severe inflammation was observed in any of the capsule tissues. Additionally, the thickness of the capsule was measured and found to be significantly reduced statistically in all the verapamil-treated groups, including the groups with the artificially created hematoma. In conclusion, based on the statistically significant data obtained in this study, subcutaneous verapamil administration may be a useful adjunct for preventing formation of capsular contracture after silicone implantations. This preliminary work in rats should be confirmed with larger mammals before carefully controlled clinical trials are considered.