Titanium-coated polypropylene mesh (TiLoop Bra®)—an effective prevention for capsular contracture?

Background Silicone implants have been used in breast augmentation for more than 45 years. Complications, in particular, capsular contracture, still occur with a high incidence. Titanium-coated polypropylene mesh (TCPM; TiLoop Bra®, pfm medical, Cologne, Germany) provides new opportunities for implant-based breast reconstruction. We investigated the influence of the surface of silicone implants on the formation of capsular contracture by comparing textured silicone with TCPM-covered smooth silicone implants. Methods Twenty textured silicone gel-filled (group A) and twenty TCPM-covered smooth silicone gel implants (group B) (Silimed®, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) were implanted in female Wistar rats. After 60 days, the implants and capsules were extracted, and histological and immunohistochemical staining was performed. The double-blind evaluation of the capsules was performed by two examiners. Results We were able to detect a thinner, but stiffer, capsule and a less development of an inner synovia metaplasia layer as well as a lower vascularity in capsules around TCPM-covered silicone implants. We found a higher percentage of myofibroblasts within the capsule structure and more inflammatory cell infiltration. Conclusions The quality of capsule structure around both tested implants differs significantly. Although capsules around TCPM-covered implants presented were thinner, they integrated with the mesh in a rigid cage structure capsule with higher infiltration of inflammatory cells caused by a significant foreign body reaction. TCPM-covered silicone implants showed no apparent advantage in the reduction of capsular contracture. On the other hand, the indication for using this material as a supportive soft tissue structure can be confirmed. Level of Evidence: not ratable, experimental study.