Evaluation of Acellular Dermal Matrix Powder-Coated Breast Implants for the Reduction of Capsular Contracture in a Rabbit

Capsular contracture is a common complication following breast implant surgery and is primarily associated with peri-implant fibrotic responses. This study evaluated the effects of an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) powder-coated breast implant on capsular contracture-related outcomes using a rabbit model. Non-textured, smooth-surface breast implants coated with ADM powder were implanted into the subpectoral pocket, and peri-implant tissues were harvested 12 weeks after implantation. Capsule thickness was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, while fibrotic changes were evaluated by measuring collagen density in Masson’s trichrome (MT)-stained sections. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to examine the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Compared with non-textured smooth (NTS) surface breast implants, ADM powder-coated implants demonstrated reduced capsule thickness and collagen density, together with decreased expression of α-SMA and TGF-β. These results suggest that ADM powder coating may attenuate peri-implant fibrotic responses and serve as a feasible approach for reducing capsular contracture.