The Impact of Verapamil Gel on Efficiency of Tissue Expander Device in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

BACKGROUND  One of the weaknesses of recovering the skin defects by tissue expander device is that it needs relatively long time and it has complications. Since verapamil gel reduces the production of these capsules around silicone prosthesis and reduces the formation of collagen in the capsule areas. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of verapamil gel on efficiency of tissue expander device. METHODS Twenty patients were allocated equally into control and case groups based on age, sex, and location of the device. In both groups, the devices were placed in the areas needed and the conditions were identical. During the first operation, the length and width of the flaps and the initial size of prosthesis were determined. In the case group, verapamil gel was used daily, while a hydrogel was used as placebo locally in the control group. Then, other indicators were assessed. RESULTS Verapamil gel had no impact on the length, width, area, and size of placed flaps. The opening degree and necrosis of tissue were not improved in patients of case group after using the gel. The effect of verapamil gel in different age groups and gender of people had no significant difference. CONCLUSION Verapamil gel was shown not to have any significant impact on efficiency of tissue expander device.