Bpc-157 Peptide Therapy and Its Effect on Post-Operative Healing Following Abdominoplasty.
BPC-157 is a human gastric juice-derived peptide made of 16 amino acids. This protein is commonly referred to as body protection compound. Studies of BPC-157 have shown promising effects on tissue healing including soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. We sought to explore the benefits of BPC-157 as it pertains to healing following an abdominoplasty alone or in combination with breast surgery. We suspect that intravenous administration of BPC-157 leads to faster healing, quicker return to activities of daily living, and better scarring.
Methods/Technique: Data was collected on patients undergoing either abdominoplasty alone or abdominoplasty in combination with breast surgery performed at South Coast Plastic Surgery from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 by the senior author. Patients were identified through Nextech, the electronic medical record system at the practice. A 10-question survey was created via SurveyMonkey and was distributed to patients by email and phone number. These questions focused on their perceived healing and return to activities of daily living. Data was collected and analyzed. Survey responses were scored on a scale of 1-6 or 1-3 based on the question, with lower scores indicating better healing. These scores were totaled to determine how well the patient healed. Chart review was also performed, collecting data on post-operative course and any wound healing problems were noted.
Results/Complications: A total of 62 patients were surveyed with 25 respondents for a response rate of 40.3%. Average age was 40. No respondents had a history of diabetes. One patient had a history of smoking. One patient was on immunosuppressives. The abdominoplasty with BPC group had an average score of 22.5 (out of 39). The combined breast- abdominoplasty group with BPC group had an average score of 18.6. The abdominoplasty without BPC group had an average score of 22.9. The combined breast- abdominoplasty group without BPC group had an average score of 16.1. When combining these groups into BPC or no BPC, the BPC group averaged 21.2 and the no BPC group averaged 20.0. Forty-two percent of the no BPC group felt they healed faster than expected. Fifty-five percent of the BPC group felt they healed faster than expected. Seventy-one percent of the BPC group felt they scarred very well whereas only fifty-eight percent of the no BPC felt they scarred very well.
Conclusion: Our data revealed that patients receiving IV therapy with BPC following an abdominoplasty or mommy makeover surgery felt they healed faster and scarred better than expected compared to those that did not receive BPC. However, when scored on return to activities of daily living, there was little difference between the two groups. Limitations of the study include single surgeon, single institution study as well as small sample size. Another limitation is the subjective nature of the survey questions and responses. BPC-157 has potential benefits with regards to post-surgical healing however more data will need to be obtained with a larger patient cohort in order to gleam more definitive conclusions.