The Use of the Buccal Fat Pad for Reconstruction of Oral Defects: Review of the Literature and Report of Cases

Abstract

Although the buccal fat pad (BFP) was originally used as an alternative method for the closure of small to medium-sized oroantral and oronasal communications, its use has now been extended to use after excision of oral pre malignant lesions. This report describes experience with this technique

Odontogenic myxoma of the maxilla: surgical management and case report

“…Most authors advocate immediate reconstruction following resection [1]. In paediatric patients this may involve primary reconstruction with buccal fat pad to address mucosal defects and autogenous bone graft to repair vital structures such as the infra-orbital rim [15]. Large defects ([5 cm) require placement of a primary prosthodontic obturator, followed by a final obturator [7].…”

The endonasal endoscopic harvest and anatomy of the buccal fat pad flap for closure of skull base defects

“…The BFP has been employed as a reconstructive tool via multiple techniques for a variety of defects. It has played a role reconstructing intraoral defects via an intraoral incision in the buccal gingiva . It has also played a role in altering cosmetic facial contour .…”

“…It has played a role reconstructing intraoral defects via an intraoral incision in the buccal gingiva. 15 It has also played a role in altering cosmetic facial contour. 17 The BFP has also been used to reconstruct skull base defects via external, nonendoscopic means.…”

“…14 The BFP flap has been previously described for repair of skull base defects after open skull base surgery, and is frequently used for defects of the oral cavity. 15 However, harvest of the flap and the vascular pedicle have previously been achieved through the open access of a craniofacial resection or a transoral buccal incision. The present study was undertaken to describe the endoscopic transnasal harvest of the BFP, identify the vascular pedicle, and assess the ability of the buccal fat pad to cover defects of the ventral skull base through this approach.…”

Successful Epithelialization Using the Buccal Fat Pad Pedicle in Stage 3 Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

“…Some authors have successfully used it for wider defects measuring 7×5×2 cm and seen successful healing 11,13,16) , but most authors re commend 5×4 cm medium-sized defects 11) . Ten sion-free sutures must be produced to avoid partial necrosis at the edges, and tension-free precise margins, to reduce unfavorable intraoral esthetics 20) . Taking several factors into consideration, we found no major complications after the surgery.…”