Application of the buccal fat pad in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction: Review of 35 cases

The buccal fat pad has been frequently used for the closure of oroantral and oronasal communications. There are a few studies in the literature reporting its use in defects secondary to cyst and tumoral resections. In this paper we consider both the anatomical basis and the surgical technique. We also review 35 cases treated using BFP; 18 patients with oroantral communications, 10 with residual cystic defects, 5 with tumoral resections and in 2 for interpositional lining material in TMJ ankylosis. In all the patients, the defect was adequately repaired. There was partial loss of the flap in one case. It is an acceptable type of reconstruction, versatile and of a simple surgical technique. However, its use is limited to small or medium defects, being sometimes scarce.