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The buccal fat pad flap in oral reconstruction
Author(s) -
Dean Alicia,
Alamillos Francisco,
GarcíaLópez Alicia,
Sánchez Juan,
Peñalba Manuel
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.1048
Subject(s) - buccal fat pad , medicine , buccal mucosa , oral cavity , surgery , buccal administration , resection , dentistry
Background The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique, indications, advantages, and possible complications of the buccal fat pad flap and to report our clinical experience with this flap for intraoral reconstruction after tumor removal. Methods The flap has been used to reconstruct oral defects after tumor resection in 32 patients, who have been retrospectively analyzed. Results Adequate closure of the defect was achieved during surgery in all cases. In one case, there was partial loss of the flap; this was treated conservatively. In five cases there was some retraction in the reconstructed area. Conclusions Buccal fat pad as a flap offers an adequate reconstructive option to be born in mind when reconstructing small to medium defects in the oral cavity. It is a simple and quick surgical technique with a low incidence of complications. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Head Neck 23: 383–388, 2001.