Objective: To introduce the applied anatomy of pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) graft and a series of histological changes in the healing process of BFP as an uncovered pedicled graft.
Methods: The healing processes of BFP are demonstrated via uncovered pedicled grafts on rabbits in histological examination. Uncovered buccal fat pads were used to repair soft tissue defects in rabbit oral cavities.
Results: The uncovered buccal fat pads showed complete epithelialization of their oral surfaces at 6 to 8 weeks after surgery and were slowly replaced by fibrous tissue.
Conclusions: Advantages of the pedicled buccal fat pad graft include an anatomic region that is consistent and easy to excise. The operation can be performed in one incision, affecting neither appearance nor function of the area. Use of the buccal fat pad provides a good reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the mouth.