New Tunneled Buccal Fat Pad Flap for Palatal Reconstruction

Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr. 2022 Mar;15(1):90-94. doi: 10.1177/1943387520988433. Epub 2021 Jan 19.

Abstract

In the palatal defects due to surgical resection, flap selection is very important for a correct reconstruction. Different methods have been suggested over the time, however the pedicled buccal fat pad is a simple, effective, reliable flap for reconstruction after palate tumor resection. The aim of the present study is to introduce a new surgical technique for palate reconstruction with pedicled buccal fat pad flap exposing the advantages. The Authors performed this procedure in 17 patients in order to treat medium-sized oncologic surgical defect of palate region in the period between 2016 and 2019. Complete wound healing after only 4 weeks without complication after 12 months follow-up was observed. This is the first cases series described with this new technique.

Keywords: buccal fat pad; oncologic reconstruction; oral reconstruction; tumor resection.