Application of the buccal fat pad in oral reconstruction.
OBJECTIVE
This report evaluates the use of the buccal fat pad in reconstruction of defects of the hard and soft palate.


METHODS
Twenty-nine patients with different indications (oroantral fistula, tumor of the hard and soft palate, posterior fistula in cleft patients, covering of bone transplants in augmentation procedure) were treated with a pedicled buccal fat pad without lining. The maximum reconstructed defect was 5.5 x 4 cm.


RESULTS
All inserted fat grafts healed well without any aesthetic disturbances. The surface of the fat converted to normal mucosa.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the buccal fat pad is a safe and easy method to reconstruct defects in the posterior maxilla and soft palate. Good vascularization, ease of access, and minimal donor site morbidity make it a reliable soft tissue graft.
Baumann
A
A
Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, University of Vienna, Austria. Arnulf.Baumann@akh-wien.ac.at
Ewers
R
R
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002610:Cheek; D002648:Child; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009957:Oroantral Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D010157:Palatal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome