title: Application of the buccal fat pad in oral reconstruction.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, University of Vienna, Austria. Arnulf.Baumann@akh-wien.ac.at
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Baumann
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ewers
mesh_terms: 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