Clinical Application of the Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap in Immediate Reconstruction of Oral Tissue Defects in Oral Surgery

Objective: The aim of this study was to present a new immediate reconstructive option for oral tissue defects with a pedicled buccal fat pad flap in oral surgery. Materials and Methods: Fifteen cases (10 males, 5 females; mean age: 50 years) suffering from oral tumor and attending the Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Kunming Medical University were included in this study. All patients underwent immediate repair surgery involving a pedicled buccal fat pad graft in oral surgery, from July 2013 to August 2016. Results: All cases underwent uneventful healing with a surviving graft flap. The buccal fat pad healed in about 9 to 10 weeks and its uncovered surface became epithelialized with similar feature to the normal mucosa. At a follow-up of 3 months to 3 years, a good outcome was obtained with minimal malfunction and face deformity. Conclusions: The pedicled buccal fat pad is ideal material for repair, and it is a viable option for immediate reconstruction of oral tissue defects in oral surgery.