Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] is also termed as “Syssarcosis” as it enhances intermuscular motion in cheek region.1 It is also refered as “la boule de Bichat”.2
It is very commonly used for the management of Oro-antral communications. It is also used as graft for reconstruction of intra-oral defects.
Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] is a versatile, reliable & consistent method for reconstruction of oral defects upto 5 cm in diameter. Buccal Fat Pad is easy to mobilize. Defects present in the palate region, buccal region, posterior maxilla and retromolar region can be covered surgically with the use of buccal fat pad.1, 3, 2 It is a simple treatment option for many congenital as well as acquired defects which takes place in maxillofacial area.4 BFP can be used for facial augmentation procedures, surgical management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis, repair of Oro-antral Communications after dental extractions. Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] plays an important role in the facial contour.1
Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] has 4 anatomic extensions, i.e, temporal, buccal, pterygoid, maxillary.1, 2 Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] consists of 3 lobes, i.e, anterior, posterior & intermediate.5 Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] is located in between the masticatory spaces and in close to Stenson's duct.3 Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] is located in between mandibular ramus & buccinator muscle. Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] is an encapsulated by fascial capsule.3, 2 Approximately 7cm*4cm*3cm sized pedicled grafts can be provided by BFP. Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] weighs about 9.3gm and its volume is 9.6ml.1 Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] has an excellent blood supply from branches of maxillary artey, sup.temporal artery, facial artery.1, 3 Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] can be used as an axial-pattern pedicled flap.
Buccal Fat Pad [BFP] is easy to harvest and simple procedure with minimal complication rates. Epithelialisation of buccal fat pad takes place about 6 weeks.5 Facial nerve injury, hematoma, partial necrosis and infection are the potential complications of buccal fat pad reconstruction.1, 4
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