Use of Buccal Fat Pad Flap: A Good Reconstructive Option for Oral Mucosal Defects

Abstract

Background: Various congenital and acquired defects affect the different sites of oral cavity. There are multitude of reconstructive options available for oral cavity defects, but for smaller oral mucosal defects many local flaps does not suite due to peculiar & difficult intraoral sites while regional and free flaps become too sophisticated and difficult to harvest. For such instances, buccal fat pad flap could be a good reconstructive option for small mucosal defects of the oral cavity. Objective: To evaluate the outcome of buccal pad of flap for reconstruction of oral mucosal defects. Methods: In this case series, Buccal Fat Pad (BFP) was utilized in 33 patients with different indications of oral mucosal defects. All defects were not more than 5x3cm. After application of flap, patients were evaluated for infection, wound dehiscence, loss of flap whether partial or complete, recurrence and epithelization. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 22, INC, Chicago USA. Results: Epithelization was complete in 29 patients (87.8%) 6 weeks postoperatively. Partial flap loss was seen in 2 patients (6.06%). Complete flap loss was also noted in 2 patients (6.06%). Infection occurred in 4 patients who had large maxillary defects on 3rd post op day. Wound dehiscence occurred in one (3.03%) patient only which was left for secondary healing. None of the patients developed trismus (limited mouth opening), esthetic problem, facial paralysis or parotid duct stenosis. Conclusion: The Buccal Fat Pad (BFP) flap is a simplistic and reliable local flap for the reconstruction of various intraoral mucosal defects due to its rich blood supply, minimal dissection, ease of harvesting and close proximity to the oral cavity defect.