Reconstruction of oral defects with the pedicled buccal fat pad flap.

Pedicled buccal fat pad flaps were used to reconstruct defects produced by resection of tumors of the oral cavity in 21 patients. The indications included defects of the oral mucosa and defects after excision of a benign or malignant tumor, preferably smaller than 5 cm in diameter. The results were excellent, and there was no added morbidity. Only 1 delay failure and 1 complication were observed. The anatomy and surgical technique are described. The results suggest that these flaps are a direct, convenient, and reliable option for the reconstruction of small defects of the oral mucosa.