The role of buccal fat pad in orofacial reconstruction: our clinical experience.

OBJECTIVE: The pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) flap is used for closure of small to medium-sized orofacial defects. The epithelialization of the BFP occurs over 2 or 3 weeks without the necessity to cover it with skin grafts. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of pedicled BFP flap reconstruction of oral defects. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study between June 2025 and January 2026 included 77 patients with various medium-sized oral defects (up to 4-5 cm in diameter), who underwent reconstruction with the pedicled BFP flap. RESULTS: This study included 55 males and 22 females; their ages ranged from 3 to 70 years. Complete epithelialization was observed within 2-3 weeks postoperatively according to the extent of the defect. There were no complications (wound dehiscence, necrosis, or infections) or functional disorders during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicled BFP flap is a simple and minimally invasive surgery for reconstruction of various orofacial defects, with a short recovery time, minimal donor site morbidity, and it permits early initiation of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy after resection of malignant tumors.