Buccal Fat Advancement-Transposition Flap for Reconstruction of Midface Volume Defects.

Background

The buccal fat pad (BFP) has previously been utilized for repair of various defects of the head and neck.

Objectives

We explore the utility of a pedicled buccal fat advancement-transposition (BFAT) flap in various forms of midface reconstruction through a variety of surgical approaches and characterize its volume and axial reach in human anatomic specimens.

Methods

Ten adult full-head human anatomic specimens were dissected, and a single surgical case demonstrating the use of a BFAT flap is described.

Results

Nasolabial, subciliary, and deep plane facelift incisions all provided access to the BFP for use as a BFAT flap. The mean volume of mobilizable fat contained within a BFAT flap accessible through external incision was 7.1 cm3. Once fully mobilized, the externalized BFAT flap had a mean axial reach of 6.9 cm without tension. We also present a case illustrating the successful use of a BFAT flap for volumization of a large midface defect secondary to Mohs micrographic surgical resection of a cutaneous malignancy. Discussion: The BFAT flap, which exhibited substantial volume and reach in this study, can be harvested through multiple dissection windows or pre-existing defects and be used to reconstruct a variety of midface defects.