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 incl uded defects of the oral mucosa and defects after excision of a benign or m alignant tumor, preferably smaller than 5 cm in diameter. The results were excellent, and there was no added morbidity, Only 1 delay failure and 1 com plication 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.