Buccal Fat Pad
Pronunciation: BUK-ul fat pad
A discrete encapsulated mass of adipose tissue located in the cheek, occasionally harvested as a pedicled flap to close oral defects after surgery.
Full Definition
The buccal fat pad (corpus adiposum buccae) is a well-defined lobule of fat situated between the buccinator and masseter muscles. In oral surgery texts, it is most commonly referenced as a local rotation flap used to close oroantral communications or palatal defects. Editors should note that 'buccal fat pad' is always lowercase except at sentence start, and 'buccal' refers to the cheek, not the oral mucosa generally. The structure is distinct from general facial subcutaneous fat and must not be described interchangeably with it. Documentation of its use requires precise anatomical description of the pedicle's origin and rotation arc.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse 'buccal fat pad' with the 'buccal space' (an anatomical compartment); they are distinct structures. Hyphenate as modifier: 'buccal-fat-pad flap'.
In Context
- "The surgeon mobilised the buccal fat pad as a pedicled flap to obliterate the oroantral fistula." — Operative report
- "Postoperative instructions should note that temporary fullness of the cheek is expected following buccal fat pad rotation." — Patient information leaflet