Immediate reconstruction of mucous membrane defect with uncovered buccal fat pad

Objective: To investigate the reconstruction of mucous membrane defects.Methods: Fifty mucous membrane defects in different parts were repaired with the pedicled uncovered buccal fat pad graft.The defects of 20 cases were in the buccal area,18 cases in the soft palate and posterior-superior alveolar process,5 cases in the molar backside,2 cases in the pharynx and 5 cases in the oroantral fistula.Results: All the uncovered buccal fat pads survived.The wound took about 2-3 weeks to heal and its surface became epithelialiced after 4-6 weeks.Conclusions: As the nocovered buccal fat pad is located in the mouth,it is easy to excise and the operation can be completed by only one incision.It has the advantages of good appearance and minimal functional loss.It is a simply and useful method for immediate reconstruction of local mucous membrane defects.