Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy

, Volume 32, Issue 5, pp 427–436 | Cite as

A review of the gross anatomy, functions, pathology, and clinical uses of the buccal fat pad

  • Saad Yousuf
  • R. Shane Tubbs
  • Christopher T. Wartmann
  • Theodoros Kapos
  • Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol
  • Marios Loukas
Review
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

The buccal fat pad is a trigone-shaped adipose tissue located in the cheek that assumes numerous functional and aesthetic clinical uses. It has been studied extensively within the past four decades, and its use in repairing common and debilitating oral defects is the motive for continued research on this topic. It is vital to understand the etiology of any oral defect or of a lesion of the buccal fat pad, for a misdiagnosis can prevent effective treatment of the underlying problem. In this review, we describe the embryology and anatomy of the buccal fat and its association with clinical condition and clinical procedures.

Keywords

Buccal fat pad Cleft palate Buccal fat pad lipoma Buccal fat pad herniation 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2009

Authors and Affiliations

  • Saad Yousuf
    • 1
  • R. Shane Tubbs
    • 2
  • Christopher T. Wartmann
    • 3
  • Theodoros Kapos
    • 4
  • Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol
    • 5
  • Marios Loukas
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of MedicineSt. George’s UniversityGrenadaWest Indies
  2. 2.Pediatric NeurosurgeryChildren’s HospitalBirminghamUSA
  3. 3.Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck SurgeryUniversity of Maryland Medical CenterBaltimoreUSA
  4. 4.Department of Biomaterials and Advanced ProsthodonticsHarvard School of Dental MedicineBostonUSA
  5. 5.Clarian Neurosurgical Group and Department of NeurosurgeryIndianapolisUSA

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