Rational and simplified nomenclature for buccinator myomucosal flaps
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Updated: Feb 22, 2026

Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Olindo Massarelli1, Luigi Angelo Vaira2, Andrea Biglio1
1Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Sassari University Hospital, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
Background:
Reconstruction of moderate-sized mucosal defects of the oral cavity or oropharynx represents a surgical challenge. Buccinator myomucosal flaps seem to provide "ideal reconstruction" of oral/oropharyngeal defects because they carry a thin, mobile, well-vascularized, and sensitive tissue, like that excised or lost. Nevertheless, these flaps are not immediately popular because of confusion surrounding the complex terminology used to name them.
Methods:
After a retrospective study on our experience and a literature review, the authors propose a new rational and simplified nomenclature for the classification of buccinator myomucosal flaps, which clarifies the source vessel, the composition of the flap, and the type of transfer.
Results:
According to this nomenclature, six types of buccinator myomucosal flaps are described.
Conclusions:
This proposed nomenclature may bring a consensus on the classification of buccinator myomucosal flaps and can help their spread.
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