Simple Technique for Reducing the Buccal Fat Pad During Mandibular Orthognathic Surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthognathic Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Sagittal split ramus osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy are standard procedures for correcting jaw deformities.
• Exposure of the buccal fat pad (BFP) during these mandibular orthognathic surgeries can compromise the surgical field.
• An exposed BFP complicates surgery, potentially leading to adverse outcomes and increased operative time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simple, safe, and effective method for managing exposed buccal fat pad (BFP) during orthognathic surgery.
• To describe a technique that reduces BFP volume to enhance the surgical field and facilitate complex mandibular procedures.

Main Methods:

• A novel technique utilizing an electric knife in coagulation mode is described for intraoperative BFP volume reduction.
• The method focuses on managing BFP exposure encountered during sagittal split ramus osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy.

Main Results:

• The described technique provides a straightforward approach to decrease the volume of the exposed buccal fat pad.
• This method aims to improve visualization and accessibility within the surgical site during orthognathic procedures.

Conclusions:

• Employing an electric knife in coagulation mode offers a convenient solution for reducing buccal fat pad volume during mandibular orthognathic surgery.
• This technique can mitigate surgical field obstruction, potentially reducing complications and operative duration in these common jaw correction procedures.