Surgical anatomy of the human buccal fat pad (literature review)

Objective: to analyze current data on the surgical anatomy of the human buccal fat pad based on a review of domestic and foreign literature. Materials and methods. An analysis of scientific publications devoted to the study of anatomical structure, topography, functions and clinical application of the buccal fat pad (Bichat's fat pad) was conducted. Data on gross anatomy, histotopographic features, anatomical variations and agerelated changes of this structure were reviewed. Results. It was established that the buccal fat pad represents a specialized mass of adipose tissue consisting of three independent lobes (anterior, intermediate and posterior), each having its own capsule and blood supply. The structure is fixed by six ligaments to various anatomical formations of the facial skull. Contradictory data regarding morphometric parameters, topographic features and functional significance of the buccal fat pad in individuals of different sex and age were revealed. Wide application of this structure in reconstructive and plastic surgery for closure of oral cavity defects, maxillary reconstruction, treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis and aesthetic operations was demonstrated. Conclusion. Despite active study of the buccal fat pad, contradictory data on its anatomical structure, morphometric characteristics and functional significance persist in the literature. Further comprehensive studies using modern morphological methods are necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the surgical anatomy of this structure and optimize its clinical application.