Interrelated Buccal Fat Pad With Facial Buccal Branches and Parotid Duct

CORE High-SMAS Extended Deep Plane Facelift Technique: How it Evolved

Extended deep plane techniques have become the benchmark of facelift surgery. Yet these techniques assume release of the medial most of zygomatic retaining ligaments, which makes them rather complex and highly dependent on training and experience. In this article, we will review and describe the adapted extended high-superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) approach of the author and discuss the obstacles that can be encountered mastering this technique.

Buccal Fat Advancement-Transposition Flap for Reconstruction of Midface Volume Defects

Background: The buccal fat pad (BFP) has previously been utilized for repair of various defects of the head and neck. Objectives: We explore the utility of a pedicled buccal fat advancement-transposition (BFAT) flap in various forms of midface reconstruction through a variety of surgical approaches and characterize its volume and axial reach in human anatomic specimens. Methods: Ten adult full-head human anatomic specimens were dissected, and a single surgical case demonstrating the use of a BFAT flap is described. Results: Nasolabial, subciliary, and deep plane facelift incisions all provided access to the BFP for use as a BFAT flap. The mean volume of mobilizable fat contained within a BFAT flap accessible through external incision was 7.1 cm3. Once fully mobilized, the externalized BFAT flap had a mean axial reach of 6.9 cm without tension. We also present a case illustrating the successful use of a BFAT flap for volumization of a large midface defect secondary to Mohs micrographic surgical resection of a cutaneous malignancy. Discussion: The BFAT flap, which exhibited substantial volume and reach in this study, can be harvested through multiple dissection windows or pre-existing defects and be used to reconstruct a variety of midface defects.

Buccal Fat Pad Augmentation for Midfacial Rejuvenation: Modified Fat Grafting Technique and Ogee Line Remodeling

BACKGROUND

The volume and position of the buccal fat pad (BFP) change with age, which manifests as a hollow midface. Previous studies showed that autologous fat grafting for BFP augmentation could effectively ameliorate midfacial hollowing.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to introduce a modified fat grafting technique for female patients with midfacial hollowing to restore the volume of BFP, and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this approach.

METHODS

Two cadavers were used for the dissection of the BFP and to demonstrate the surgical procedures. Forty-eight patients were treated for midfacial hollowing with the modified grafting strategy. The BFP was filled through a percutaneous zygomatic incision and an immediate amelioration in the hollow area was observed. Improvements were evaluated from measurements of the ogee line and ogee angle, FACE-Q questionnaires, and 3-party satisfaction ratings. Clinical profiles were reviewed and statistically analysed.

RESULTS

The mean [standard deviation] ogee angle was 6.6° [1.9°] preoperatively and 3.9° [1.4°] postoperatively (average reduction, 2.7°). Patients' ogee lines were smoother postoperatively, with marked improvements in overall appearance, psychological well-being, and social confidence. Patients reported high satisfaction with decision-making and postoperative outcomes and felt 6.61 [2.21] years younger. Overall, 88%, 76%, and 83% of the cases were graded as good or excellent in improvement by surgeon, patient, and the third party, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

For age-dependent midfacial hollowing in female patients, the modified percutaneous grafting technique described here was safe and efficacious in restoring BFP volume. This technique produced a smoother ogee line and a natural, younger midfacial contour.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Imaging Features and Complications of Facial Cosmetic Procedures

Facial aesthetic procedures have become increasingly popular and complex, making knowledge of facial anatomy crucial for achieving desired outcomes without complications. Some of the most common procedures include blepharoplasty, bichectomy, face-lifts, facial implants, thread lifting, and fillers. Blepharoplasty and bichectomy are surgical procedures that respectively aim to restore youthful contours to the periorbita and create a slimmer lower face by removing Bichat fat from the maxillofacial region. Facial implants are used for aesthetic augmentation of the skeletal structure and restoration of facial contour by using biomaterials or autogenous bone grafts. Face-lift surgeries involve incisions and removal of excess skin, and thread lifts involve less invasive procedures performed by inserting threads beneath the skin, with the aim to lift the skin and thus reduce wrinkles and sagging. Fillers improve wrinkles and loss of facial volume, with biologic types made from animal, human, or bacterial sources (such as hyaluronic acid), while synthetic fillers include substances such as paraffin, silicone, calcium hydroxyapatite, polymethylmethacrylate microspheres, polyacrylamide hydrogel, hydroxyethyl-ethyl methacrylate, and poly-l-lactic acid. Synthetic fillers can be classified as rapidly resorbable (<12 months), slowly resorbable (<24 months), or permanent. Imaging modalities such as US, CT, and MRI can help identify and analyze each type of facial aesthetic procedure or filler, as well as their possible complications such as foreign-body granuloma, noninflammatory nodule, late intermittent persistent edema, filler migration, infection, or complications after removal of the buccal fat pad. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center The online slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article.

Success Rate of Buccal Fat Pad Removal in Cases of Previous Injection Lipolysis of the Cheeks: A Comparative Analysis

Background

Although buccal fat pad removal for facial slimming has a high success rate, fibrosis in patients with a history of cheek injection lipolysis may pose challenges. Therefore, we evaluated the success rate and procedure-related complications of buccal fat pad removal in patients with a history of cheek injection lipolysis.

Methods

Patients who underwent buccal fat pad removal between September 2016 and February 2020 were categorized according to a history of lipolysis (injection lipolysis group versus control group). The primary and secondary outcomes were the success rate of buccal fat pad removal and the incidence of procedure-related complications, respectively.

Results

The study sample comprised 100 patients (14 men; 86 women; mean age, 27.49 ± 6.26 years; mean follow-up duration, 7.41 months), with 61 patients (nine men; 52 women) in the injection lipolysis group and 39 patients (five men; 34 women) in the control group. The mean buccal fat pad weight did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the success rate was 91.8% (56/61 patients) and 100% (39/39 patients) in the injection lipolysis and control groups, respectively. Complications were exclusively observed in the injection lipolysis group [8/122 cheeks (6.6%); control group, 0/78 cheeks (0%)].

Conclusions

Buccal fat pad removal effectively enhances the aesthetic appearance of the lower face. However, in patients with a history of cheek injection lipolysis, the success rate of buccal fat pad removal is lower, and the incidence of complications is significantly higher. Consequently, caution should be exercised when performing this procedure in specific patient populations.

Anatomical knowledge of zygomatico-buccal plexus in a cadaveric study

The details of the facial nerve pattern were clearly explained in the parotid gland (PG), lateral area of the face, and periorbital areas to prevent the unexpected outcome of medical intervention. However, it remains unclear whether information about the zygomatico-buccal plexus (ZBP) in the masseteric and buccal regions. Therefore, this study aimed to help clinicians avoid this ZBP injury by predicting their common location. This study was conducted in forty-two hemifaces of twenty-nine embalmed cadavers by conventional dissection. The characteristics of the buccal branch (BB) and the ZBP were investigated in the mid-face region. The results presented that the BB gave 2-5 branches to emerge from the PG. According to the masseteric and buccal regions, the BB were arranged into ZBP in three patterns including an incomplete loop (11.9%), a single-loop (31.0%), and a multi-loop (57.1%). The mean distance and diameter of the medial line of the ZBP at the corner of the mouth level were 31.6 (6.7) and 1.5 (0.6) mm respectively, while at the alar base level were 22.5 (4.3) and 1.1 (0.6) mm respectively. Moreover, the angular nerve arose from the superior portion of the ZBP at the alar base level. The BB formed a multiloop mostly and showed a constant medial line of ZBP in an area approximately 30 mm lateral to the corner of the mouth, and 20 mm lateral to the alar base. Therefore, it is recommended that physicians should be very careful when performing facial rejuvenation in the mid-face region.

Essential Surgical Anatomy for Facelift

It is crucial for a facelift surgeon to have a comprehensive understanding of ageing-related changes on the volume, elasticity, and relative position of various facial tissues and layers. These changes lead to an alteration in the surface topography, contour, and ultimately shape of the face. The depressions and sagging of tissues created as a result of ageing then has a bearing on one's perceived age. This article describes the various layers of the face and neck affected by ageing. The fat compartments, superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), potential facial spaces, facial ligaments, and facial nerve are discussed in detail. Safe and effective execution of facelift requires a thorough understanding of the intricate relationship between the various layers of face and neck, in particular the path of facial nerve, as it negotiates between these layers. The emphasis of this article is on integrating this knowledge to generate practical tips for safe dissection, effective tissue movement, and repositioning during various type of facelift procedures.

Effectiveness of bandage in the incidence of major complications on bichectomy: literature review and case series of 643 bichectomies

Buccal fat pad removal or bichectomy is an esthetic surgical procedure that is gaining notoriety and increasing number worldwide. This paper aims to discuss the effectiveness of bandage in bichectomy postoperative concerning major complications like bleeding and subcutaneous emphysema. This is a retrospective case series according to PROCESS guidelines of 643 bichectomy surgeries performed by two different surgeons with the same technique from January 2018 until December 2020. Effectiveness of bandage is evaluated in complications rate decrease with statistical tests (p < 0.05). A literature review was performed to sediment knowledge about this theme. Female patients search for buccal fat pad removal more for esthetic reasons and male patients for functional purposes. Bichectomy has a low incidence of major complications, and this incidence decreases more with a bandage use (95%CI). Bandages are effective in the decrease of major complications related to bichectomy.

Favorable Transverse Maxillary Development after Covering the Lateral Raw Surfaces with Buccal Fat Flaps in Modified Furlow Palatoplasty: A 3D Imaging-Assisted Long-Term Comparative Outcome Study

BACKGROUND

The pedicled buccal fat flap has recently been applied to cover the lateral raw surfaces during palatoplasty as an attempt to mitigate scar-induced transverse maxillary constriction during growth, but with no formal long-term comparative analysis. This 3D imaging-assisted study assessed its impact on posterior transverse maxillary development.

METHODS

Cone beam computerized tomography scans from patients with unilateral cleft lip, alveolus and palate who received buccal fat flap (buccal fat group; n=22) or Surgicel (Surgicel group; n=32) for covering lateral raw surfaces during modified Furlow palatoplasty at 9-10 months old and had reached 9 years old were retrieved for analysis. Patients with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (non-palatoplasty group; n=24) were also included for comparison. Using 3D maxillary image models, linear (U6T-MSP and U6J-MSP) and area measurements were calculated for cleft and non-cleft posterior maxillary sides as well as for total posterior transverse maxillary dimension.

RESULTS

The buccal fat group had significantly (all p<0.05) wider dimensions compared with the Surgicel group for all transverse maxillary measurements on both the cleft and non-cleft sides, with exception for U6J-MSP and posterior palatal area parameters on the cleft side (p>0.05). The buccal fat group had significantly (all p<0.05) wider total transverse maxillary dimensions compared with Surgicel and non-palatoplasty groups.

CONCLUSION

Covering the lateral raw surfaces with buccal fat flaps resulted in less posterior transverse maxillary constriction compared with the Surgicel-based covering procedure.

An Algorithmic Approach to Managing Parotid Duct Injury Following Buccal Fat Pad Removal

The principles of achieving an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious facial appearance are influenced by our evolving understanding of the three-dimensional topography of the face coupled with novel approaches to midface volumization and contouring. In parallel with the evolving landscape of facial aesthetic surgery, an increasing number of publications have emerged focusing on the role of intraoral buccal fat pad removal (BFPR) for the purposes of aesthetic midface contouring. The authors sought to emphasize an underreported and potentially preventable and untoward complication involving iatrogenic parotid duct injury following BFPR. The purpose of this publication is 3-fold: (1) to review the relevant anatomy and literature on intraoral BFPR, (2) to present a case example of this complication, and (3) to discuss treatment options as part of a proposed management algorithm. The authors detail the surgical indications for performing BFPR and review the relevant anatomic considerations. Complication prevention strategies are outlined, and details regarding avoidance of parotid duct injury are reviewed. The diagnostic criteria and clinical presentation of parotid duct injuries following BFPR are comprehensively outlined. The authors present a clinically actionable algorithm for managing a suspected or diagnosed parotid duct injury following BFPR. A clinical case example is discussed to highlight this complication, the diagnostic criteria, and the systematic and algorithmic approach to management. Intraoral BFPR is an incredibly valuable and powerful procedure that can improve facial contour in patients with buccal lipodystrophy or buccal fat pad pseudoherniation. The authors propose a proper diagnostic approach and treatment algorithm to manage this untoward complication.

Level of Evidence 5

The Anatomic Landmark Approach to Extratemporal Facial Nerve Repair in Facial Trauma

Objective

In this study, we aimed to examine the topical anatomic landmarks of the facial nerve (facial nerve areas) and their application in cases of extratemporal facial nerve injury in maxillofacial trauma.

Materials and methods

We analyzed 25 maxillofacial trauma patients with facial paralysis who underwent facial nerve reanimation surgery at the Ho Chi Minh City National Hospital of Odonto-Stomatology. The characteristics of each trauma case, including the mechanism of injury, the length of the facial injury, and the location/position of injury, were recorded. The association of the injured nerves with the trauma characteristics and the external landmarks of the facial danger zones was analyzed.

Results

The buccal branches had the highest rate of paralysis (22/25 cases), followed by zygomatic branches (15/25), frontal branches (11/25), marginal branches (6/25), and the main trunk (1/25). There were four areas related to the external facial nerve landmarks (facial nerve areas) that helped us find the affected nerves: wounds in Area 1 resulted in frontal branch paralysis in five out of eight cases (62.5%); wounds in Area 2 resulted in zygomatic branch paralysis in 8/13 cases (61.5%) and buccal branch paralysis in 12/12 cases (100%); wounds in Area 3 resulted in marginal branch paralysis in 5/10 cases (50%); and wounds in Area 4 alone resulted in main trunk paralysis in one out of four cases or at least two main branches in three out of four cases.

Conclusion

Extratemporal facial paralysis after facial trauma can be complex and highly variable, leading to difficulty in finding and repairing facial nerves. Thorough clinical examination and evaluation of trauma characteristics can aid in the identification of facial paralysis and repair. Mapping facial wounds using the four anatomic surface landmarks (Areas 1-4 as outlined in this research) helped us anticipate which branches might be traumatized and estimate the position of the distal and proximal endings to repair the nerves in all cases.

Precise localization of parotid duct: a cadaveric study

This study aimed to determine the precise localization and course of parotid duct based on morphometric data obtained by measurements regarding several superficial landmarks and lines. Totally, 46 parotid ducts of 24 formalin-fixed adult amputated heads (12 female and 12 male) aged between 45 and 92 years, present in the collection of Anatomy Department, School of Medicine, Mersin University, were evaluated. First, three reference lines were defined: L1: between intertragic notch and labial commissure, L2: between intertragic notch and nasal wing, and L3: between intertragic notch and lateral palpebral commissure. The location of the parotid duct with respect to these lines were recorded. In all sides, parotid duct was detected in the middle 1/3 of L1. In 71.7% of all hemifaces, the parotid duct was making an upward curve around L1. Its proximal end exiting from the anterior border of the parotid gland was 12.34 ± 28.83 mm below the proximal 1/3 point of L1. Then, it was crossing L1 at a point with a mean distance of 53.90 ± 9.69 mm from the labial commissure where it is almost at L1 midpoint. Its distal end was located 9.61 ± 2.88 mm above the distal 1/3 point of L1. In 21.7% of all hemifaces, PD was observed totally above L1, while the shortest distances of its proximal and distal ends to L1 were 4.35 ± 2.45 mm and 13.17 ± 4.52 mm, respectively. In 6.5% of all hemifaces, its proximal end was located just on L1, coursing upwards and terminating 11.76 ± 2.53 mm above L1.

Buccal fat pad excision for cheek refinement: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Buccal Fat Pad (BFP) excision has become an aesthetic surgical procedure. Although this procedure is quite common, it is important to bear in mind that the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of this treatment is scarce and of low quality. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyse all relevant data to assess the efficacy and safety of BFP excision for improving midface aesthetics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A thorough search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus and Cochrane Library databases was conducted. The PICO approach was used where healthy patients seeking cheek slimming and facial silhouette refining undergo BFP excision and were compared before and after surgery in terms of BFP volume reduction, adverse effects and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Of the 1,413 references identified, 4 were included in the qualitative synthesis. Only one study reported BFP volume reduction, which was 3.10 mL (95%CI: 2.38 to 3.80; P < 0.001), and the mean volume of the excised tissue was 2.74 ± 0.69 mL (range, 1.8-4.9 mL). 84.6% of the patients stated that their facial contour was much better and the remaining 15.4% noticed that the appearance of their cheeks following BFP excision was better. Seven complications were reported in the 134 cheek refinement procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

BFP removal has an initially favorable outcome for facial aesthetics and a low postoperative complication rate, however, there are many procedures being performed with poor quality methodology and there is also a lack of published data on its long-term follow-up results.

Management of Complications Related to Removal of the Buccal Fat Pad

ABSTRACT

Removal of the buccal fat pad (BFP) is an important topic of discussion in the literature. Several studies have reported improvements in facial esthetics as a result of this technique. The BFP is close to vital structures, such as the facial nerve, parotid duct, and vessels. Injuries related to these structures may occur during the surgical procedure. This manuscript aimed to report and discuss 2 clinical cases of the complications after removal of the BFP. Besides the case presentation, a comprehensive review of the literature was also provided. The reported cases were 2 patients aged 31 and 38 years who were attended by the oral and maxillofacial surgery teams after a complication in the BFP surgery. The first case involved swelling due to Stensen's duct injury, and the second involved uncontrolled bleeding from the internal maxillary artery. Removal of the BFP must have precise indications. Complications may occur during or after surgery; hence, anatomical knowledge is fundamental to appropriate patient management.

External Approach to Buccal Fat Excision in Facelift: Anatomy and Technique

BACKGROUND

Masculinization of the face is a common finding in facelift patients. It is attributed to deflation and decent of the midface-jowls coupled with skin laxity. Fullness is evident lateral to the jowl in a small percentage due to prominent buccal fat pad (BFP).

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to examine the anatomy of the BFP, triangulate the prominent BFP with surgical landmarks, and describe an external approach to excise the BFP during facelift surgery.

METHODS

Eighteen cadaveric dissections were performed. Facelift flap was elevated and the prominent buccal extension of the BFP protruding through the superficial-musculo-aponeurotic-system was identified. Measurements were taken from the BFP to surgical landmarks: zygomatic arch, tragus, and gonial angle. The locations of the facial nerve, parotid duct, and vascular pedicle relative to the BFP were calculated.

RESULTS

BFP was 4.1 cm inferior to the zygomatic arch, 7.5 cm anterior the tragus, and 4.5 cm medial the gonial angle. The middle facial artery supplied the BFP on the inferior-lateral quadrant in 61% and inferior-medial quadrant in 39% of specimens . In all specimens, the parotid duct traversed the BFP superiorly, and the buccal branches of the facial nerve traversed the capsule superficially.

CONCLUSIONS

The buccal extension of the BFP can pseudoherniate in the aging face. Excision may improve lower facial contour. Measurements from facial landmarks may help surgeons identify the buccal extension of the BFP intraoperatively. The surgeon must be careful of the vascular pedicle, parotid duct, and the facial nerve. The external approach safely excises buccal fat during facelift dissection while avoiding intraoral incisions and unnecessary contamination.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Use of the temporal extension of the buccal fat pad for closure of oro-antral communications

Oro-antral communications/fistulae (OAC/OAF) can cause significant patient morbidity, with treatment for defects greater than 5mm in size requiring surgical reconstruction. This technical note evaluates the effectiveness, and proposes the use of, the temporal extension of the buccal fat pad (TEBFP) for the closure of large OAC. The TEBFP can be an effective means of large OAC closure due to its ease of harvesting, with minimal damage to surrounding structures or aesthetic changes. The use of the TEBFP provides stability, versatility, and tension-free closure, with minimal postoperative complications.

The Buccal Fat Pad Flap

This article presents an overview of the history of the buccal fat pad flap, its relevant anatomy, and its indications and contraindications. The surgical technique for its harvest is described, as are the postoperative care and possible complications.

The Excision of the Buccal Fat Pad for Cheek Refinement: Volumetric Considerations

BACKGROUND

Although the excision of the buccal fat pad has become very popular for achieving a slimmer midface, not all patients are good candidates for this procedure. Unfortunately, studies that provide guidelines by emphasizing volumetric and technical details are limited.

OBJECTIVES

The study compared preoperative and postoperative volumetric data to identify the amount of tissue that can safely be removed and important technical concepts involved in lower cheek contouring with buccal fat pad excision.

METHODS

Patients complaining of cheek fullness were evaluated to determine if they were good candidates for the procedure. Eligible patients were screened with transbuccal ultrasound to determine tissue volumes and anatomical details. Intraoperative and postoperative, 6th-month volume measurements were undertaken and residual tissues and vascular pedicles reevaluated.

RESULTS

Ultrasound imaging showed that the mean preoperative volume of the fat pads was 11.67 ± 1.44 mL, and the mean postoperative volume was 8.58 ± 1.07 mL. The mean volume of the excised tissues was 2.74 ± 0.69 mL. Postoperative buccal fat pad volume values correlated with the reported average in the literature for the same age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Buccal fat pad removal is an effective technique for refining the facial silhouette that should be reserved for patients with increased buccal fat pad volume. Removal of only the excessive portion of the fat pad is important because this structure provides significant volume in the midface that can be difficult to restore once aging affects the surrounding soft and bony tissue.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Buccal Fat Pad Excision: Proceed with Caution

BACKGROUND

Buccal fat pad excision is offered as a means of obtaining a more aesthetic midface. This procedure has been documented in the form of countless videos on Instagram and other social media platforms with no long-term patient follow-up. We performed a retrospective analysis of published data regarding buccal fat pad excision and sought to better elucidate pitfalls regarding this underreported procedure.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in October 2017 through the PUBMED database regarding the utility of buccal fat pad excision in the setting of aesthetic improvement of the midface. Reference articles were screened to obtain relevant studies. A total of 121 citations were identified in the search but after eliminating duplicate studies and abstracts and utilizing predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria only 11 articles were satisfactory. None of these articles demonstrated any long-term patient follow-up.

RESULTS

Out of the 121 relevant citations identified, only 2 studies published describe a case series of > 5 patients regarding cheek or midface sculpturing with buccal fat pad excision for aesthetic purposes, the total sample size between these 2 studies was 53 patients. Neither of the studies had follow-up regarding patient satisfaction or related outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Buccal fat pad resection as an aesthetic improvement of the midface has been described, but follow-up regarding loss of subcutaneous fat with aging and late secondary deformities have not been published in the literature. Further research in long-term patient follow-up including patient satisfaction and the encouragement of reporting postoperative complications is warranted.

Surgical Resection of Vascular Lesions Involving the Buccal Fat Pad

Vascular abnormalities are localized structural irregularities, which are performed during vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. The involvement of soft tissue in such vascular malformations is frequent; however, the compromising of the buccal fat pads (Bichat bags) is uncommon, even in specialized centers, such as the plastic clinic of our institution, in which very few patients have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this article is to present a series of 2 patients in which vascular malformations involving the buccal fat pads, which were extracted by intraoral approach.

A More Favorable Lower-Lip Incision for the Removal of Deep Intraoral Malignancies

The straight midline lower lip-splitting incision has traditionally been performed with different types of deep intraoral malignancies for obtaining wide surgical access, and it can also be extended to the submandibular region or the neck to concurrently perform a neck dissection. But meanwhile, it is associated with unfavorable aesthetic and functional complications such as conspicuous facial scar, lip vermilion notching, stenosis of the labial sulcus, decreased lip sensation and movement, and oral incontinence. We designed a more favorable lower-lip incision, namely, para-lower lip incision, using the exposure and en blot resection of deep intraoral tumors. Compared with the traditional incision line, our designed line is shorter, and 20 outpatients (primary tumor site including buccal mucosa, tongue, mandibular gingiva, maxillary sinus, palate, and mouth floor) follow-ups indicated the postoperative scar is inconspicuous, no lip contour deformity and dysfunction or complications of facial paralysis such as distortion of commissure happened. This article reports one case of our patients who underwent para-lower-lip incision approach for the removal of squamous cell carcinoma (T3N2M0) in the left plate and the results of the patient were favorable.

Surgical anatomy of the facial nerve relating to facial rejuvenation surgery

The aim of this review was to familiarize the reader with critical facial nerve anatomy relating to facial rejuvenation surgeries. The temporal branch to the upper orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM): The temporal branch was under the temporoparietal fascia above the zygomatic arch and divided into 2 to 4 branches. The highest level of the twigs that entered the OOM on the x axis and the y axis with the origin of the lateral canthus is +2.51 ± 0.23 cm and +2.70 ± 0.35 cm; and the lowest, 0 cm and +2.68 ± 0.32 cm, respectively. The zygomatic and the buccal branch to the lower OOM: All pretarsal and preseptal OOMs were innervated by 5 to 7 terminal twigs of the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve that approached the muscle at a right angle. The medial portion of the lower OOM was innervated by 1 to 2 terminal twigs of the buccal branch, and the middle portion was innervated with 2 to 3 twigs of the zygomatic branch. The lateral portion was supplied by the uppermost zygomatic branch, which split into 2 to 4 twigs. The temporal branch to the corrugator supercilii muscle: A plexus mainly from the inferior ramus partly from the middle ramus of the temporal branch of the facial nerve enters the corrugator supercilii muscle in the supraorbital area. The temporal branch has as many as 4 to 7 rami, with interconnection among them. The buccal branch to the procerus muscle: The buccal branch crosses the intercanthal line (the nasion to the medial canthus) at approximately one third laterally. The nerve entrance was within a circle with a diameter of 5 mm, and its center was located 9 mm lateral and 10 mm superior from the nasion. It was approximately at the midpoint of the lateral half of the intercanthal line and the lower one third between the intercanthal line and the tangential line of the supraorbital rim. The buccal branch, the buccal fat pad, and the parotid duct: The buccal branches and the parotid duct crossed each other within a semicircle with a 30-mm radius. The base (diameter) was parallel to a horizontal line passing the corner of the mouth and 12 mm above. Its center was located 53 mm lateral to it. The buccal branches of the facial nerve have 2 locations at the buccal fat pad: type I, branches crossing superficial to the buccal fat pad in 14 (73.7%) of 19 specimens, and type II, 2 twigs passing through the buccal extension of the buccal fat pad in 5 (26.3%) of 19 specimens. The buccal branch to the upper orbicularis oris muscle: Approximately 4 branches (4.06 ± 0.83) entering the pars marginalis were found. Most ramifying points (14/17, 82%) were located within a circle with a 5-mm radius, and the center was 12 mm lateral and 26 mm superior to the mouth corner. The mandibular branch according to the neck position: At the one-fourth point, the border-nerve distance decreased (4.32 ± 2.60 mm) with the neck in ipsilateral rotation and the border-nerve distance increased (5.97 ± 2.62 mm) with the neck in contralateral rotation. We hope that this knowledge will aid surgeons in achieving successful outcomes.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Bichat's Fat Pad: In Vitro Comparison with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells from Subcutaneous Tissue

Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) are progenitor cells used in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Since Bichat's fat pad is easily accessible for dentists and maxillo-facial surgeons, we compared the features of ASCs from Bichat's fat pad (BFP-ASCs) with human ASCs from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SC-ASCs). BFP-ASCs isolated from a small amount of tissue were characterized for their stemness and multidifferentiative ability. They showed an important clonogenic ability and the typical mesenchymal stem cell immunophenotype. Moreover, when properly induced, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation markers, such as alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen deposition and lipid vacuoles formation, were promptly observed. Growth of both BFP-ASCs and SC-ASCs in the presence of human serum and their adhesion to natural and synthetic scaffolds were also assessed. Both types of ASCs adapted rapidly to human autologous or heterologous sera, increasing their proliferation rate compared to standard culture condition, and all the cells adhered finely to bone, periodontal ligament, collagen membrane, and polyglycol acid filaments that are present in the oral cavity or are commonly used in oral surgery. At last, we showed that amelogenin seems to be an early osteoinductive factor for BFP-ASCs, but not SC-ASCs, in vitro. We conclude that Bichat's fat pad contains BFP-ASCs with stemness features that are able to differentiate and adhere to biological supports and synthetic materials. They are also able to proliferate in the presence of human serum. For all these reasons we propose BFP-ASCs for future therapies of periodontal defects and bone regeneration.

Translocated pedicled buccal fat pad: closure of anterior and middle skull base defects after tumor resection

BACKGROUND

Problem of closure of skull base defects after removal of craniobasal lesions, especially, craniofacial, is one of the most challenging in neurosurgery. Persistent skull base defect produces extremely high risk of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and consecutive infectious complications. Local pedicled grafts are the preferred material for plasty. In this study, the authors present original technique of using a pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) graft. Anatomy and functions of BFP are discussed in details as well as surgical technique illustrated by 2 case reports.

METHODS

From 2004 to 2010, 188 patients with anterior and middle skull base mass lesions were operated on in Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute (Moscow, Russia) using BFP as plastic material for closure of different defects (male-female ratio=61:127; mean age was 47 years [range, 10-74 years]).

RESULTS

In 93.6% of cases, pedicled BFP flap was applied; in 6.4%, free flap was used. Follow-up period ranged between 1 and 7 years. Only 1 case of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was observed; flap rejection was not registered in the series.

CONCLUSIONS

High effectiveness and minimal invasiveness are principal advantages of the described technique, which is applied in neurosurgery for the first time. Other benefits include proximity of donor site and defect, simplicity of surgical technique, minimal postoperative discomfort, and very low risk of benign complications.

Superselective microcatheter embolization of hemorrhage after buccal lipectomy

BACKGROUND

Superselective microcatheter angiography and embolization has been shown to be an effective modality for prompt treatment of bleeding from traumatic facial injury and refractory epistaxis when local methods fail to achieve hemostasis. It obviates the need for further surgical exploration and provides precise diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in a minimally invasive manner. Despite this successful profile, its use in treatment of hemorrhagic complications after facial aesthetic surgery is underreported. This report is a unique case of life-threatening hemorrhage after buccal fat pad lipectomy that was successfully treated with superselective microcatheter embolization of internal maxillary artery branches.

METHODS

A 31-year-old male was transferred to our emergency room from an outside facility with an active intraoral hemorrhage after a buccal lipectomy in which severe bleeding was encountered deep within the buccal space that persisted despite further attempts at surgical exploration. On arrival to the emergency room, the patient demonstrated signs of significant blood loss and had intraoral packing in place tamponading further hemorrhage.

RESULTS

The patient underwent resuscitation and stabilization with endotracheal intubation for airway protection and was sent emergently to the angiography suite. Superselective angiography was used to study branches of the internal maxillary artery. Superselective embolization using microspheres was then performed on target vessels to control the bleeding. The surgical packing was then removed with no evidence of active bleeding. The patient was transferred to the surgical intensive care unit for further monitoring and was discharged the following day in stable condition.

CONCLUSION

In the case of refractory surgical measures, superselective microcatheter angiography and embolization provides an alternative to both precisely localize and control severe small-artery bleeding. This may be ideal in cases that otherwise would require extensive dissection and in regions of complex anatomy, both of which can compromise aesthetic outcomes. We demonstrated the use of this method in a case of refractory bleeding after facial lipectomy. The expanding role of superselective angiography and specifically designed embolic agents may play an invaluable role in treatment of arterial injury after aesthetic surgery when local methods fail.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

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