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

Sagittal split ramus osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy are commonly performed for the correction of jaw deformities. However, during mandibular orthognathic surgeries such as sagittal split ramus osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy , the authors sometimes encounter exposure of the buccal fat pad (BFP), which decreases the surgical field. The exposed BFP makes it difficult to perform these operations, may result in unexpected complications, and may increase the operation time. Therefore, the authors herein describe a simple, safe, and convenient technique for reducing the volume of the exposed BFP during mandibular orthognathic surgery using an electric knife in the coagulation mode. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Yoko Kawase-Koga, DDS, PhD, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, 6-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan; E-mail: kogay@tokyo-med.ac.jp Received 28 September, 2017 Accepted 5 January, 2018 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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