BUCCAL FAT PAD FLAP AS A LOW-TRAUMA METHOD FOR IMPROVING OUTCOMES IN WIDE CLEFT PALATE SURGERY IN INFANTS

This study evaluates the effectiveness of using a buccal fat pad flap in the surgical correction of wide cleft palates in children. The technique aims to reduce postoperative complications such as oronasal fistulas, scar contractures, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and midface hypoplasia. Surgical outcomes were analyzed in patients aged 9 months to 2 years, with a focus on the optimal age of 1.5 years. The results demonstrate high effectiveness of the method due to the flap’s rich vascularity, pliability, and low trauma. The use of the buccal fat pad flap significantly improves both anatomical and functional outcomes of cleft palate repair.