The Facial Emphysema After Bichat Fat Pad Closure of the Oroantral Communication: Case Report

Facial Emphysema After Buccal Fat Pad Closure

Abstract

Oroantral communication (OAC) is a common complication in oral and maxillofacial surgery and usually occurs after tooth extraction. The buccal fat pad (BFP) procedure is a relatively safe approach for closing an OAC. However, this procedure can lead to complications such as swelling, hematoma, infection, and subcutaneous facial emphysema (SFE). SFE is a swelling that increases by the invasion and spreading of air into the deep tissue and cervicofacial planes, causing dissection of the skin. The diagnosis of SFE is usually made by observing swelling, and the finding of crepitus through palpation. SFE is usually a self-limiting complication and managed by careful postoperative follow-up; however, in some cases, it may require antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical decompression. In this case report, a rare case of SFE, which was developed following treatment of OAC by using BFP, is described.