Le Fort I osteotomy and the use of bilateral bichat bulla adipose flap: an effective new technique for reconstructing oronasal communications due to cocaine abuse

Abstract: The aim of the study was to describe a new and effective method for reconstructing small- and medium-sized oronasal communications in cases of deficient blood supply of oronasal mucosa. A male patient, aged 45, was presented with a hard palate defect due to chronic cocaine inhalation. The defect was corrected using bilateral Bichat bulla adipose flap and a Le Fort I osteotomy. The surgical technique was described, together with its advantages. Surgery lasted 2 hours. The reconstructive technique had been easy to execute. Six months after the surgery, the defect has been corrected without complications. Le Fort I osteotomy and the use of a bilateral Bichat bulla adipose flap is an effective technique to correct small- and medium-sized palatal defects not solvable with simple oral mucosa flaps. The technique is easy to execute and it showed a high efficacy with minimal impact on the patient's esthetic appearance.