["CAB" (Corpus Adiposum Buccae). Anatomical description and surgical reflexions apropos of buccal fat pads].

Thirty hemi-faces of fresh cadavers and two centuries of bibliographies have been studied. Both packed fat and organ fat linked to the mastication, the Corpus Adiposum Buccae (CAB-Bichat's fat ball) is an anatomic structure which involves the entire hemi-face. The CAB stretches from the temporal region to the cheek, passing through the zygomatico-malar tunnel and the pterygomandibular fossa. It is completely enclosed within a partitioned capsule of varying thickness which allows to recognise it. From its main part, the Body, the CAB has ten extensions. Size, volume and aspect are different from one subject to another and one side to another. Its cheek extensions are inconsistent or disappear with age. However, its outline remains characteristic. This is not a ball one except in the case of the foetus and new born and for the most sloping extension, buccal, which gives its name to CAB. The CAB is always found under the SMAS plane which keeps it apart from superficial fat. Where fronto-facial liftings are more extensive and deeper, the CAB becomes an important surgical reference. It is possible to use the CAB as a local flap for filling in the cheek area. Local partial amputations have been put forward as an aesthetic goal. In the light of the present study, the author suggests a discussion with regards to the validity of these surgical manipulations.