ABSTRACT

Perforator flaps were first introduced and popularized in the 1980’s in parallel with advancements in microsurgical techniques and surgical expertise of plastic surgeons in search of flaps with ease of access and minimal morbidity of the donor site. Among the advantages of perforator flaps one can name the sparing of the muscle function, the ability to utilize tissue as needed, optimized healing period and better aesthetic results. Utilization of perforator flaps has therefore been popularized in the past 10 years with various classification and nomenclature complexities.

This article aims to review the terminology, anatomy and classifications, and nomenclatures of perforator flaps with a review of the most common perforator flaps, their surgical techniques, and relevant literature.