An Overview of Pre-expanded Perforator Flaps: Part 1, Current Concepts

Abstract

Pre-expanded perforator flaps, a combination of tissue expansion with perforator flaps, are emerging as another landmark of plastic surgery. This flap inherits the characteristics of both perforator flaps and expanded flaps, making it a highly versatile option in reconstructive surgery. However, the definition of the pre-expanded perforator flap and the impact of pre-expansion on the superficial angio-architecture remain controversial. In this article, the authors review current concepts including the mechanism of expansion and the resultant changes in the angio-architecture. The authors also review the previous studies and classifications of pre-expanded perforator flaps.

Keywords: Perforator flaps; Pre-expanded perforator flaps; Pre-expansion; Pre-fabrication; Skin flaps.