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Baek et al. Plast Aesthet Res 2024;11:49 Plastic and
DOI: 10.20517/2347-9264.2024.91
Aesthetic Research

Review Open Access

Gluteal artery perforator free flaps for breast
reconstruction

Annabel Baek , Tae Chong

Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System,
Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
Correspondence to: Dr. Tae Chong, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Virginia
Commonwealth University Health System, Box 980154, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. E-mail: tae.chong@vcuhealth.org
How to cite this article: Baek A, Chong T. Gluteal artery perforator free flaps for breast reconstruction. Plast Aesthet Res
2024;11:49. https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2024.91
Received: 4 Jul 2024 First Decision: 2 Sep 2024 Revised: 10 Sep 2024 Accepted: 20 Sep 2024 Published: 26 Sep 2024

Academic Editor: Pietro Gentile Copy Editor: Pei-Yun Wang Production Editor: Pei-Yun Wang

Abstract
Free flap autologous breast reconstruction is becoming more and more common for post-mastectomy
reconstruction. Abdominally-based tissue flaps are the first choice for many reconstructive breast microsurgeons,
but not all patients are candidates, whether due to their leaner habitus or a history of prior abdominal surgery. The
gluteal donor site in many patients can provide adequate soft tissue for autologous breast reconstruction, even in
lean patients, with a scar that remains well-hidden. This review presents an overview of the superior gluteal artery
perforator (SGAP) flap as an invaluable tool for autologous breast reconstruction.

Keywords: Autologous breast reconstruction, reconstructive surgery, microsurgery, SGAP, gluteal artery perforator
flap

INTRODUCTION
[1]
In the United States, more than 150,000 breast reconstruction procedures were performed in 2022 . Of
those procedures, approximately 33,000 were autologous-based reconstructions, including deep inferior
epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, free transverse rectus abdominis muscle (TRAM) flap, and
latissimus dorsi muscle flaps. Since its introduction in 1994, DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction have
become the first choice for autologous-based breast reconstruction . However, not all women are
[2]

© The Author(s) 2024. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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