The "Gent" consensus on perforator flap terminology: preliminary definitions.

Due to its increasing popularity, more and more articles on the use of perforator flaps have been reported in the literature during the past few years. Because the area of perforator flaps is new and rapidly evolving, there are no definitions and standard rules on terminology and nomenclature, which creates confusion when surgeons try to communicate and compare surgical techniques. This article attempts to represent the opinion of a group of pioneers in the field of perforator flap surgery.

The latero-central glandular pedicle technique for breast reduction.

The relatively high number of complications and disadvantages of the conventional techniques in breast reduction combined with our expertise in restoring sensation in breast reconstructive procedures, led to the development of a new technique that was crystallised from the traditional techniques and is able to overcome most of their disadvantages. The key issue of the technique is that the nipple is vascularised and innervated on a column of glandular tissue that remains in contact in its posterior part with the pectoralis muscle and its perforators and in its lateral aspect to the lateral pillar of breast tissue. Due to the ptosis that develops during the process of hypertrophy, this column will gain sufficient length to be turned upwards into the new position of the nipple.