The broad acceptance of breast reconstruction with autologous tissue has lead to a constant search for new donor regions. The use of tissue from the gluteal region suggested itself as, even in slim patients, there is usually sufficient tissue available here. The relatively early use of free myocutaneous gluteal flaps by Shaw in 1983 was, however, technically extremely demanding and led to not inconsiderable contour deficits.

The short vessel pedicle and the problems of dissection prevented the further spread of this method of autologous breast reconstruction. With the development of the perforator flap, attention turned once again to the gluteal region in order to harvest skin and fat tissue with only one perforator vessel pedicle for breast reconstruction.