To review the current status of the application of tissue flaps in postoperative defect repair and reconstruction of head and neck tumors, and to look forward to the prospect of their application. We reviewed the relevant literature at home and abroad to describe the status of tissue flaps in postoperative defect repair and reconstruction of head and neck tumors, and reviewed the history of the development of commonly used new and traditional tissue flaps, summarizing their anatomical bases, indications, advantages and disadvantages, and improvement methods. New tissue flaps, such as the inferior chin artery island flap, the facial artery buccal muscle mucosal flap, and others, showed similar or even superior repair results to free flaps in specific patients. In addition, many improvements have been made in the preparation of traditional pedicled tissue flaps, such as nasolabial groove flap, pectoralis major muscle flap, latissimus dorsi muscle flap, temporalis muscle fascia flap, and temporoparietal fascia flap, which have further broadened the indications for these flaps, especially in patients who are not in good condition.Various tissue flaps still play an important role in the repair and reconstruction of head and neck tumor defects, and even show the advantages of more convenient flap production, faster postoperative recovery, less treatment cost and good repair effect in certain patients.