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The procedure described by CPT® Code 15829 refers to a rhytidectomy that specifically involves the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap. A rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. This technique focuses on the SMAS, a layer of tissue that provides support to the facial structures. By making an incision in front of the ears, the surgeon gains access to the underlying SMAS. The dissection and subsequent tightening of this layer with sutures help to lift and reposition the facial tissues, resulting in a more youthful appearance. The procedure concludes with the careful closure of the wound in multiple layers, ensuring optimal healing and minimizing scarring. This method is particularly effective for patients seeking to address sagging skin and improve facial contours.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 15829 is indicated for patients who exhibit signs of facial aging, particularly those with sagging skin and loss of facial volume. The following conditions may warrant the performance of a rhytidectomy using the SMAS flap technique:
The rhytidectomy procedure utilizing the SMAS flap involves several critical steps to ensure effective results. The following outlines the procedural steps as described:
Following the rhytidectomy procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas. Post-procedure care typically includes instructions for managing pain and swelling, which may involve the use of prescribed medications and cold compresses. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow up with their surgeon for monitoring the healing process. It is essential to adhere to all post-operative guidelines to ensure proper recovery and to achieve the best possible aesthetic results.
| Short Descr | RHYTIDECTOMY SMAS FLAP | Medium Descr | RHYTIDECTOMY SMAS FLAP | Long Descr | Rhytidectomy; superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap | Status Code | Restricted Coverage | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6A - Minor procedures - skin | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast |
| 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 52 | Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | HB | Adult program, non geriatric | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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