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Official Description

Mastopexy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 19316 refers to mastopexy, which is commonly known as a breast lift. This surgical intervention is performed to elevate and reshape the breasts, addressing issues such as sagging or loss of firmness that may occur due to factors like aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. During the mastopexy, the surgeon makes incisions that vary based on the degree of skin laxity present in the patient. These incisions can be made solely around the areola, or they may extend vertically down to the breast crease, and in some cases, they may also run horizontally along the crease. The underlying breast tissue is then lifted and reconfigured to enhance the overall contour and firmness of the breast. Additionally, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher location on the breast to achieve a more youthful appearance. If the areola is found to be enlarged, the surgeon may reduce its size by excising skin along its perimeter. Following the lifting and reshaping, any excess skin is removed, and the incisions are meticulously closed in layers, starting deep within the breast tissue to preserve the new contour. The closure of the subcutaneous tissue and skin is accomplished using sutures, skin adhesive, and tape, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing result.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of mastopexy, as indicated by CPT® Code 19316, is performed for several specific reasons related to breast appearance and structure. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Sagging Breasts - Patients may seek mastopexy to address breasts that have lost their youthful position and firmness due to aging or other factors.
  • Post-Pregnancy Changes - Women who have experienced changes in breast shape and volume following pregnancy and breastfeeding may opt for this procedure to restore their pre-pregnancy breast appearance.
  • Weight Fluctuations - Significant weight loss or gain can lead to changes in breast shape, prompting individuals to consider mastopexy to improve breast contour.
  • Enlarged Areola - Patients with enlarged areolas may choose to undergo mastopexy to reduce the size of the areola as part of the overall breast lift procedure.

2. Procedure

The mastopexy procedure involves several critical steps that are performed to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. Each step is essential for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the surgery.

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration - The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. This may involve general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity of the case and the surgeon's preference.
  • Step 2: Incision Placement - The surgeon makes incisions based on the degree of skin laxity. These incisions may be limited to the area around the areola, or they may extend vertically down to the breast crease and horizontally along the crease, depending on the individual needs of the patient.
  • Step 3: Tissue Reshaping - Once the incisions are made, the underlying breast tissue is lifted and reconfigured. This step is crucial for improving the contour and firmness of the breast, allowing the surgeon to create a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing shape.
  • Step 4: Nipple and Areola Repositioning - The nipple and areola are then moved to a higher position on the breast. This repositioning is vital for achieving a natural look and ensuring that the breasts appear symmetrical and youthful.
  • Step 5: Areola Reduction (if necessary) - If the areola is enlarged, the surgeon will remove skin along its perimeter to reduce its size, enhancing the overall appearance of the breast.
  • Step 6: Excess Skin Removal - Any excess skin that may contribute to sagging is excised during the procedure. This step is important for achieving a smooth and firm breast contour.
  • Step 7: Incision Closure - The final step involves closing the incisions in layers, starting deep within the breast tissue to maintain the new contour. The closure of the subcutaneous tissue and skin is performed using sutures, skin adhesive, and tape, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing result.

3. Post-Procedure

After the mastopexy procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Post-operative care is crucial for optimal healing and includes following the surgeon's instructions regarding activity restrictions, wound care, and follow-up appointments. Patients are typically advised to wear a supportive bra to help maintain the new breast shape and to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period. The surgeon will provide guidance on when normal activities can be resumed, and it is essential for patients to adhere to these recommendations to ensure proper healing and the best possible aesthetic outcome.

Short Descr MASTOPEXY
Medium Descr MASTOPEXY
Long Descr Mastopexy
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
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) P1A - Major procedure - breast
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).
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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.
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
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
GK Reasonable and necessary item/service associated with a ga or gz modifier
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2025-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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