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The procedure described by CPT® Code 21270 involves malar augmentation using prosthetic material, which is a surgical technique aimed at enhancing the appearance of the cheek area, also known as the malar region. This augmentation is typically performed to correct facial asymmetry, improve facial contours, or restore volume lost due to aging or trauma. During the procedure, the physician makes incisions through the lower eyelids and the maxillary buccal vestibule, which allows access to the underlying structures of the cheek. Once the malar defect is identified, a prosthetic implant is carefully positioned to achieve the desired contour and aesthetic outcome. The prosthetic material is secured in place using various fixation methods, such as wires, plates, or screws, ensuring stability and proper alignment. After the prosthetic is implanted, the physician meticulously closes all incisions to promote healing and minimize scarring. This procedure is typically performed in a surgical setting and requires careful planning and execution to achieve optimal results.
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The malar augmentation procedure using prosthetic material is indicated for various conditions and aesthetic goals, including:
The malar augmentation procedure involves several key steps to ensure successful implantation of the prosthetic material:
Following the malar augmentation procedure, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include instructions on managing swelling and discomfort, which can be common after surgery. Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow a specific diet during the initial recovery phase. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing, remove sutures if necessary, and ensure the prosthetic material is properly integrated into the surrounding tissue. The expected recovery time may vary, but most patients can anticipate a gradual return to normal activities within a few weeks, with final results becoming more apparent as swelling subsides.
| Short Descr | AUGMENTATION CHEEK BONE | Medium Descr | MALAR AUGMENTATION PROSTHETIC MATERIAL | Long Descr | Malar augmentation, prosthetic material | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone |
| 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. | 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). | 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. | 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). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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