2025 CPT code 15877
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Other Repair (Closure) Procedures on the Integumentary System Surgery Feed
Suction-assisted lipectomy of the trunk; removal of excess fat from the abdomen, flanks, and back using suction.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances (e.g., 22 for increased procedural services, 51 for multiple procedures, 59 for distinct procedural services).
Medical necessity for liposuction is typically limited to cases where excess fat contributes to medical conditions like lymphedema or significant functional impairment. Otherwise, it's usually considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance.
The physician performs the incision, cannula insertion, fat extraction via suction, and closure of the incisions. An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist may administer anesthesia.
In simple words: This procedure, also known as liposuction, removes excess fat from the stomach, sides, and back areas using a suction device. A doctor makes small cuts, inserts a tube to break up the fat, and then suctions it out. The small cuts are then stitched closed.
Suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) of the trunk region involves the surgical removal of excess subcutaneous fat deposits from the abdomen, flanks, and back.The procedure utilizes a cannula inserted through small incisions to loosen and extract fat via suction.The small incisions are typically closed with sutures.Anesthesia (local or general) may be used.
Example 1: A patient presents with excess abdominal fat resistant to diet and exercise.Liposuction is performed to improve body contouring., A patient undergoes abdominoplasty and simultaneous liposuction of the flanks to achieve a more sculpted abdominal profile., A patient with localized fat deposits in the back following significant weight loss undergoes liposuction to improve body image and contour.
Pre-operative assessment including patient history, physical examination, and photographic documentation. Intra-operative documentation including type and amount of fat removed, anesthesia type, and complications (if any). Post-operative instructions, follow-up plan, and photographic documentation.
** Medicare reimbursement for this code is often denied unless there is a clear medical necessity beyond cosmetic enhancement.Always document medical necessity thoroughly.
- Payment Status: Active, but Medicare coverage varies and is often considered cosmetic, not medically necessary.
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital