2025 CPT code 15879
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Integumentary System Feed
Suction-assisted lipectomy of the lower extremity.
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations, such as for bilateral procedures (modifier 50) or distinct procedural services (modifier 59).
Medical necessity must be established for this procedure.While cosmetic reasons might be a patient's primary motivation, documentation should focus on any functional limitations (e.g., difficulty walking, chafing) or psychological distress caused by the excess fat.Documentation should support that the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks.
The physician is responsible for making the incisions, inserting the cannula, creating the tunnels for fat removal, using the suction/vacuum technique, and closing the incisions.
In simple words: Liposuction of the legs, specifically the thighs and knees, to remove unwanted fat.
This code describes suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) performed on the lower extremity, primarily targeting fat deposits in the thigh and knee areas.It involves making an incision, inserting a cannula, and creating tunnels to remove subcutaneous fat tissue using suction or a vacuum technique. The incision is then typically closed with a single suture.
Example 1: A patient with excess fat deposits in their inner and outer thighs undergoes liposuction using code 15879., A patient with disproportionately large knees due to localized fat deposits has liposuction performed using code 15879. , Following significant weight loss, a patient has localized fat deposits remaining in their lower legs and opts for liposuction using code 15879 to achieve a more contoured appearance.
Documentation should include the areas treated, the technique used, the amount of fat removed, and any complications encountered. Pre- and post-operative photographs are also helpful. Medical necessity for the procedure should be clearly documented, such as functional impairment or significant psychological distress related to the excess fat deposits.
- Specialties:Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery, Dermatology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office, Hospital Outpatient