Facelift, Facial Thread Lift
DESCRIPTION
Both a facelift and a facial thread lift are performed to restore a more youthful facial appearance caused by effects of the aging process.
A traditional facelift is performed at an outpatient surgical center. Premedication is usually given for relaxation. Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is administered. The physician makes incisions inside the hairline at the temple, in front of the ear, then around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending at the scalp area. Tightening of the facial and neck muscles as well as the surgical removal of any excess skin follow this. Incisions are closed with small sutures. The surgery may take several hours and the results are not permanent.
A facial thread lift is an alternative to the traditional facelift. The procedure can be performed in the physician's office. After local anesthesia, barbed threads are inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the skin using a needle. The placement of the barbed threads depends on the area needing to be lifted. Once set into place, the barbed threads are pulled tight to the desired appearance. The procedure may take one to several hours and the results are not permanent.
A traditional facelift is also known as a rhytidectomy. A facial thread lift is sometimes called a feather lift.
POLICY
A facelift or a facial thread lift performed to restore a more youthful facial appearance is considered cosmetic.
A facelift or a facial thread performed for treatment of other conditions/diseases is considered cosmetic.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
We develop Medical Policies to provide guidance to Members and Providers. This Medical Policy relates only to the services or supplies described in it. The existence of a Medical Policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits or a contract for the service (or supply) that is referenced in the Medical Policy. For a determination of the benefits that a Member is entitled to receive under his or her health plan, the Member's health plan must be reviewed. If there is a conflict between the Medical Policy and a health plan, the express terms of the health plan will govern.
SOURCES
Abraham, R. F., DeFatta, R. J., & Williams, E. F. (2009). Thread-lift for facial rejuvenation: Assessment of long-term results. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, 11 (3), 178-183. (Level 2 Evidence - Industry sponsored)
American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. (2009). Face/neck lift. Retrieved December 9, 2010 from http://www.cosmeticsurgery.org/patients/facial.cfm#facelift.
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. (2007). Facelift surgery. Retrieved December 9, 2010 from http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/rhytidectomy.html.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (3:2003). Reconstructive/cosmetic services (10.01.09). Retrieved December 9, 2010 from BlueWeb. (0 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Cummings, C. W., Flint, P. W., Haughey, B. H., Robbins, K. T., Thomas, J. R., Harker, L. A., et al. (Eds.). (2005). Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Mosby.
Horne, D. F., & Kaminer, M. A. (2006). Reduction of face and neck laxity with anchored, barbed polypropylene sutures (contour threads). Skin Therapy Letter, 11 (1), 5-7.
Miller, T. R., & Eisbach, K. J. (2007). SMAS facelift techniques to minimize stigmata of surgery. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 13 (3), 421-431.
Sulamanidze, M. A., & Sulamanidze, G. M. (2009). A novel option of uninterrupted closure of surgical wounds. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2 (2), 81-87. (Level 3 Evidence - Independent study)
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2009). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K091061. Retrieved March 1, 2007 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf9/K091061.pdf.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2005). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K043591. Retrieved March 1, 2007 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf4/K043591.pdf.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/14/2007
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 1/13/2011
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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