DESCRIPTION
Mentoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes a person's profile by enhancement of (i.e., building up) a small chin or reduction of a prominent chin. A small incision is made on either side of the mouth or just underneath and behind the most prominent part of the chin. When building up a small chin, sterile surgical material is placed and secured just in front of the jawbone to bring out the chin. The skin is then replaced over the implant. When reducing a prominent chin, excess bone tissue is carefully removed. The skin is then replaced over the new chin and secured.
POLICY
Mentoplasty 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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mentoplasty is not performed for the purpose of restoring normal form or function and therefore is not considered a reconstructive procedure.
SOURCES
American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. (2000). Understanding mentoplasty surgery. Retrieved February 9, 2009 from http://www.aafprs.org/patient/procedures/shareable/s_mentoplasty.html.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2003). Orthognathic Surgery: Recommended criteria for third-party payer coverage. Retrieved July 22, 2003 from http://www.plasticsurgery.org/medical_professionals/publications/Orthognathic-Surgery.cfm.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (3:2003). Reconstructive/cosmetic services (10.01.09). Retrieved February 9, 2009 from BlueWeb.
Food and Drug Administration. (2002, July). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Pre-market approval decision for July 2002. Retrieved July 22, 2003 from http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf2/k021417.pdf.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 1/11/1983
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 5/14/2009
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.
This document has been classified as public information.