Facelift, Facial Thread Lift
DESCRIPTION
A facial thread lift, sometimes called a feather lift, is an alternative to the traditional facelift. The procedure can be performed on areas such as the forehead, midface, jowls and neck 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 results are not permanent.
After multiple adverse complaints, one product, Contour Threadlift System™, lost FDA approval in 2009 and is no longer available in the United States. This nonabsorbable polypropylene barbed surgical suture is also marketed under several other brand names (e.g., Lifestyle Lift™, Quick Lift Face Lift™, MiniLift®).
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 lift performed for treatment of other conditions/diseases is considered cosmetic.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Any specific products referenced in this policy are just examples and are intended for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available. These examples are contained in the parenthetical e.g. statement.
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 or government program (e.g., TennCare), the express terms of the health plan or government program will govern.
SOURCES
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2005). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K043591. Retrieved February 25, 2014 from http://google2.fda.gov.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2006). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K052953. Retrieved February 25, 2014 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov.
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.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 7/14/2007
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 12/14/2023
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.