CPT® Code 11444

Excision, other benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; excised diameter 3.1 to 4.0 cm

The CPT® Code 11444 refers to the excision of a benign lesion, excluding skin tags, located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. This procedure involves the removal of the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision and minimize the risk of recurrence. The excised diameter for this specific code ranges from 3.1 to 4.0 centimeters. Common types of benign lesions that may be excised using this code include lipomas, dermatofibromas, pyogenic granulomas, epidermoid cysts, and benign nevi. The procedure typically begins with the cleansing of the area and the administration of a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. A careful incision is made through the dermis, encircling the lesion to facilitate its complete removal. Following excision, the lesion is sent for histologic evaluation, which is separately reportable. To control any bleeding that may occur during the procedure, electrocautery or chemical cautery is employed. The surgical site may be closed using a simple single-layer suture technique, although more complex closure methods such as intermediate (layer) closure, complex repair, skin grafts, or pedicle flaps may also be utilized depending on the specific circumstances of the excision and the wound's characteristics.