CPT® Code 11446

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

The CPT® Code 11446 refers to the excision of a benign lesion, excluding skin tags, located on the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes, where the excised diameter exceeds 4.0 cm. This procedure involves the surgical removal of a benign growth, which may include various types of lesions such as lipomas, dermatofibromas, pyogenic granulomas, epidermoid cysts, and benign nevi. The excision is performed with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal of the lesion and to minimize the risk of recurrence. Prior to the excision, the area is thoroughly cleansed, and a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. A full-thickness incision is made through the dermis, carefully encircling the lesion to facilitate its complete removal. Following excision, the specimen is sent for histologic evaluation, which is separately reportable. Hemostasis is achieved using electrocautery or chemical cautery to control any bleeding that may occur during the procedure. The surgical site may be closed using a simple single-layer suture technique; however, more complex closure methods such as intermediate (layer) closure, complex repair, skin grafts, or pedicle flaps may also be employed depending on the specific circumstances of the excision and the size of the wound. This code is part of a series of excision codes that categorize the procedure based on the size of the lesion excised, with specific codes designated for smaller diameters ranging from 0.5 cm to over 4.0 cm.