CPT® Code 15135

Dermal autograft, face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and/or multiple digits; first 100 sq cm or less, or 1% of body area of infants and children

Dermal autografts are specialized surgical procedures that involve the transplantation of skin tissue, specifically the dermis, from one area of the body to another. This technique is commonly utilized in reconstructive surgery to repair wounds or defects on various parts of the body, including the face, scalp, eyelids, mouth, neck, ears, orbits, genitalia, hands, feet, and multiple digits. The procedure is particularly important for patients who have suffered significant skin loss due to trauma, burns, or surgical excisions. The harvesting of the dermal graft typically occurs from donor sites such as the thigh, buttocks, abdominal wall, or scalp, where the skin can be safely removed without compromising the overall integrity of the donor area. During the procedure, local anesthetic and epinephrine are administered to the donor site to minimize discomfort and control bleeding. The use of a dermatome, a specialized surgical instrument, allows for precise removal of the dermis at a controlled depth, ensuring that the graft is of adequate size and quality for successful transplantation. Once harvested, the dermal graft is meticulously prepared and placed over the recipient site, where it is secured using sutures, staples, or fibrin sealant to promote healing and integration with the surrounding tissue. This procedure is coded under CPT® Code 15135 for the first 100 square centimeters or less in adults, or for 1% of total body surface area in infants and children, with additional grafting procedures coded separately as needed.