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Official Description

Cervicoplasty

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Cervicoplasty, as defined by CPT® Code 15819, is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin. This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring that the patient is completely unconscious and free from pain during the operation. The primary goal of cervicoplasty is to excise extraneous skin that may have sagged or become loose due to aging, weight loss, or other factors. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully removes the excess skin, which can help to create a more youthful and contoured neck profile. After the excision, the remaining skin is meticulously sutured together in layers, promoting optimal healing and minimizing scarring. This detailed approach not only enhances the aesthetic outcome but also supports the integrity of the skin as it heals post-operatively.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The cervicoplasty procedure is indicated for patients who exhibit excess skin around the neck, which may be due to various factors such as aging, significant weight loss, or genetic predisposition. The following conditions may warrant the performance of cervicoplasty:

  • Excess Skin Patients with sagging or loose skin around the neck that detracts from their overall appearance.
  • Age-Related Changes Individuals experiencing skin laxity and wrinkles in the neck area as a result of aging.
  • Post-Weight Loss Patients who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with redundant skin in the neck region.

2. Procedure

The cervicoplasty procedure involves several key steps that are performed with precision to ensure optimal results. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia, which allows the patient to remain unconscious and pain-free throughout the surgery. This is a critical step to ensure the comfort and safety of the patient during the operation.
  • Step 2: Incision Creation Once the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon makes incisions in the appropriate locations around the neck to access the excess skin. The placement of these incisions is strategically planned to minimize visible scarring post-operatively.
  • Step 3: Skin Excision The surgeon then carefully excises the extraneous skin, removing the areas that contribute to the sagging appearance of the neck. This step requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that only the necessary skin is removed while preserving the surrounding tissues.
  • Step 4: Layered Suturing After the excess skin has been removed, the remaining skin is sutured together in layers. This layered approach helps to promote better healing and reduces the risk of complications, such as skin tension or poor scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the cervicoplasty procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the neck area. Post-operative care typically includes instructions for wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions to facilitate healing. Patients are advised to follow up with their surgeon to monitor the healing process and address any concerns. It is important for patients to adhere to the post-operative guidelines provided by their healthcare provider to ensure optimal recovery and aesthetic outcomes.

Short Descr PLASTIC SURGERY NECK
Medium Descr CERVICOPLASTY
Long Descr Cervicoplasty
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6A - Minor procedures - skin
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 175 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on skin and breast
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Date
Action
Notes
2024-12-31 Deleted Code Deleted.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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