CPT® Code 19396

The procedure described by CPT® Code 19396 involves the preparation of a moulage for a custom breast implant, which is a critical step in the process of breast reconstruction. A moulage serves as a template that is essential for creating a solid silicone implant tailored to the specific anatomical needs of the patient. This procedure is particularly important for individuals who have experienced breast asymmetry due to various conditions such as agenesis, severe hypoplasia, Poland syndrome, scoliosis, pectus excavatum, or loss of breast tissue resulting from trauma or mastectomy. The creation of the moulage is performed prior to the surgical implantation of the custom breast implant, ensuring that the final product will fit the patient's unique chest wall contours. During the moulage preparation, a thin plastic film is securely taped to the patient's chest, and key anatomical landmarks are marked to guide the subsequent steps. A composite impression is then made using materials such as wax, plaster of Paris, rubber, agar, or alginate, which captures the precise shape and dimensions needed for the implant. Once the impression is completed, it is carefully removed and sent to a specialized medical manufacturing laboratory, where a sterile silicone implant is crafted based on the moulage. This custom implant is then returned to the surgeon for implantation, ultimately aiding in achieving a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing breast reconstruction outcome.