CPT® Code 21295

Reduction of masseter muscle and bone, as described by CPT® Code 21295, refers to a surgical procedure aimed at addressing benign masseteric hypertrophy. This condition is characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the masseter muscle, which is one of the primary muscles involved in chewing, and the underlying bone at the angle of the mandible. The exact cause of this hypertrophy remains unknown, making it a rare disorder. The procedure is performed using an extraoral approach, specifically through a preauricular incision, which is located in front of the ear. This approach allows the surgeon to access the masseter muscle and the mandible effectively. During the procedure, the surgeon will perform subperiosteal dissection to detach the masseter muscle from its attachment at the inferior posterior border of the mandible. The surgical technique may involve the use of a bur or a saw to reduce the bony prominence at the mandibular angle, thereby reshaping the bone to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing contour. The masseter muscle is then resected and reduced in size before being reattached to the mandible, and the incisions are subsequently closed. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who experience functional or aesthetic concerns due to the hypertrophy of the masseter muscle and bone.