Cosmetic and Reconstructive Procedures 7.01.11
Policy 7.01.11 treats reconstructive procedures as medically appropriate only when a functional deficit is documented, a reconstructive purpose is documented, and the indication-specific criteria are met, such as the criteria for acne surgery, benign skin lesion removal, breast procedures, pectus repair, dermabrasion, otoplasty, hypertrophic scar revision, and vulvectomy as part of cancer surgery. Procedures that reshape structures to improve appearance or self-esteem without a functional deficit, including breast augmentation with implants, breast lift, rhytidectomy, tattooing, chemical peels, hair transplant, hair removal, and non-surgical body sculpting, are considered cosmetic and not medically necessary for all indications unless the reconstructive criteria are met. Cryotherapy for acne, certain hyperhidrosis treatments, and autologous melanocyte transplantation for vitiligo are investigational.