CPT code 40720 identifies a secondary repair of a cleft lip and/or nasal deformity, a reconstructive procedure performed when initial cleft lip repair yields unsatisfactory outcomes. The procedure involves reopening and reclosing the surgical site to correct deformity from scar contracture, wound separation, muscle shortening, or infection that compromise appearance or function. Nationally, this code matters for surgical specialties focused on pediatric and craniofacial plastic surgery and for payers assessing coverage and medical necessity for revision procedures.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the code, typical settings where the service is delivered, and the common operational considerations relevant to billing and claims adjudication. The publication summarizes benchmarks and policy-relevant items including coding guidance, site-of-service expectations, and common modifier usage patterns when available. The content is intended to help billing managers, clinical coders, and policy analysts understand where CPT code 40720 fits in surgical practice and payer review processes.