MOHS SURGERY NYC
MOHS SURGEON PERFORMING SKIN CANCER SURGERY
Mohs surgery in NYC is one of the most common procedures for removing and treating skin cancer. Mohs surgery is an effective skin cancer treatment that can remove all cancerous cells while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Mohs surgery is commonly performed on the most visible places of the body, such as the face and neck. While Mohs surgery can be used for all forms of skin cancer, it is most often used for non-melanoma cancers, such as basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Our NYC dermatologists can help you determine if Mohs surgery is right for you.
WHAT IS MOHS SURGERY?
Mohs surgery is a procedure that is used to treat skin cancer. By slowly and precisely removing thin layers of skin, our dermatologists can closely examine each layer. The skin is removed one layer at a time until there are no signs of skin cancer. Mohs surgery has a 99% success rate for first-time skin cancer patients and a 95% success rate for returning skin cancers. Mohs surgery is highly regarded because of its success rate and minimal loss of healthy tissue.
WHY IS MOHS SURGERY THE CHOSEN METHOD OF SKIN CANCER REMOVAL?
Unlike the standard surgical excision of skin cancer, most patients who undergo Mohs surgery only require one treatment. Standard surgical excision of skin cancer may require patients to undergo future reconstructive procedures. However, Mohs surgery causes less damage to healthy skin and results in a smaller scar. For this reason, Mohs surgery is commonly used to treat skin cancer that presents itself on the most visible areas of the body, such as the face, ears, nose, lips, and eye areas.
| ADVANTAGES OF MOHS SURGERY |
| IN MOST CASES, ONLY ONE SURGERY REQUIRED |
| UTILIZES LOCAL ANESTHESIA |
| LEAVES ONLY A SMALL SCAR |
| 99% SUCCESS RATE FOR UNTREATED SKIN CANCER |
| 95% SUCCESS RATE FOR RECURRING SKIN CANCER |
CAN MOHS SURGERY TREAT ALL TYPES OF SKIN CANCER?
Mohs surgery can be used to treat basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma. It is most often used with non-melanoma cancer, but advancements in technology have made Mohs surgery an effective procedure for all types of skin cancer.
WHO IS MOHS SURGERY PERFORMED BY?
Mohs surgery is a sophisticated procedure that takes a trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon to perform. Our board-certified dermatologists are experienced in performing Mohs surgery for the treatment of skin cancer. In some cases, patients may require Mohs reconstructive surgery to correct scarring following Mohs surgery. Our board-certified plastic surgeon works closely with our board-certified dermatologists to give you the best results, medically and cosmetically following Mohs surgery in NYC.
| MOHS SURGERY OVERVIEW |
| USED TO TREAT COMMON AND SOME RARE FORMS OF SKIN CANCER |
| REMOVES CANCEROUS CELLS WHILE PRESERVING HEALTHY TISSUE |
| PERFORMED UNDER LOCAL ANESTHETIC |
| MAY REQUIRE RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY, DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE CANCER |
| MOST EFFECTIVE SKIN CANCER TREATMENT |
| REMOVES SKIN CANCER ONE LAYER AT A TIME |
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING MOHS SURGERY?
During the Mohs surgery procedure, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area and ensure patient comfort throughout the entire process. The skin cancer is then scraped away. A temporary bandage will be placed, and patients will be sent to the waiting room to relax while the surgeons examine the sample. This is typically the lengthiest part of the procedure.
If the lab testing continues to show that skin cancer is present, more skin will be removed. Your dermatologist will map where the skin cancer has been removed, this way they will know which areas to treat next given the testing reveals there is remaining cancer. This process will be repeated until the lab removes skin that does not contain any skin cancer cells upon testing.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MOHS SURGERY?
After the procedure, there will be a hole where the cancerous skin tissue was just removed. If the procedure removed a smaller amount of tissue, our board-certified NYC dermatologist will be able to close the hole right after the excision. When large areas are being treated, our plastic surgeon is on hand to assist in suturing and reconstructing the surrounding tissue to provide patients with the best possible aesthetic results. This can be discussed in more detail during your in-office consultation.
IS ANESTHESIA RECOMMENDED?
Local anesthesia is typically used during Mohs surgery. This ensures patients are comfortable and relaxed during the procedure.
WHERE IS MOHS SURGERY PERFORMED?
Mohs surgery is performed in an operating room that is specially equipped with a Mohs laboratory. A Mohs laboratory will have the proper tools to remove the cancer, as well as examine each layer of skin to ensure that all cancerous cells are removed. Because Mohs surgery takes a delicate and precise approach to skin cancer removal, it can be a lengthy procedure, sometimes taking up to 4 hours to complete.
IS MOHS SURGERY COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Mohs surgery is often covered by insurance since it is considered a medical surgery. Please call our New York City office with questions regarding Mohs surgery, your insurance, or any other information you wish to obtain.
HOW DO I GET STARTED WITH MOHS SURGERY?
The doctors and staff at Dermatology, Laser & Surgery of Carnegie Hill would be happy to discuss Mohs surgery in more detail. Please give us a call at 646-661-6131 or request an appointment online for a personal consultation at our New York offices.