Mohs Surgery on Long Island
Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer diagnosis, and while it is commonly treatable, it’s important to get the care you need as soon as possible.
Mohs surgery is the most effective and popular type of skin cancer treatment, with a cure rate of up to 99%. Our experienced dermatologists, Dr. Eve Lupenko and Dr. Jessica Newburger, work along with our Mohs surgeon, Dr. Joseph Sarhan, to provide effective Mohs surgery with meticulous attention to detail and a patient-centered approach.
After your surgery, experience the benefits of Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, with care from our board-certified plastic surgeons who provide closure to improve the aesthetics of the incision and reduce scarring.
At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, we prioritize patient safety and satisfaction above all else. If you are ready to explore the possibilities of Mohs surgery, contact us at (888) 680-2090 to schedule your consultation with us in Woodbury, Long Island. Interested in achieving optimal aesthetic results post-surgery? Schedule a plastic surgery consultation at our convenient locations in New York City, Southampton, Smithtown, Scarsdale, Princeton, or Boca Raton.
- Intro
- What Is Mohs Surgery?
- What Are the Benefits of Mohs Surgery?
- Am I a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
- What Can I Expect From the Mohs Surgery Procedure?
- What Is Mohs Surgery Recovery Like?
- When Will I See My Mohs Surgery Results?
- Does Insurance Cover Mohs Surgery?
- Interested in Mohs Surgery in Long Island?
- Mohs Surgery FAQ
If you are considering Mohs surgery or would like to learn more about this transformative procedure, we encourage you to contact our practice at (888) 680-2090. Consultations are available at our Woodbury, Long Island office. Our staff will be happy to assist you in scheduling a consultation with our dermatology team to explore your options and begin your journey toward a more confident and rejuvenated you.
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What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery is one of the most common treatments for skin cancer, including basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), the two most common types of skin cancer. Certain melanomas are also eligible for treatment. Mohs surgery, sometimes called micrographic surgery, is a single-visit outpatient procedure that involves meticulously removing cancerous tissue, often in layers, without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
What Are the Benefits of Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery has up to a 99% cure rate for skin cancer that has not been treated previously. This is an enormous vote of confidence for patients with skin cancer diagnoses, as this procedure provides reliable treatment. Other benefits of Mohs surgery include:
- Treatment in one visit
- Local anesthesia
- Outpatient procedure
- Lab work done on-site
- Precise results
- Spares healthy tissue
Am I a Candidate for Mohs Surgery?
Candidates for Mohs surgery have high-risk or recurrent basal cell carcinomas or early-stage melanomas, depending on the cancer type, location, size, and the patient’s health. Ideal candidates for Mohs surgery may also:
- Have cancers on the face, nose, ears, lips, hands, or feet
- Have a high risk of recurrence
- Have cancers with ill-defined borders
- Have cancers greater than 2 cm
- May not tolerate general anesthesia
- May be immunocompromised
To learn if you’re a good candidate for Mohs surgery, schedule a consultation at our Woodbury, Long Island office by calling (888) 680-2090.
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What Can I Expect From the Mohs Surgery Procedure?
Consultation
Your consultation is an important step in the Mohs surgery process. During your consultation, one of our board-certified dermatologists will perform a physical examination of your cancerous lesion. They will also go over your medical history, making considerations for any previous skin cancer diagnoses and treatments, and walk you through the next steps for surgery. They will describe the steps of Mohs surgery, including what to expect the day of surgery and how to prepare for your procedure. Be sure to ask any questions you have and voice any concerns. Our expert Mohs surgeon and dermatologists are highly trained and experienced in this procedure, and will do their best to assuage any concerns so you can feel confident in your decision to proceed.
Mohs Surgery Steps
Step 1: Examination and Prep
Your surgeon will begin by examining the area and will position you to best access the treatment area. The treatment area will be injected with a local anesthetic so that you will not feel any pain during the procedure.
Step 2: Layer Removal
Next, your surgeon will remove a thin layer of visible cancerous tissue. This layer of tissue will be examined to determine if the cancer is deeply rooted under the surface or not. Your wound will be temporarily bandaged while the lab work is being performed.
Step 3: Lab Analysis
The tissue sample will be cut into sections for examination, which leads to a rough mapping of the size and shape of the remaining cancerous tissue. The edges of the tissue will also be examined under a microscope, so the surgeon can make note of the shape of the cancer. This process determines if you need additional layers of tissue removed.
Step 4: Second Layer Removal
If needed, your surgeon will inject more anesthetic into the treatment area and will remove another layer of tissue based on the map from the lab. The newly excised tissue is then examined in the lab, and so on. This process continues until all of the cancer cells are eliminated.
Step 5: Wound Closure and Repair
Depending on the size and location of your removed tumor, the wound may be left open to heal on its own, or your surgeon will close it with neat stitches. In some cases, your wound may need additional reconstruction from a plastic surgeon. Our dermatology team works closely with our board-certified plastic surgeons to ensure that our Mohs surgery patients receive optimal care and the best aesthetic results post-surgery.
What Is Mohs Surgery Recovery Like?
Recovery after Mohs surgery takes about two to four weeks, depending on the size and location of your lesion. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed recovery instructions, including any restrictions. These instructions will be unique to your specific procedure, as each patient will have a different treatment plan. If your lesion is bandaged, be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions for caring for your wound, including keeping it dry and clean. You may be given a prescription for pain relief or antibiotics, as well as a topical medication.
You will likely need to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks to allow for a full recovery. You should also avoid swimming or soaking in water until your wound fully closes and any stitches are removed.
When Will I See My Mohs Surgery Results?
Your cancer will be removed during your Mohs procedure, so in terms of medical results, they are instantaneous. Aesthetically and physically, your wound should heal in about two weeks. You may require an additional procedure with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to aid in recovery, such as a skin graft, depending on the depth and/or size of your wound. Results are therefore tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
Does Insurance Cover Mohs Surgery?
Yes, most insurance policies do cover Mohs surgery. If you don’t have coverage, we offer flexible financing options through Cherry.
Mohs Surgery FAQ
Your surgeon uses a local anesthetic on the treatment area, so you will feel no pain during the procedure itself. However, some swelling and discomfort are common in the surrounding area in the early stages of recovery. Your surgeon can prescribe a pain medication for you or recommend an over-the-counter solution, if needed.
Because cancers form in many different ways, with varied shapes, sizes, and depths, it’s hard to determine if you will have a scar or not. In most cases, a scar is a common side effect of the procedure. However, our Mohs surgeon is skilled at removing lesions with as little trauma to the surrounding area as possible, and is adept at making neat, even sutures. Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform closures to reduce the possibility of scarring.
Additionally, if scarring does occur, you have access to some of the best reconstructive plastic surgeons in the country, here at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. Our team can arrange an aesthetic consultation in conjunction with your Mohs surgery treatment to ensure a seamless experience. There are many scar therapy solutions beyond cosmetic surgery, as well, including silicone patches, topical scar treatments, and laser resurfacing.
Interested in Mohs Surgery in Long Island?
Your skin cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to slow you down. Experience safe and effective skin cancer treatment with Mohs surgery. Our state-of-the-art Mohs lab in Woodbury, Long Island, ensures a fantastic dermatological and surgical experience just a phone call away.
Schedule your Mohs consultation today by calling (888) 680-2090 and take the first step toward a cancer-free you.
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