Hearing the words “skin cancer” can feel overwhelming, especially when the spot is on your face or another visible area. You may be wondering: What’s the best way to remove it completely while protecting my appearance? Mohs surgery is a highly precise treatment designed to remove skin cancer with the highest cure rates while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
At Manhattan Dermatology, patients receive expert Mohs micrographic surgery from elite board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Wendy Long Mitchell. With two convenient New York City locations and a dermatologist who is also a NYU professor, you can feel confident you’re in skilled, trusted hands.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery (also called Mohs micrographic surgery) is a specialized skin cancer removal technique used to treat certain types of skin cancer, especially in areas where preserving healthy tissue is critical. Unlike standard excision, Mohs surgery removes cancer in thin layers and examines each layer under a microscope immediately while you wait.
This step-by-step process ensures your provider removes all cancer cells while sparing as much surrounding skin as possible.
Mohs surgery is commonly used for:
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Some early melanomas (in select cases)
- Skin cancers that are recurrent, large, or have unclear borders
Benefits of Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is considered the gold standard for treating many skin cancers because it combines precision, safety, and excellent cosmetic outcomes.
Key benefits include:
- High cure rates (often the highest available for skin cancer treatment)
- Preserves healthy skin by removing only what’s necessary
- Immediate confirmation that all cancer is removed
- Ideal for delicate areas like the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, scalp, hands, and genitals
- Smaller scars compared to removing larger margins with standard excision
- Usually completed in one visit
Candidates for Mohs Surgery
You may be a good candidate for Mohs surgery if you have skin cancer that is:
- Located on the face, ears, scalp, neck, hands, or other visible areas
- Recurrent (has come back after previous treatment)
- Growing quickly or has aggressive features
- Large or has unclear edges
- Occurring in an area where tissue preservation matters
Your dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology will evaluate your diagnosis, biopsy results, and overall health to determine the best treatment plan.
What to Expect During the Mohs Procedure
Mohs surgery is performed in-office using local anesthesia. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable and manageable it feels.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Numbing the area with local anesthesia
- Removing the first thin layer of cancerous tissue
- Mapping and examining the tissue under a microscope
- Removing additional layers only if needed until no cancer remains
- Repairing the area, which may include stitches or reconstructive closure
Because each layer must be processed and examined, Mohs surgery can take several hours. You’ll remain comfortable and awake, with breaks between stages.
Why Choose Manhattan Dermatology for Mohs Surgery
When it comes to skin cancer removal, experience and precision matter. Manhattan Dermatology is a state-of-the-art skin care clinic home to some of NYC’s leading board-certified dermatologists, including fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Wendy Long Mitchell, MD, FAAD, FACMS.
Patients choose Manhattan Dermatology because they offer:
- Fellowship-trained Mohs expertise with advanced surgical techniques
- Board-certified dermatologists who provide comprehensive, head-to-toe care
- Two convenient NYC locations on Park Avenue and East 36th Street
- Comprehensive skin cancer monitoring, including mole checks and in-office removals
- A full spectrum of dermatology services, including treatment for chronic conditions and cosmetic options
- Flexible scheduling and availability for new patients
Mohs surgery is often just one part of a larger skin health plan. Your team will guide you through follow-up care, skin cancer prevention, and long-term monitoring to help protect your future skin health.
Get Peace of Mind With Mohs Surgery in New York, NY
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or need expert evaluation, Manhattan Dermatology offers trusted care from experienced, board-certified specialists in two New York City locations. To learn more or request an appointment, call (212) 683-6073 or (212) 689-9587 today.