Mohs Micrographic and Dermatologic Surgery

Most dermatologic surgery procedures are simple and fast, many of which are outpatient procedures requiring only local anesthesia.

For more complex procedures, the Dermatologic and Mohs Micrographic Surgery Unit at Weill Cornell Medicine offers the best outpatient care available.

Your skin deserves expert surgical care. The board-certified, fellowship-trained Mohs and dermatological surgeons at Weill Cornell Medicine have extensive training and experience. They consistently achieve high success rates, improved cosmetic outcomes, and exceptional levels of patient satisfaction.

Our dermatologic surgeons are board certified in Mohs surgery with extensive training in reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery. Their expertise means that patients achieve the best possible result, with minimal scarring.  

Conditions We Treat

Our dermatologic surgeons treat:

● Skin cancers of all types
● Precancerous, benign, and other malignant lesions

○ Lipomas
○ Cysts

● Atypical moles
● Atypical lesions and abnormalities of the nails  

Mohs Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery is considered the most effective treatment available for the most common types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

While treatment of your skin cancer is your primary concern, reconstruction of the treated area is also important. In addition to removing skin cancer, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons have specialized reconstructive surgery training for repairing the wound.

This is an outpatient procedure that requires only local anesthetic. With an expert surgeon and care team, this surgery is highly effective; it provides excellent cure rates and spares as much of the normal skin and tissue as possible, ultimately leading to a smaller, less noticeable scar.

The precision of Mohs micrographic surgery benefits patients with:

● The highest published cure rates for many types of skin cancer, making it less likely for cancer to grow back.
● Maximum preservation of healthy skin, which enhances the cosmetic and functional outcome.

Mohs Surgery Process

This procedure is typically completed in one visit but does include several steps that require some waiting.

1. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, the Mohs surgeon removes a layer of cancerous tissue. You receive a temporary bandage for the wound and are escorted to our comfortable waiting room.
2. Our highly trained Mohs surgeon examines the tissue under a microscope in a lab within the Israel Englander Department of Dermatology to determine the exact location of the cancerous cells and if all the cancer has been completely removed.
3. If necessary, the process will be repeated until no cancer cells remain.
4. Your Mohs surgeon will work with you to determine the best reconstruction and closure options—based on the size, depth, and location of the tumor removed.
5. You will schedule follow-up appointments with either your Mohs surgeon or general dermatologist.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine for Mohs and Other Dermatological Surgery?

Our patients benefit from our:

Focus on patient experience: Our dermatological surgeons truly care about their patients’ wellbeing, as well as their experience at Weill Cornell Medicine. They focus on getting to know each patient, as well as delivering the most appropriate, helpful care during a challenging time. This approach has led to our high success and patient satisfaction rates.

Unparalleled physician expertise: All patients are evaluated and treated by a board-certified dermatologist, and our dermatologic surgeons have specialized training in Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery. This high level of knowledge is not common at other dermatology centers, and helps ensure the best possible results for our patients.

Multidisciplinary care: As a part of an academic medical center, the dermatologists at our Department collaborate with other specialists whenever needed, making care seamless and comprehensive. Our team frequently works with radiation oncologists, head and neck surgeons, plastic surgeons, and others to deliver the best treatment possible.

Cutting-edge research: The physicians at the Israel Englander Department of Dermatology continuously conduct research concerning Mohs and other dermatological surgery. This research focuses on improving techniques, quality of care, and reconstruction for dermatologic surgery.

Our patients have access to the latest findings and information, as well as the most advanced techniques.