Mohs micrographic surgery is an advanced treatment procedure for skin cancer that offers the highest potential rate of cure—as high as 99%*, even if the cancer has been previously treated. Dr. David Goldberg and Dr. Jennifer Chwalek have been specially trained in Mohs surgery, a state-of-the-art treatment in which they can precisely identify and remove the entire tumor, leaving healthy tissue intact. Mohs surgery is most effective in treating two of the most common types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
During Mohs surgery in NYC, your physician will first remove visible tumor tissue. They will then remove a thin layer of skin under the tumor, divide it into sections and color code each section, marking reference points for each section at the tumor site. This thin layer of tissue is examined under a microscope. If there are any visible cancer cells in the thin layer, your physician will determine their location by the color code and will remove an additional layer of skin from the tumor site and, again, examine it under the microscope. This procedure will continue until there are no cancer cells visible.
Most patients can expect their NYC Mohs surgery to be completed within several hours, although the procedure may take longer if the roots of the cancer have penetrated many layers of skin.
*Every case of skin cancer is unique, and cure rates will vary.
Is Mohs surgery right for me?
Mohs is especially effective for tumors on the head and neck, especially around the eyes, ears, lips and nose. It has also been proven successful in the treatment of large and ill-defined tumors, regardless of location, and aggressive and recurring tumors. During your initial consultation in our NYC or NJ offices, your physician will determine if Mohs micrographic surgery is the best treatment option for your skin cancer.
Will I need to go to the hospital for Mohs surgery?
You will probably not need to go to the hospital for Mohs surgery. Whenever possible, the surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, but occasionally we require that the patient stay in the hospital. We will inform you if we feel it would be best for you to be hospitalized.
Will I have general anesthesia during the surgery?
Mohs surgery is usually performed with local anesthesia, but general anesthesia may be used in certain cases. When you come to our office for your initial consultation, we will determine the best course of action to deliver the best results with the highest level of comfort for you.
How long does Mohs surgery take?
Each step (or stage) of the surgical procedure takes about 10 to 15 minutes. After each surgical stage, it usually takes at least an hour for the slides to be prepared for microscopic examination. Several stages and examinations may be required.
Will Mohs surgery leave a scar?
It will leave a scar, however, the Mohs procedure tends to result in minimal scarring. Dr. Goldberg or Dr. Chwalek will examine your wound after it has had time to heal and, if necessary, will schedule reconstructive surgery in the area.
Will my insurance cover Mohs surgery?
Some health insurance policies cover the total cost of Mohs surgery. Most cover at least part of it. Each policy is different. Please check with our practice administrator if you have any questions regarding costs and insurance forms.
Are the doctors at Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists fellowship trained?
As the new standard in skin cancer treatment, Mohs micrographic surgery is proving to be the most effective method to treat most types of skin cancer. When it comes to treating your skin cancer, you deserve the very best – the best treatment and the best surgeon.
More and more physicians are performing Mohs surgery, yet not all physicians have received the same high level of training as our fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons Drs. David J. Goldberg and Jennifer Chwalek. By completing an American College of Mohs Surgery approved fellowship, our doctors have achieved the highest degree of Mohs surgery qualification possible. This means that you can rest assured that you will receive quality, competent care and the best outcome possible.
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Contact UsSkin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey and ACMS – providing superior care
The American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) was founded by Dr. Frederic Mohs himself. The ACMS fellowship training program is considered by many to be the benchmark in Mohs surgery training, selecting only the most qualified physicians to participate in the program through a lengthy application and interview process. Upon completion of a dermatology residency, selected participants must then undergo a rigorous one- to two-year Mohs surgery training program designed to cultivate experience and judgment in each graduate. As part of this thorough and stringent training program, our Mohs surgeons studied and trained under the guidance of experienced veteran Mohs College surgeons, learning the diverse forms, degrees, and locations in which skin cancer occurs.
In order to complete his ACMS fellowship, Dr. Goldberg, along with Dr. Chwalek, had to learn how to accurately interpret slides of tissue samples removed during Mohs surgery and participate in a minimum of 500 Mohs surgery cases ranging from simple cases to complex, multi-step repairs. They received unique exposure to a variety of cases and situations, from complex wound reconstructions to challenging tumor locations and unusual tumor pathology. As fellowship trained Mohs surgeons, our doctors will utilize their advanced training and experience for your skin cancer treatment and achieve the most optimal outcome possible.
What is the cost of Mohs micrographic surgery?
The price of Mohs micrographic surgery varies for each person depending on the extent of treatment necessary. Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey accepts CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit, two different financing options that work with every budget! Please speak to our concierge team for more information.
How do I get started?
Dr. Goldberg or Dr. Chwalek and their staff will be happy to discuss Mohs micrographic surgery with you. Please feel free to call for a private consultation at one of our offices in NYC or NJ.