Mohs micrographic surgery is the most effective treatment for the two most common skin cancers — basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — achieving cure rates of up to 99% for primary tumors. Belaray Dermatology performs Mohs surgery at two Long Island locations, staffed by three dual board-certified Mohs surgeons, each certified by the American Board of Dermatology and the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS).
Why Mohs Surgery?
Standard excision removes the visible tumor plus a margin of apparently normal tissue. Mohs surgery differs in one critical way: every millimeter of the surgical margin is examined under the microscope before the wound is closed. This means the surgeon can confirm with certainty that the entire tumor has been removed — not inferred from a small sampling. The result is:
- Higher cure rates than standard excision, radiation, or curettage
- Smallest possible wound, because only confirmed cancerous tissue is taken
- Same-day diagnosis and treatment in a single outpatient visit
- Lowest recurrence risk, especially for tumors on the face, ears, scalp, and hands
When Is Mohs Surgery Recommended?
The American College of Mohs Surgery's "Appropriate Use Criteria" identifies the situations where Mohs surgery offers the best outcomes. In general, Mohs is the preferred treatment when:
- The cancer is on the face (nose, lips, eyelids, ears, temples, scalp)
- The tumor is large, aggressive, or has recurred after prior treatment
- Pathology shows an infiltrative, morpheaform, or perineural growth pattern
- The patient is immunosuppressed (organ transplant recipients, patients on biologics)
- The cancer is on the hands, feet, or genitals — areas where tissue preservation is critical
Integrated Oculoplastic Reconstruction: Belaray offers Mohs surgery and oculoplastic facial reconstruction under one roof, with reconstruction generally completed the same day when appropriate. For tumors near the eye, eyelid, or inner canthus, this eliminates the need to coordinate between two separate practices.
Our Long Island Locations
Belaray operates two fully equipped Mohs surgery facilities on Long Island. Each site has a dedicated histopathology laboratory on-site so tissue processing does not require an off-site lab — keeping your total procedure time as short as possible.
Our Mohs Surgery Team
All three Belaray Mohs surgeons hold dual board certification in both dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery — the highest standard of credentialing for Mohs surgery in the United States.
- Dr. Jeffrey Ellis — Co-Founder, Dual Board Certified — Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery
- Dr. Dana Baigrie — Dual Board Certified — Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery
- Dr. Anthony Wong — Dual Board Certified — Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery
Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery
Once all cancer is confirmed clear, the wound must be reconstructed. Depending on its size and location, reconstruction may involve primary closure (simple stitching), a skin flap, a skin graft, or — for wounds near the eye — oculoplastic surgery. Belaray's surgical team performs reconstruction on the same day as Mohs removal in the majority of cases.
For complex periocular defects, Dr. Rachel Ellis, Belaray's board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, performs reconstruction at the Hicksville location. This same-day coordination is unique in the Tri-State region.
What to Expect on Your Mohs Surgery Day
- Arrive and prep: A nurse will mark the tumor site and take pre-procedure photos. The area is numbed with local anesthesia. Patient-controlled Pro-Nox™ nitrous oxide is available as a comfort option for patients who feel anxious.
- First stage: The surgeon removes the visible tumor plus a thin margin of tissue. The wound is bandaged while you wait.
- Lab processing: The tissue is mapped, processed, and examined under the microscope — typically 45–60 minutes per stage.
- Clear or another stage: If cancer cells remain at any margin, only that precise area is removed next. Most patients (≈80%) are clear in one or two stages.
- Reconstruction: Once clear, the wound is repaired the same day. You go home the same day.
From Belaray Mohs Surgery Patients
“Had MOHS surgery here and the service and professionalism were both top notch. Their offices are clean and modern and the team is friendly. Would recommend for any dermatology service.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Mohs surgery take on Long Island?
Most Mohs procedures at Belaray take between 2 and 4 hours from start to finish. Because lab processing takes 45–60 minutes per stage, patients should plan to spend a full morning. Approximately 80% of cases are completed in one or two stages.
Does Belaray Dermatology accept insurance for Mohs surgery?
Yes. Mohs surgery is covered by most major insurance plans as a medically necessary procedure for skin cancer. Belaray accepts Medicare, Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, Empire BCBS, United Healthcare, and many others. Call or text to verify your plan before scheduling.
Can I drive myself home after Mohs surgery?
Yes for most patients — the procedure uses local anesthesia and no sedation. However, if your surgery is near the eye and you expect to have your vision temporarily affected, or if reconstruction is complex, we recommend arranging a driver. We'll advise you at the pre-op consultation.
Where does Belaray perform Mohs surgery for eyelid cancer?
Mohs surgery for eyelid and periocular skin cancer is performed at the Hicksville location, where Dr. Rachel Ellis provides same-day oculoplastic reconstruction. This eliminates the need to travel to two separate offices for your surgery and reconstruction.
Schedule Your Mohs Surgery Consultation
Serving Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, and all of Long Island. Most major insurances accepted at both locations.
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