Why Mohs Surgery Is the Standard for the Face
The face has little tissue to spare and every millimeter affects appearance and function — so skin cancer here demands both a complete cure and the smallest possible wound. Mohs micrographic surgery is uniquely suited to that goal: the surgeon removes the cancer one thin layer at a time and examines 100% of the surgical margin under the microscope before closing the wound. Nothing is left to guesswork.
The result is the highest cure rate available — up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma — while sparing the maximum amount of healthy skin around the eyes, nose, and mouth. For appropriate biopsy-confirmed basal and squamous cell carcinomas on the face, Mohs is often the preferred treatment.
Facial Areas We Treat
Belaray's Mohs surgeons treat skin cancer across the entire face and head. Each site has its own anatomy and reconstruction considerations:
Facial Mohs Experience, by the Numbers
Nearly two-thirds of the Mohs surgeries performed at Belaray involve skin cancers of the head and neck (about 63% in 2025), based on the anatomic ICD-10 diagnosis for each case. See the full breakdown and methodology on our Clinical Insights page.
Facial Reconstruction — Under One Roof
Removing the cancer is only half of a facial Mohs case; restoring the appearance and function of the area matters just as much. At Belaray, reconstruction is handled within the same practice, by the same team, on the day of surgery whenever appropriate.
When reconstruction is appropriate, wound repair is generally completed the same day, once margins are confirmed clear — planned to follow the face's natural lines and cosmetic units so healing is as inconspicuous as possible. Some smaller wounds are intentionally allowed to heal naturally by secondary intention. For eyelid and periocular defects, Dr. Rachel Ellis performs same-visit oculofacial reconstruction once the Mohs surgeon confirms clear margins.
Your Facial Mohs Team
Dual board-certified Mohs surgeon & co-founder (Hicksville)
Dual board-certified Mohs surgeon (Stony Brook)
Dual board-certified Mohs surgeon (both offices)
Oculofacial plastic surgeon — same-visit reconstruction around the eye (Hicksville)
Belaray's three Mohs surgeons are each board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery. Drs. Ellis and Wong are fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, and Dr. Wong is a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery (FACMS).
What Patients Say
“Switched to here from another dermatologist & i absolutely love them the staff is all so amazing , love to be able to text message for appointments and updates. Did my mohs surgery on my forehead went amazing and healed even better looks like nothing happened ! I Have went back for multiple different things and every time they have taken such great care of me !”
“Came in for a consultation for Mohs surgery with Dr Elis I was very pleased with how pleasant he was and how well he explained the surgery His staff was very helpful I would recommend him”
Read more patient reviews of Belaray Dermatology.
Learn More
Facial Mohs Surgery — Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mohs surgery preferred for skin cancer on the face?
Mohs micrographic surgery removes skin cancer one thin layer at a time, examining 100% of the surgical margin under the microscope before closing. On the face — where healthy tissue is limited and appearance and function matter — this delivers the highest cure rates (up to 99% for primary basal cell carcinoma) while preserving the most normal skin. That combination makes Mohs the preferred technique for cancers on the nose, eyelid, ear, and lip.
What facial areas can Mohs surgery treat?
Belaray's Mohs surgeons treat skin cancer across the entire face and head: the nose, eyelids and area around the eye, ears, lips, cheeks, forehead, temples, and scalp. Nearly two-thirds of the Mohs surgeries performed at Belaray involve skin cancers of the head and neck.
Will I have a scar after facial Mohs surgery?
Because Mohs surgery removes the smallest possible amount of tissue, wounds are kept as small as possible. When reconstruction is appropriate, wound repair is generally completed the same day and is planned to follow the natural lines and cosmetic units of the face so scars heal as inconspicuously as possible. Some smaller wounds are intentionally allowed to heal naturally by secondary intention.
Who performs facial Mohs surgery at Belaray?
Facial Mohs surgery is performed by Belaray's three dual board-certified Mohs surgeons — Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, Dr. Anthony Wong, and Dr. Dana Baigrie — each board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery. For skin cancers on or around the eyelid, Dr. Rachel Ellis, an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, performs same-visit reconstruction.
Is skin cancer on the nose or eyelid treated differently?
Yes. Skin cancers on the nose, eyelid, and ear involve cartilage, delicate structures, and cosmetic units that require extra tissue precision and careful reconstruction. Belaray performs Mohs removal and reconstruction for these sites under one roof, and coordinates eyelid and periocular reconstruction with oculofacial surgeon Dr. Rachel Ellis.
Schedule a Facial Skin Cancer Evaluation
Worried about a spot on your face, or referred for Mohs surgery? Reach either office directly, or book online.