Mohs Micrographic Surgery & Reconstruction for Skin Cancer

Why choose Dr. Khorasani for Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction?

In the world, there are only a limited number of board-certified and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeons with additional board certifications in dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and facial cosmetic surgery. Dr. Khorasani is proud to be amongst these elite surgeons and endeavors to use his specialized credentials to help patients overcome their battle with skin cancer. Committed to optimizing patient’s medical and aesthetic results, Dr. Khorasani has dedicated his decade-plus long career to perfecting his surgical skills and pioneering innovative reconstructive techniques. This high-level competency led to his appointment as Chief of the Division of Dermatologic and Cosmetic at Mount Sinai, where he has removed and reconstructed over sixteen thousand skin cancers and published numerous academic papers. Dr. Khorasani also served as program director of the Mohs Micrographic Surgery & Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship Program for 10 years, as he believes it is his moral responsibility to help produce the next generation of skin cancer and reconstructive surgeons capable of providing exemplary care to their patients.

Armed with this comprehensive academic and clinical proficiency, Dr. Khorasani is readily able to assume the role of oncologist, pathologist, and reconstructive surgeon. This trifecta of expertise lends itself to the creation of a tailored surgical plan that precisely removes your skin cancer and maximizes your functional and aesthetic outcomes. Pictures, however, can speak louder than words. As such, we highly encourage viewing our photo gallery to visualize first-hand the incredible results produced by Dr. Khorasani’s.

We understand that a diagnosis of skin cancer can be life-changing. Dr. Khorasani and his staff will be with you every step of the way to ensure your skin cancer treatment and road to recovery is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What is Mohs micrographic surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery involves removing the visible skin cancer and a narrow margin of healthy skin for microscopic evaluation. Following a specialized preparation process, the bottom and all the edges of the specimen are carefully examined under a microscope to determine if there are additional skin cancer cells that were imperceptible to the human eye. If these invisible cancer cells exist, their position is carefully marked on a hand-drawn map of your tumor. The surgeon will then remove additional tissue in the precise location of these tumor cells, sparing the surrounding healthy skin. This process, called staging, is repeated until the bottom and all the peripheral edges of the specimen are cancer-free.

What is skin cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. One in five adults will be diagnosed with one of these forms of skin cancer by the age of seventy, rendering this malignancy the most common in the United States. Unfortunately, these cancers tend to occur in highly visible areas of the body such as the face, neck, chest, upper back, arms and legs. Definitively curing your skin cancer is always the primary objective; however, given the conspicuous location of these tumors, the resultant aesthetic appearance and functionality of the treated site must also be considered.

Your skin is composed of millions of cells. Sun exposure, age, genetics, stress and other factors can cause some of these cells to mutate and behave abnormally. These mutated cells multiply rapidly and form cancerous tumors in the skin. The specific type of cell involved in this abnormal growth pattern determines if the cancer is a basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Basal cell carcinomas typically appear as pearly flesh-colored moles or pimples that do not resolve with time. Squamous cell carcinomas are similarly persistent, but are often rough, scaly patches that are red or brown in color. Finally, melanomas often result from previously existing moles that have undergone a change in shape, color, size, or texture. It is important to note that not all basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, or melanomas will necessarily have these features. As such, it is critical to have any suspicious skin blemishes evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

How is skin cancer treated?

Treatment of your skin cancer depends on its type, stage (as determined by your dermatologist and pathologist), location, and your overall health. It is very important to understand that your initial biopsy did not remove the skin cancer, even if you can no longer physically see the original blemish. The biopsy is often a sample of the “tip of the iceberg” as these tumors often have deeper roots which will require further treatment. All biopsies require immediate follow-up with your dermatologist to determine the best treatment for your particular skin cancer.

Patients with basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas confined to the skin’s surface, called the epidermis, may be candidates for treatment with our PreciseFX laser. This cutting-edge therapy capitalizes on Dr. Khorasani’s extensive skin cancer knowledge and technical mastery of laser energy to rapidly eradicate surface-level tumors with minimal scarring. Visit our Skin Cancer Laser Treatment page to see if PreciseFX laser may provide you with the best medical and cosmetic results for your superficial skin cancer.

Melanoma, the most dangerous of skin cancers, must be treated aggressively with surgery and occasionally with adjuvant chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Non-superficial basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas also require surgical treatment, of which Mohs micrographic surgery is traditionally the gold standard.