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Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery Westchester
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Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and early detection is essential for successful treatment. At Westchester Center for Dermatology, serving Scarsdale and Westchester County, NY, Dr. David Kriegel, a fellowship-trained Mohs surgery specialist, provides expert skin cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
What Is Mohs Surgery?
The most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), also called non-melanoma skin cancer. While there are many different types of skin cancer, most are preventable and can be cured if caught early enough.
Skin cancers are more commonly found among older people, especially among those who have had extensive, lifelong exposure to the sun. Those with lighter skin are more likely than others to contract skin cancer, and proper screening and treatment can keep any existing cancer from spreading. Our certified skin cancer dermatologists treat skin cancer using Mohs micrographic surgery.
Mohs micrographic surgery removes cancerous tissue layer by layer while examining each layer under a microscope. This process continues until only cancer-free tissue remains. It offers the highest cure rate for common skin cancers. It also preserves the maximum amount of healthy surrounding tissue. The technique is especially valuable for cancers on the face, ears, hands, and other cosmetically sensitive areas.
Dr. Kriegel is a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon who can guide you through the treatment process. While Mohs procedures are performed at a specialized surgical facility, Dr. Kriegel coordinates your care from screening through follow-up.
Who Needs Mohs Surgery?
Mohs surgery may be recommended if you have:
- Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer
- Skin cancer in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face, nose, eyelids, ears, or lips
- Large or rapidly growing tumors
- Recurrent skin cancers that have returned after previous treatment
- Cancers with poorly defined borders
- Aggressive tumor subtypes that require complete removal
Your individual situation determines the best treatment approach. Dr. Kriegel evaluates each case and recommends the most appropriate option for your specific diagnosis.
How can I tell if I have skin cancer?
A thorough examination by a skin cancer dermatologist at the Westchester Center for Dermatology is the best way to diagnose any possible occurrence of skin cancer. Still, you should be on the alert for the following:
- Sores that do not heal within four weeks
- Spots on your body that look different than any other or that are new
- Unusual freckles or new or existing moles that change in color, size, or shape
In addition to an annual skin cancer screening, you should examine your body every three or four months, using one or two mirrors to check your back and scalp. If you find anything unusual, please contact us to arrange a screening. If caught early enough, skin cancer is almost always treatable.
Our Mohs Procedure at Westchester Center for Dermatology
There are different treatments for the various types of skin cancer. For the most common types of skin cancers, basal or squamous cell carcinomas, Mohs micrographic surgery has the highest success rate.
Excisional surgery is also an effective treatment for less invasive skin cancers. Early malignant melanoma, often caused by a combination of genetics and sun exposure, is usually treated by in-office excisional skin cancer surgery in our dermatology offices. Sometimes, this surgery is performed with lymph node evaluation. Finally, topical creams are also effective for minimally invasive skin cancers.
The skin cancer surgeons at the Westchester Center for Dermatology practice an extensive range of skin cancer treatments. After your examination, they will discuss your treatment options with you to make sure you receive the best available care.
How is Mohs micrographic surgery performed?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Kriegel examines suspicious lesions and may perform a biopsy to determine if cancer is present. If Mohs surgery is recommended, he explains the procedure in detail. Dr. Kriegel performs the procedure at an accredited surgical facility, while our Scarsdale office specializes in screening, diagnosis, consultation, and follow-up care.
Mohs micrographic surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. It uses a local anesthetic that is administered to the area and is performed while you are awake. Dr. Kriegel has been specifically trained in the procedure, and it is the preferred method for facial and other sensitive areas due to its precision and microscopic accuracy. The cure rate for this type of surgery is 97–99%.
On the day of your procedure, Dr. Kriegel removes the visible cancer and a thin layer of surrounding tissue. Each layer is immediately examined under a microscope while you wait. Additional layers are removed only where cancer cells remain, and the process continues until all margins are clear.
After complete skin cancer removal, Dr. Kriegel closes the surgical site with sutures or performs reconstructive techniques as part of reconstructive dermatology, depending on the size and location of the wound. Following your procedure, you return to our office for follow-up appointments and ongoing skin cancer monitoring.
Recovery, Follow-Up & Long-Term Skin Care
Recovery from Mohs surgery typically involves manageable discomfort and careful wound care. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week.
A few recovery tips include the following:
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry as directed
- Follow all wound care instructions provided by your surgical team
- Avoid strenuous activity for the period recommended
- Protect the area from sun exposure during healing
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
Dr. Kriegel provides ongoing care after your Mohs procedure. Regular skin checks help detect any new concerns early. Monitoring remains important even after successful treatment.
Benefits of Skin Cancer & Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery as a skin cancer treatment offers several key advantages for many skin cancer cases. These include:
- High cure rates – Effective for basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas with excellent outcomes
- Tissue preservation – Layer-by-layer approach removes only cancerous tissue while sparing healthy skin
- Immediate microscopic analysis – Real-time examination confirms complete cancer removal during the procedure
- Same-day completion – Most procedures finish in a single day
- Lower recurrence rates – Precise mapping technique identifies and removes all cancer cells
- Better cosmetic outcomes – Preserving healthy tissue leads to improved appearance, especially in visible areas
Cost of Getting Skin Cancer Treatment & Mohs Surgery
The cost of skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, its location, size, and the complexity of the procedure. Your medical insurance may cover payment for services at Westchester Center for Dermatology.
We accept most major insurance providers. Our team works with your insurance company to determine coverage and can assist you in providing the necessary information about what is typically covered. If you don’t have insurance, services can be paid for by credit card. Contact our office at (914) 472-4100 or visit our insurance page for a complete list of accepted providers.
Early detection often means simpler treatment and lower costs. Regular skin cancer screenings help identify problems when they’re most treatable.
Why Choose Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale for Skin Cancer Treatment
Why choose a dermatologist for skin cancer care
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions. Board-certified dermatologists complete extensive training in identifying skin cancers and other dermatologic diseases.
Dr. David Kriegel has specialized training that allows him to recognize suspicious lesions that others might miss. Years of experience allow Dr. Kriegel to identify subtle signs of skin cancer. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment, and early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the need for extensive procedures.
A dermatologist provides comprehensive skin health management. Beyond cancer treatment, ongoing care includes monitoring for new lesions and addressing other skin concerns.
Why choose the Westchester Center for Dermatology
Dr. Kriegel completed specialized fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery. His expertise supports accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. We manage your screenings and follow-up care, and when Mohs surgery is needed, Dr. Kriegel performs the procedure in a surgical setting suited for this technique.
Dr. Kriegel is a nationally recognized leader in skin cancer, Mohs, and cosmetic surgery. He has been the Director of Dermatologic and Mohs Surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine since 1997. He has been the director of Mt. Sinai’s Mohs Surgery Fellowship training program since 2003. He has also been named in the Best Doctor edition of New York Magazine for the last four years, citing the fields of Mohs Micrographic and Cosmetic Surgery.
Yet another reason to choose our practice is Dr. Kriegel’s recognition. He was selected by his peers as an outstanding doctor in New York in 2024. After a detailed nomination and research review by MSP Communications, his recognition appeared in New York Super Doctors, published in the May 4, 2025, issue of The New York Times Sunday Magazine.
Our Scarsdale office serves patients throughout Westchester County, including Bronxville, Eastchester, Hartsdale, Edgemont, White Plains, New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, Rye, and Larchmont. Accessible care makes regular screenings easier to maintain. Explore our different cosmetic services for additional skin care options beyond medical dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Kriegel evaluates your specific diagnosis to determine the best treatment approach. Factors include the type of skin cancer, its location and size, and whether it's a first occurrence or a recurrence. Mohs surgery is often recommended for cancers on the face or areas where preserving healthy tissue matters most.
A skin cancer screening is a thorough examination specifically designed to detect signs of skin cancer or precancerous changes. Dr. Kriegel examines your entire body, checking moles, spots, and lesions for concerning features. Regular screenings help detect problems early when they're easiest to treat.
The duration varies depending on how many layers need to be removed. Most procedures take two to four hours, though complex cases may require more time. Each layer takes about 30–60 minutes to process and examine under the microscope.
Any surgical procedure leaves some degree of scarring, but Mohs surgery minimizes this by removing only cancerous tissue. The size and location of your cancer affect the final appearance of your scar. Reconstructive techniques help optimize cosmetic outcomes, and scars typically fade over time.
Dr. Kriegel recommends follow-up schedules based on your individual risk factors. Many patients need skin checks every three to six months initially, then annually once stable. People with a history of skin cancer face a higher risk of developing new cancers and benefit from regular monitoring.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during surgery. You may feel pressure or tugging sensations. After the anesthesia wears off, most patients experience mild discomfort that's manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
Schedule Your Skin Cancer Screening & Mohs Consultation
Protecting your skin health starts with expert evaluation. Whether you’ve noticed a concerning spot or need a routine screening, Dr. David Kriegel at the Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale provides the specialized care you need. Early detection saves lives. Contact our office today to schedule your skin cancer screening and learn about your treatment options.
