Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery New York

Expert Reconstruction by Dr. Ron Shelton

As seen in Dr. Ron Shelton’s photo gallery of Mohs skin cancer surgery in New York and his detailed reconstruction cases, there are numerous ways to repair a surgical defect once a tumor is removed. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Shelton trained under some of the top masters in Mohs micrographic surgery and has since developed his own advanced techniques. His deep knowledge of anatomy, understanding of physics, and artistic eye allow him to achieve outstanding results — knowing that different reconstruction methods for the same defect can lead to very different long-term outcomes.

Click here to see Mohs photos from Dr. Shelton of many different locations >>

A Patient-Focused Approach to Mohs Surgery Reconstruction

Unlike some surgeons who focus solely on closing a defect quickly, Dr. Shelton carefully considers multiple options to achieve the best possible long-term result — one his patients will live with for the rest of their lives. Every patient is unique:

Some want to return to normal life as soon as possible and are less concerned about scarring.
Others place a high priority on minimizing visible scars.

Dr. Shelton takes time to listen, understand, and communicate with each patient, even during the first visit. He explains the healing process, expected scar appearance, and post-operative care in clear detail.

As Dr. Shelton often says:
“Mohs defects are like snowflakes — no two wounds are alike.”

Factors Dr. Shelton Considers in Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery Reconstruction

When performing Mohs skin cancer surgery in New York, Dr. Shelton evaluates multiple factors before determining the reconstruction plan:

Location of the defect after tumor removal.
Proximity to delicate structures such as eyelids or lips, where certain margins should not be moved.
Tension, color, and texture of the surrounding skin.
Whether closure can be completed within the same cosmetic unit or if skin from another area will be needed.
If a multi-stage repair is necessary to protect blood supply to skin flaps.
Whether a skin graft would provide the most natural look — and the best donor site if needed.
If natural healing (secondary intention) is preferable, and whether the patient can manage wound care.
The patient’s ability to return for follow-up visits.
Best methods for reducing puckering and aligning scars within natural skin creases.
Whether partial closure could make healing easier, reduce scar size, or limit bleeding.

Treating Complex Mohs Surgery Wounds

Some defects span more than one cosmetic unit, such as the cheek and nose. In these cases, Dr. Shelton may treat each area individually rather than using one large skin graft that might look unnatural.

For example, in one case involving both the cheek and side of the nose, Dr. Shelton avoided a graft that would have left a shiny, thin patch that didn’t match the thick, pore-rich nasal skin. Instead, he mobilized the cheek to close up to the natural fold between the cheek and nose, allowing the nasal wound to heal naturally.

After six weeks of twice-daily dressing changes, the wound fully healed. Any mild redness continued to fade over several months. Persistent redness, when it occurs, can be treated quickly with laser therapy during a follow-up visit. In some cases, visible creases or grooves can be improved with laser resurfacing within a month after surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Ron Shelton for Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery in New York?

Patients choose Dr. Shelton for his:

Expertise in advanced Mohs reconstruction techniques
Artistic approach to scar minimization
Ability to customize treatment for each patient’s goals and lifestyle
Clear communication and compassionate care

If you are seeking Mohs skin cancer surgery in New York, Dr. Shelton’s experience and patient-focused approach can help you achieve the best functional and cosmetic outcome.

Mohs procedure New York Educational Video

Before after treatment results of Mohs Surgery

Click here to view Mohs procedure New York's Before & After Photo Gallery

Being the largest organ in the body, the skin is a major indicator of our general health. Current statistics indicate that skin cancer will affect as many as one in five people in our country at some point in their lives. The more UV exposure that occurs, the higher the risk is for concerning skin cancer. While the expert physicians in our comfortable Mid-town Manhattan medical practice often visit with patients who wish to improve the look of their skin, we also treat skin cancer using the latest proven techniques.

Mohs micrographic surgery in New York City is available for those who developed some types of skin cancer. Those who are facing a distressful diagnosis of non melanoma skin cancer such as Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas have access to the latest state-of-the-art treatment performed by specifically trained physicians. Although results from Mohs micrographic surgery may vary from person to person, the technique through which skin cancer lesions are removed has the highest success rate of any alternative treatment and provides conservation or sparing of normal skin.

Physicians who have completed hundreds of hours of additional training in Mohs have the expertise to perform this delicate procedure with a great deal of precision, maximizing each patient's chances for a complete cure. With the technology utilized in the Mohs surgical procedure in NYC, the surgeon works to remove thin margins of skin around and under the tumor, one at a time, followed by immediate examination under a microscope. Skin cancers are treated without affecting or damaging the skin in the surrounding region.

The NYC Mohs surgical procedure provides the greatest amount of precision for the removal of skin cancers, and is ideal for highly visible areas on the body, including the face. By examining 100 percent of frozen section perimeters and deep margins, this technique provides the smallest defect to the skin possible. Dr. Shelton has fellowship training in this sub-specialty along with reconstruction, is a member of the prestigious American College of Mohs Surgery. and has published articles regarding Mohs surgery.

Skin cancer can be a very frightening diagnosis. We understand the feelings of anxiety that may develop for the skin cancer patient, and we are happy to discuss the various forms of treatment that will best suit immediate and long-term needs, both for aesthetics and for health. Dr. Shelton and his colleagues encourage patients to gain familiarity with their skin so that unusual changes may be detected right away. With early detection and treatment, there are excellent chances for cure.

Content updated: August 2025

What's next?

To learn more about Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery New York NY or to schedule your skin cancer screening in Dr. Shelton's Manhattan Mohs medical practice, call (212) 593-1818.

Click Here to book a consultation

FAQ's on Mohs Surgery in NYC

Mohs Surgery Scar New York - I had Mohs surgery on my nose two months ago and had a flap done to close the hole. I am happy but the flap appears slightly lumpy. What can be done to improve this?
New York Mohs Surgery Recovery - I had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my nose, the tip, and my dermatologist only gave me a bandaid and ointment and said he would see me in four weeks. Should I not have had stitches?