Question 1

What is Mohs micrographic surgery?

Accepted Answer

Mohs surgery is a precise surgical technique for removing skin cancer. The surgeon removes thin layers of tissue one at a time, examining each layer under a microscope during the procedure. This continues until no cancer cells remain, ensuring complete removal while preserving maximum healthy tissue.

Question 2

What is the cure rate for Mohs surgery?

Accepted Answer

Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate of any treatment for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma - up to 99% for primary (new) tumors and up to 94% for recurrent tumors.

Question 3

How long does the Mohs procedure take?

Accepted Answer

Most Mohs surgeries take 2-4 hours, though this can vary. The procedure involves removing layers of tissue and waiting for laboratory processing between each stage. Plan to be at the hospital for most of the day.

Question 4

Is Mohs surgery painful?

Accepted Answer

Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild discomfort during the anesthetic injection, which subsides quickly. Post-surgical soreness is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Question 5

What is recovery like after Mohs surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. The wound is typically closed the same day with stitches. Specific recovery time depends on the size and location of the surgical site. You'll receive detailed wound care instructions after the procedure.

Question 6

What is the See & Treat approach?

Accepted Answer

See & Treat is our same-visit model where diagnosis and treatment happen in one appointment. Instead of scheduling multiple visits for evaluation, biopsy, and then treatment, we aim to complete everything in a single visit whenever clinically appropriate.

Question 7

What types of skin cancer does Dr. Kaplan treat?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Kaplan treats all types of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma in situ, and precancerous conditions like actinic keratosis. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient's specific diagnosis.

Question 8

What laser treatments do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Using the Alma Harmony Pro XL platform, we offer treatments for vascular lesions, pigmentation, skin rejuvenation, wart removal, scar revision, and aesthetic procedures including Botox and fillers.

Question 9

Do you accept Maccabi patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For Mohs surgery and certain dermatologic procedures, Maccabi Healthcare Services patients can be seen with a referral. Book through Maccabi Online or contact our clinic for assistance with the referral process.

Question 10

How do I book a private appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can book a private consultation by contacting our clinic via phone, WhatsApp, or the contact form on this website. Private appointments are available for all services including cosmetic consultations.

Question 11

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a valid ID, referral letter (if applicable), list of current medications, previous pathology reports or medical records related to your skin concern, and your health insurance card.

Question 12

Is there parking available at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking is available at 49 HaSivim Street, Petah Tikva. The clinic is on floor 2 with elevator access. Wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, and restrooms are available. Detailed directions are available on our Location page.

Question 13

Is Mohs surgery covered by Israeli health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mohs surgery for BCC and SCC in the head and neck area is included in the Israeli health basket. Maccabi members can undergo the procedure at Assuta Hospital (Ramat HaHayal or HaShalom) through their health fund. Clalit members can have the procedure at HMC after obtaining Form 17. For tumors on the body and limbs, supplemental insurance may be required. We recommend confirming coverage with your health fund in advance.

Question 14

What is the difference between Mohs surgery and standard excision?

Accepted Answer

The key difference is in how the tumor margins are examined. In standard excision, approximately 1-5% of the margins are checked after surgery. In Mohs surgery, 100% of the margins are examined in real time during the procedure. This allows for more complete and precise removal, resulting in higher cure rates (up to 99% vs 90-95%) and maximum preservation of healthy tissue.

Question 15

Will there be a scar after Mohs surgery?

Accepted Answer

Every surgery leaves some scarring, but Mohs surgery preserves maximum healthy tissue, allowing for optimal reconstruction. Dr. Kaplan performs reconstruction immediately after tumor removal, and thanks to his training in aesthetic surgery, places special emphasis on cosmetic outcomes. Over time, most scars fade significantly.

Question 16

Who is a candidate for Mohs surgery?

Accepted Answer

Mohs surgery is primarily recommended for BCC and SCC tumors in sensitive areas (face, ears, lips, nose, eyelids), large or recurrent tumors, tumors with unclear borders, and tumors near important functional areas. The decision is made during a personal consultation with Dr. Kaplan.

Question 17

What are the risks of Mohs surgery?

Accepted Answer

Mohs surgery is considered very safe. As with any surgery, there are minimal risks of bleeding, infection, or scarring. The main risk - tumor recurrence - is the lowest of any treatment method (less than 1% for primary tumors). The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization.

Question 18

Do I need general anesthesia for Mohs surgery?

Accepted Answer

No. Mohs surgery is performed under local anesthesia only. You remain awake and fully conscious throughout the procedure. This is one of the advantages of Mohs surgery - no general anesthesia, pre-surgery fasting, or hospitalization required.

Question 19

How many Mohs surgeries has Dr. Kaplan performed?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Kaplan has performed over 1,000 Mohs surgeries. He completed a Mohs Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach - an ACMS-approved program. Dr. Kaplan is one of the few physicians in Israel with ACMS certification.

Question 20

Does Dr. Kaplan perform surgeries at a hospital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mohs surgeries are performed at Assuta Hospital (Ramat HaHayal and HaShalom branches) and Herzliya Medical Center (HMC), all of which provide an optimal surgical environment with dedicated pathology laboratories for real-time tissue examination. Clinic-based procedures such as biopsies, minor excisions, and consultations are performed at our Petah Tikva clinic.

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