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, excluding procedures that require an operating room.

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 dermatologic procedures. Book an appointment through our scheduling system. If you have a referral, you can send a photo of it via WhatsApp to 054-9002800.

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 sensitive 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 3,000 Mohs surgeries, including over 1,000 during his ACMS-approved fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach. He is one of the few physicians in Israel with ACMS certification.

Question 20

Will I need reconstruction after Mohs surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most Mohs procedures require some form of wound closure. In many cases, Dr. Kaplan closes the wound with stitches directly. For larger or more complex wounds, a local skin flap or skin graft may be needed. Dr. Kaplan performs reconstruction immediately after the tumor is fully removed, in the same session, using techniques designed for the best cosmetic result.

Question 21

How many stages does Mohs surgery typically require?

Accepted Answer

Most tumors are cleared in 1 to 3 stages. Each stage takes approximately 30-45 minutes of laboratory processing time. About 70% of cases require only 1 or 2 stages. Larger, recurrent, or aggressive tumors may require additional stages. The surgery continues until the margins are completely clear of cancer cells.

Question 22

What is an ACMS Fellow and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

An ACMS Fellow is a physician who completed a fellowship accredited by the American College of Mohs Surgery. This 1-2 year program involves hundreds of supervised Mohs procedures, covering a wide range of tumor types, anatomic locations, and reconstruction techniques. Dr. Kaplan completed his ACMS-approved fellowship at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, performing over 1,000 Mohs procedures.

Question 23

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.

Question 24

How long does a skin cancer screening appointment take?

Accepted Answer

Appointment duration varies depending on the scope of the examination and the number of lesions evaluated. The visit includes a medical history review, comprehensive skin examination, and digital dermoscopy. If a biopsy is performed, there may be additional waiting time for pathology processing. We recommend planning your schedule accordingly.

Question 25

What is digital dermoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Digital dermoscopy uses a specialized device (FotoFinder) to capture high-magnification images of skin lesions, revealing subsurface structures invisible to the naked eye. These images are stored digitally, allowing precise comparison between visits to detect even the smallest changes over time.

Question 26

What is AIMEE and how does AI assist in diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

AIMEE (Artificial Intelligence for Mole Evaluation and Examination) is an AI-based system integrated into the FotoFinder dermoscopy platform. It analyzes lesion images using algorithms trained on large datasets that have been validated in peer-reviewed studies, providing an objective risk score that supports the physician's clinical assessment.

Question 27

Do I need a referral for a screening appointment?

Accepted Answer

No referral is needed for a screening appointment. You can book directly through our website or by contacting the clinic.

Question 28

What happens if a suspicious lesion is found?

Accepted Answer

If a lesion requires further investigation, a biopsy can be performed immediately during the same visit, no need to schedule a separate appointment. The tissue sample is sent to pathology, and results are typically available within several weeks. Our team contacts you with the results and coordinates any necessary follow-up treatment.

Question 29

How often should I get a skin cancer screening?

Accepted Answer

The recommended frequency depends on your individual risk factors. For high-risk individuals (fair skin, history of sunburns, family history of melanoma, many moles), annual screenings are recommended. Dr. Kaplan will advise you on the appropriate screening schedule based on your personal risk profile.

In Brief

Frequently Asked Questions