Dr Koh Hong Yi — Dermatologic Surgeon in Singapore

Dr Koh Hong Yi is an MOH-accredited dermatologist practising at TSN Dermatology Clinic in Gleneagles Medical Centre. He founded the Mohs micrographic surgery service for high-risk skin cancers at Singapore General Hospital and completed his specialist training at the National Skin Centre and SGH. His subspecialty interests include Mohs surgery, cutaneous reconstruction, dermatologic surgery, laser therapy and skin cancer screening.

Clinical focus

Dermatologic surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery & skin cancer.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS, MMed (Internal Medicine), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Dermatology).

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: TSN Dermatology Clinic (Skin Health) — Napier Road (Gleneagles Medical Centre)
• Hospital / training affiliation(s): Singapore General Hospital (former Consultant; founded SGH Mohs service); Gleneagles Hospital

Related skin-health guides

• Skin cancer & melanoma
• Mole removal & skin cancer screening
• Keloid scar treatment

Getting to the clinic

Dr Koh Hong Yi practises through TSN Dermatology Clinic (Skin Health) at Gleneagles Medical Centre on Napier Road, with a hospital affiliation at Gleneagles Hospital. The medical centre sits in a quiet, green pocket off the Orchard and Tanglin fringe.

• By MRT: Napier MRT (TE12) on the Thomson–East Coast Line is the nearest station, with Orchard Boulevard MRT (TE13) also within reach; a short walk or taxi completes the trip.
• By bus: Services along Napier Road and Tanglin pass close to the hospital.
• By car or taxi: As the site is set back from the MRT network, a taxi or ride-hailing drop-off is often most convenient. Gleneagles provides a paid visitor carpark.

What dermatologic and Mohs surgery covers

Dr Koh’s stated focus is dermatologic surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery and skin cancer. This is the surgical side of dermatology, centred on removing skin cancers and repairing the skin afterwards. Common areas include:

• Mohs micrographic surgery, a precise technique for high-risk or facial skin cancers that checks margins during the procedure.
• Diagnosis and treatment of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and other skin cancers.
• Cutaneous reconstruction after skin cancer removal.
• Laser therapy and skin cancer screening for at-risk skin.

Mohs surgery is valued for removing cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible, which is particularly useful on the face.

Skin cancer is common in sun-exposed populations, and the most frequent types — basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas — are usually highly treatable when found early. The challenge on the face and other delicate areas is to remove the cancer completely while keeping the cosmetic and functional result as good as possible, which is where margin-controlled techniques and careful reconstruction come in. A surgeon working in this area also has a role in screening at-risk skin and advising on sun protection, so that suspicious lesions are caught before they become harder to treat.

What to expect at a consultation

A first visit usually begins with a history of the lesion or skin change — how long it has been present, whether it bleeds, itches or grows — along with your sun exposure and any previous skin cancers. The dermatologist examines the area, often with a dermatoscope, and may examine the rest of the skin.

A biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis before treatment is planned. The discussion then covers the options, including Mohs or standard excision, reconstruction, and what recovery and scarring may involve.

For many people, a skin cancer diagnosis raises questions about how visible the result will be, especially on the face. It is reasonable to ask how the wound is likely to be closed, what the scar may look like, and how long healing will take, so that you know what to expect before agreeing to surgery. The aim is always to remove the cancer completely while keeping the appearance and function of the area as good as possible, and a clear explanation beforehand helps you feel informed and prepared.

Preparing for your appointment

• Photo identification and any referral letter, if you have one.
• Previous biopsy results, histology reports or records of earlier skin cancer treatment.
• A list of current medications and supplements, including any blood-thinning medicines.
• A note of when you first noticed the lesion and how it has changed.
• Details of your sun exposure history, which is relevant to skin cancer risk.

After your consultation and follow-up

After surgery, follow-up covers wound healing, removal of stitches where needed, and the histology results confirming the cancer has been fully removed. Because some people develop further skin cancers, ongoing skin surveillance is often advised.

Reports and results are shared at review visits, and continuity of care supports long-term monitoring. Seeking a second opinion is reasonable for any cancer diagnosis. Seek earlier review if a treated area becomes increasingly red, painful or discharges, or if a new or changing lesion appears.

Booking, referrals and fees

As a private specialist, Dr Koh can usually be seen without a referral, though a GP or polyclinic referral may help with subsidies at public clinics. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible surgical procedures within set limits, while consultations are typically out of pocket. Confirm current fees and your coverage with the clinic before proceeding.

Common questions

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs micrographic surgery removes skin cancer in stages, checking the margins under the microscope during the procedure so that as little healthy tissue as possible is removed while ensuring the cancer is cleared.

Which skin cancers is Mohs used for?

It is often chosen for high-risk cancers and those on the face or other cosmetically and functionally important areas, though suitability is assessed case by case.

Will I need reconstruction after surgery?

Depending on the size and site of the wound, the area may be closed directly or reconstructed; this is planned and explained as part of your treatment.

How often should I have my skin checked afterwards?

People who have had a skin cancer are usually advised to have regular skin checks, as the interval depends on individual risk.

Sources & verification

• Gleneagles Hospital — Dr Koh Hong Yi

See also: Best dermatologists in Singapore (editorial directory) and our shortlist of dermatology clinics.

This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.