Skin cancer on the face requires a delicate balance between medical precision and cosmetic artistry. At Mt. Lebanon Dermatology, Dr. Jeremy Udkoff, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, performs Mohs micrographic surgery - the most advanced technique for removing skin cancer while preserving healthy skin and achieving optimal cosmetic outcomes.
If you’ve been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or have a suspicious growth, it’s important to seek expert evaluation early.
📅 To schedule a consultation with Dr. Udkoff, call Mt. Lebanon Dermatology at (412) 563-0217 or request an appointment online.
Q: What exactly is Mohs surgery, and why is it considered the gold standard for treating facial skin cancers?
Dr. Udkoff: Mohs surgery is a highly precise technique that allows us to remove skin cancer layer by layer while examining each tissue sample under the microscope in real time. The goal is to ensure complete cancer clearance while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
This precision makes Mohs surgery especially valuable for areas where cosmetic and functional outcomes are critical, such as the nose, eyelids, lips, ears, and cheeks. Because we evaluate 100% of the surgical margin during the procedure, Mohs offers the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment - up to 99% for new cases.
Q: How is Mohs surgery different from a standard excision?
Dr. Udkoff: Traditional excision removes the tumor with a predetermined margin of surrounding healthy tissue and sends it to a lab for later analysis. Mohs, on the other hand, is performed in stages on the same day. After each thin layer is removed, I analyze it immediately using a microscope. If any cancer cells remain, I know exactly where they are and can remove only the affected area.
This process continues until the entire margin is clear, meaning we’ve removed all the cancer without unnecessary tissue loss. For the patient, that translates to smaller scars, less reconstruction, and better cosmetic results.
Q: What happens during the procedure? Is it painful?
Dr. Udkoff: Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. We use a local anesthetic to numb the area, so you’ll remain awake but pain-free. Each layer typically takes about 15–20 minutes to remove and examine, and most surgeries are completed within a few hours.
Patients spend time in a comfortable waiting area between stages while the tissue is processed. Once all cancer cells are removed, we close the wound in the way that best preserves both function and appearance, whether that’s a simple closure, a flap, or a graft.
Q: How long does recovery take, and what should patients expect afterward?
Dr. Udkoff: Recovery depends on the size and location of the surgical site, but most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness for a few days. Stitches typically dissolve on their own or are removed within a week.
I provide detailed post-operative instructions and follow up closely to ensure proper healing. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, and once healing is complete, the cosmetic outcome is often excellent. In fact, many of my patients are amazed at how well their scars fade over time.
Q: What about the emotional side of skin cancer — how do you support patients through that?
Dr. Udkoff: Hearing you have skin cancer, especially on your face, can be overwhelming. My team and I make it a priority to guide patients through the process with compassion, communication, and reassurance.
From the first consultation, we discuss what to expect medically and cosmetically, and we talk about long-term skin health, including how to monitor for recurrence and protect your skin moving forward. Our goal is for patients to leave not only cancer-free but also confident in their recovery and appearance.
Q: What are your top prevention and follow-up tips for patients after Mohs surgery?
Dr. Udkoff:
- Schedule regular skin checks, at least once a year, or more often depending on your specific risk level.
- Use daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Wear hats and protective clothing when outdoors.
- Be alert to new or changing lesions - early detection saves tissue and lives.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and ongoing care is essential to maintaining its health after any cancer diagnosis.
Q: What sets Mt. Lebanon Dermatology apart for patients needing Mohs surgery?
Dr. Udkoff: At Mt. Lebanon Dermatology, we combine the medical precision of advanced dermatologic surgery with a personalized, patient-centered approach. Every case is handled in-house, from diagnosis to surgery to reconstruction and follow-up, ensuring seamless care and excellent communication.
My team and I have been trained in the entire spectrum of skin health - medical, surgical, and cosmetic. That integration is what allows us to deliver both exceptional outcomes and natural results.
Ready to Schedule?
If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer or notice a concerning spot, don’t wait.
Schedule your Mohs surgery consultation with Dr. Jeremy Udkoff at Mt. Lebanon Dermatology Associates today.
📞 Call (412) 563-0217 or request your appointment online to discuss personalized treatment options.
