When you’ve been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer like basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, your dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery—the most effective technique for removing skin cancer with the highest cure rates and minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue. At Mt. Lebanon Dermatology Associates, Dr. Jeremy Udkoff, a board-certified dermatologist and skin cancer specialist, performs every Mohs surgery with expert precision and a personal touch.
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after your procedure:
Before Mohs Surgery: Your Pre-Op Prep
1. Personalized Consultation with Dr. Udkoff (Preferred)
During your consultation, Dr. Udkoff will review your pathology report, assess the lesion, and determine whether Mohs surgery is the best course of action. This precise technique is ideal for treating basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and certain melanomas—especially in sensitive areas like the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
2. Preparing for Surgery Day
- Eat a normal breakfast unless told otherwise.
- Take your usual medications, unless Dr. Udkoff advises against certain supplements or blood thinners.
- Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay at the office for several hours. Bring a book or device, as there may be wait time between stages of the procedure.
During Mohs Surgery: Step-by-Step with Dr. Udkoff
1. Local Anesthesia & Tumor Removal
Dr. Udkoff will begin by gently numbing the area. He will then remove the visible tumor along with a very thin layer of surrounding tissue.
2. The Waiting Period: Precision in Progress
After the tissue is removed, a temporary bandage will be applied, and you’ll be escorted to the waiting room. This is where the unique precision of Mohs comes into play.
The removed tissue is taken immediately to our on-site lab, where it’s processed into slides. Dr. Udkoff personally reviews the pathology slides under a microscope to determine if any cancer cells remain at the edges.
This process takes about 30 to 60 minutes per stage. If cancerous cells are still present, you’ll return to the procedure room for another tissue layer to be removed. This cycle continues until the area is completely clear of cancer.
3. Final Closure
Once all margins are clear, Dr. Udkoff will discuss and perform the most suitable method of closing the wound. This could include:
- Natural healing for small, superficial wounds
- Sutures for a clean, layered closure.
- Complex reconstruction, if needed, for more delicate or visible areas
Each closure plan is carefully designed to ensure optimal healing and cosmetic outcome.
After Mohs Surgery: Healing with Confidence
1. Recovery Instructions
You’ll receive detailed written instructions for wound care at home. It’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and icing.
2. Personal Follow-Up from Dr. Udkoff
What truly sets the experience apart: Later the same day, Dr. Jeremy Udkoff will personally call you to check on your healing, answer any questions, and ensure you’re recovering comfortably. His commitment to compassionate care continues beyond the surgical suite.
3. Follow-Up Visits
In most cases, you’ll return for a follow-up visit to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary. Dr. Udkoff will also discuss how to prevent future skin cancers and the importance of regular skin checks.
FAQs with Dr. Jeremy Udkoff
Q: Is the procedure painful?
Discomfort is minimal thanks to local anesthesia. Post-surgical tenderness is common but manageable with over-the-counter medication.
Q: Will there be a scar?
Some scarring is natural, but Dr. Udkoff is highly skilled in reconstruction techniques to ensure the best cosmetic outcome. Scar treatments and cosmetic refinements are available after healing, if desired.
Q: How long will it take?
Most procedures take 2–4 hours, but it can vary depending on the number of stages needed. Plan for a half-day to ensure the full process is completed without rushing.
Why Patients Trust Dr. Udkoff for Mohs Surgery
✔️ Board-certified expertise in skin cancer and dermatologic surgery
✔️ High success rates and minimal scarring
✔️ Personalized care and thoughtful communication
✔️ On-site lab and real-time pathology review
If you’ve been diagnosed with a skin cancer and want to learn whether Mohs surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeremy Udkoff at (412) 563-0217 today. Early, expert treatment leads to the best outcomes - and your skin deserves nothing less.
