Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in humans. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of skin cancer, and are associated with increased sun exposure. As such, skin cancer is a common problem here in sunny Southern California, often affecting the sun-exposed face.

Dr. Rudkin has extensive experience in the treatment of skin cancers, and in the surgical reconstruction of the face and body following skin cancer removal. Dr. Rudkin works closely with a group of dermatologists who perform Mohs surgery, allowing for coordinated care and treatment when Mohs is indicated. When skin cancers are small, the surgical defect left after skin cancer removal may often be sutured closed with minimal scarring, using careful plastic surgery techniques. When larger wounds result from skin cancer excision, surgical reconstruction may involve the use of skin grafts or local tissue rearrangement (‘flaps’). Some reconstructions may require several surgeries, performed in sequential fashion, to achieve optimal results.