Dr. Jason Keller Rivers – Dermatologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Jason Keller Rivers is a dedicated Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in adult patients, and may see older children for certain conditions. Practicing at Pacific Derm in Vancouver, BC, he is a key member of the local medical community. He provides comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological care for a wide variety of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer detection. His practice is committed to delivering evidence-based dermatological care in a comfortable and professional environment, utilizing modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa (Canada) and holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist. Dr. Rivers is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of medical practice. His training and certification reflect a deep commitment to excellence in patient care and ongoing professional development within the field of dermatology.

With a focus on patient-centered care, Dr. Rivers emphasizes evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs. He is dedicated to serving the Vancouver community, providing care in English, and ensuring his patients receive compassionate and comprehensive dermatological services.

Dr. Jason Rivers diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• Hormonal Acne / Adult Female Acne: Acne linked to fluctuations in hormones, often presenting in adult women along the jawline, chin, and neck, and may persist beyond teenage years.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa): A chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition featuring painful, deep-seated lumps, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, typically in areas where skin rubs together (axillae, groin, under breasts).
• Acne Scars (Atrophic, Hypertrophic, Keloidal): Permanent textural changes and indentations (atrophic), raised scars (hypertrophic), or overgrown scars (keloidal) that can result from severe or picked acne.

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• Paronychia (Acute & Chronic): Inflammation or infection of the skin fold around the fingernails or toenails, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Can be acute (bacterial) or chronic (often fungal or irritant-related).
• Lichen Planus of the Nails: Nail involvement in lichen planus, which can cause thinning, ridging, splitting, pterygium formation (scarring from nail fold to bed), or even nail loss.

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• Dysplastic Nevi (Atypical Moles): Moles that look different from common moles (larger, irregular borders, varied color) and may have a higher risk of developing into melanoma. Often require monitoring or biopsy.
• Lipomas: Benign tumors composed of fat tissue, usually soft, movable, and painless, located just beneath the skin.
• Skin Cysts (Epidermoid, Pilar, Sebaceous): Benign, sac-like growths under the skin containing fluid or semi-solid material. May become inflamed or infected and sometimes require removal.

This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Jason Rivers.

• Patch Testing for Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Standard & Expanded Panels): Diagnostic procedure to identify specific allergens causing contact dermatitis by applying small amounts of common (and sometimes occupational or specialized) allergens to the skin.
• Diagnostic Mycology (Fungal Scrapings & Cultures): Collecting skin, hair, or nail samples to identify fungal infections through microscopic examination (e.g., KOH prep) or fungal culture.
• Laser & Light-Based Treatments (IPL, Fractional Lasers, Ablative/Non-Ablative Resurfacing, Vascular Lasers, Pigment Lasers): Utilizing various laser (e.g., CO2, Erbium, Pulsed Dye, Nd:YAG, Alexandrite, Picosecond) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technologies for skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, scar improvement, hair removal, treatment of vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins, rosacea, port-wine stains), and pigmented lesions (e.g., sun spots, tattoo removal).
• Treatment for Skin Infections (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral, Parasitic): Diagnosis and treatment of various skin infections, such as impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, ringworm (tinea), athlete's foot, nail fungus (onychomycosis), warts, molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster, and scabies.
• Teledermatology Consultations (for select conditions & follow-ups): Remote dermatological consultations using secure digital imaging and communication technologies for initial assessment of certain conditions or for follow-up care, enhancing accessibility.
• Body Contouring & Skin Tightening (e.g., Cryolipolysis, Radiofrequency, Ultrasound): Non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce localized fat deposits (e.g., CoolSculpting®) or tighten lax skin on the face and body (e.g., Thermage®, Ultherapy®).
• Sclerotherapy for Spider & Small Varicose Veins: Injectable treatment (e.g., with polidocanol or hypertonic saline) to eliminate small, unsightly veins (telangiectasias and reticular veins) primarily on the legs.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Rivers for care relevant to your specific condition. Coverage for services varies; medically necessary treatments are typically covered by provincial health plans, while cosmetic procedures are usually self-pay.

All medical and surgical services (if applicable) are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Pacific Derm is situated in Vancouver's Shaughnessy neighborhood, within the Arbutus Ridge South area, offering a welcoming environment for patients seeking expert skin care. The practice is conveniently located near Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), allowing easy access for patients requiring hospital-based dermatological services. Public transit options are abundant, including TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), buses, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront Station), making the clinic accessible from various parts of the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, providing ease of parking for patients visiting the clinic.

Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Rivers, a Dermatologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Rivers, diagnostic procedures (e.g., skin biopsies), and treatments for provincially insured skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, severe eczema, skin cancer, infections) are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Purely cosmetic procedures (e.g., Botox for wrinkles, most laser hair removal, fillers for aesthetic enhancement) are typically not covered and are self-pay. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for any proposed treatment with Dr. Rivers's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Rivers, a Dermatologist?

Yes, for medically necessary dermatological care covered by the provincial health plan, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an ER doctor for an acute issue) is almost always required to see a Dermatologist such as Dr. Rivers. This ensures coordinated care and that your visit is appropriate for specialist assessment. Some dermatologists may offer consultations for uninsured cosmetic services without a referral, but these would be a direct cost to you. Always check with the clinic regarding their specific referral policy.

What does a Dermatologist like Dr. Rivers specialize in?

A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Rivers, is a medical doctor with highly specialized training in diagnosing and treating over 3,000 conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails in patients of all ages – from newborns to seniors. This includes a wide spectrum of diseases from common issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis, to more complex conditions like skin cancer, autoimmune skin disorders (e.g., lupus, pemphigus), severe allergic reactions, and genetic skin diseases. He is a Dermatologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dr. Rivers offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.

What are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Rivers might offer?

The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Rivers can include improvement in skin appearance, texture, tone, reduction of wrinkles or scars, and enhanced self-confidence. However, all procedures carry some risks. Common risks for minimally invasive cosmetic treatments (like injectables or lasers) can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, pain, or itching at the treatment site. Less common risks might include infection, allergic reaction, changes in skin pigmentation, or unsatisfactory results. More invasive procedures have different risk profiles. Dr. Rivers will discuss the specific risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of any proposed cosmetic procedure in detail during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.

When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. Rivers?

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Rivers is often recommended by a family physician for: any new or changing moles or skin growths; persistent or severe skin rashes (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) not responding to initial treatments; severe or cystic acne; chronic hives; significant hair loss or scalp disorders; problematic nail conditions (e.g., persistent fungal infections, unusual changes); suspected skin infections; or for expert skin cancer screening, especially if you have risk factors like a personal or family history of skin cancer, numerous moles, or significant sun exposure. Early consultation can be key for effective management and diagnosis.

Dr. Rivers mentioned biologics. What are they for skin conditions?

Biologic medications are a newer class of treatments for moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and hidradenitis suppurativa, when other treatments haven't been effective enough. Unlike traditional systemic drugs that suppress the broader immune system, biologics are proteins engineered to target very specific parts of the immune system that cause inflammation in these diseases. They are usually given by injection (either by Dr. Rivers's office or self-administered at home) or intravenous (IV) infusion. Dr. Rivers would discuss the specific biologic, its benefits, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements if it's a suitable option for you.

Pacific Derm
2425 Hemlock Street, Pacific Derm
Vancouver, BC V6H 4E1

Phone: (604) 682-7546 | Fax: (604) 687-5462 | Website: http://www.vancouverskin.com/

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Rivers is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Rivers for medically necessary services covered by the provincial health plan. Cosmetic consultations may have different requirements.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/307123/Rivers%2CJason