Dr. Jennifer Erin Lipson

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

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• 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.
• Folliculitis (Bacterial, Fungal, Non-infectious): Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by infection (e.g., Staph aureus, Malassezia) or irritation, leading to itchy or painful bumps, sometimes with pustules.
• 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).

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• Melanoma: The most serious type of skin cancer, developing in melanocytes. Early detection is crucial. Look for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, diameter >6mm, and evolving moles (ABCDEs).
• Lipomas: Benign tumors composed of fat tissue, usually soft, movable, and painless, located just beneath the skin.

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• Dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash, often on the face, eyelids (heliotrope rash), knuckles (Gottron's papules), and chest.
• Psoriasis (Plaque, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular, Erythrodermic): An autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin that are typically red, itchy, and scaly due to rapid skin cell turnover. Can also affect nails and joints (psoriatic arthritis).

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

• Scar Revision Surgery & Keloid Treatment (Surgical, Intralesional Injections): Procedures to improve the appearance of scars or treat problematic keloid scars, which may involve surgical excision, steroid injections, or other modalities.
• Hair Loss (Alopecia) Evaluation & Treatment (Androgenetic, Areata, Telogen Effluvium, Scarring Alopecias): Investigating causes of hair loss (including scalp examination, hair pull tests, biopsies) and providing medical treatments for conditions like male/female pattern baldness, alopecia areata (including intralesional steroids, topical immunotherapy), telogen effluvium, and various forms of scarring alopecia.
• Nail Disorder Treatment (Fungal Infections, Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, Ingrown Nails, Tumors): Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the nails, including infections, inflammatory disorders (like nail psoriasis or lichen planus), structural abnormalities, ingrown nails, and benign or malignant nail unit tumors.
• Surgical Excision of Skin Cancers (Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma) with Margin Control: Complete surgical removal of malignant skin tumors with appropriate microscopic or clinical margins to ensure clearance, often followed by reconstructive closure.
• Skin Cancer Screening & Mole Mapping (Dermoscopy & Digital Monitoring): Thorough examination of the skin for suspicious lesions, including moles and other growths. Utilizes dermoscopy for enhanced visualization and may involve digital mole mapping for high-risk patients to track changes over time.
• Cosmetic Mole Removal & Skin Tag Removal: Removal of benign moles or skin tags for aesthetic reasons, typically after dermatoscopic confirmation that the lesion is not suspicious for cancer.
• Chemical Peels (Superficial, Medium, Deep - Glycolic, Salicylic, TCA, Phenol): Application of chemical solutions to exfoliate the skin and improve texture, tone, and appearance by treating acne, sun damage, pigmentation, and fine lines. Peel depth varies by agent and concentration.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Lipson 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Dr. Lipson's practice is located in a dermatology clinic within Ottawa's Highland Park neighborhood, specifically in the Carlingwood West area. The facility is situated near the Chinatown Gateway, making it easily accessible via public transit options such as OC Transpo (O-Train LRT and Bus). Patients can reach the clinic conveniently by bus or train, with stops nearby serving the area. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located close to the facility, providing easy access for those arriving by car. The practice is committed to providing accessible, patient-centered dermatological care in a welcoming environment.

Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Lipson, a Dermatologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Lipson, 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 Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON 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. Lipson's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lipson, 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. Lipson. 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. Lipson specialize in?

A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Lipson, 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. She is a Dermatologist specializing in the comprehensive medical and surgical care of skin, hair, and nail conditions. Dr. Lipson offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.

Dr. Lipson 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. Lipson's office or self-administered at home) or intravenous (IV) infusion. Dr. Lipson would discuss the specific biologic, its benefits, potential side effects, and monitoring requirements if it's a suitable option for you.

How often should I see a Dermatologist like Dr. Lipson for skin cancer screening?

The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Lipson varies based on your individual risk factors. These include a personal or family history of skin cancer (especially melanoma), having many moles (e.g., >50) or atypical moles, fair skin that burns easily, a history of excessive sun exposure or tanning bed use, or a suppressed immune system. Your family doctor can assess your risk, or Dr. Lipson can provide a personalized recommendation after an initial consultation. Regardless of professional check-ups, performing monthly self-skin exams to monitor for any new or changing lesions (using the ABCDEs of melanoma as a guide) is crucial for early detection.

Unit 208, 770 Broadview Avenue
Ottawa, ON K2A 3Z3

Phone: (613) 680-9092 | Fax: (613) 680-9093

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lipson is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Lipson 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 Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Lipson-Jennifer-Erin/0233489-84588