Dr. John Tsien Yu 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 a dermatology clinic in North 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 an MD CM from McGill University in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist. He maintains certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to high standards of medical practice and ongoing professional development.
Dr. Yu's clinical philosophy centers on evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and providing personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. He is dedicated to serving his patients in North Vancouver with compassion and expertise. Additionally, he speaks French in addition to English, facilitating communication with a diverse patient community.
Dr. John Yu diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Seborrheic Keratosis: Common, benign (non-cancerous) skin growths that often appear waxy, scaly, and slightly raised. Can vary in color from light tan to black.
- Lipomas: Benign tumors composed of fat tissue, usually soft, movable, and painless, located just beneath the skin.
- 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).
Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)
- 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.
- Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.
- Beau's Lines & Other Nail Dystrophies: Transverse depressions in the nails (Beau's lines) or other changes in nail texture or appearance that can indicate systemic illness, trauma, or nutritional deficiencies.
Hair & Scalp Disorders
- Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Scalp (Dandruff): A common condition causing scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff on the scalp. Can also affect oily areas of the body.
- Alopecia Areata (Patchy, Totalis, Universalis, Ophiasis): An autoimmune disorder causing hair to fall out, often in round patches. Can affect scalp, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, or entire body.
- Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): A fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, common in children, causing scaly patches, hair loss, and sometimes inflammation.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. John Yu.
- Nail Surgery (e.g., Ingrown Toenail Removal/Matrixectomy, Nail Biopsy, Tumor Excision): Surgical procedures to treat painful or diseased nails, including permanent correction of ingrown toenails or removal of nail unit tumors.
- 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.
- Skin Biopsy (Punch, Shave, Excisional, Incisional): Obtaining a small sample of skin under local anesthesia for microscopic examination to diagnose various skin conditions, including infections, inflammatory disorders, and skin cancer. Techniques are chosen based on the suspected condition and lesion characteristics.
- Cyst Excision and Drainage of Abscesses: Surgical removal of various types of skin cysts (e.g., epidermoid, pilar) and incision and drainage for skin abscesses.
- Acne Vulgaris & Acne Rosacea Treatment (Topical, Oral, Systemic, including Isotretinoin): Management of acne and rosacea, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and facial redness, using a range of treatments from topical creams and gels to oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies, and isotretinoin for severe or recalcitrant acne.
- 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.
- Comprehensive Dermatological Consultation & Full Body Skin Examination: In-depth assessment of conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, including review of medical history, complete skin examination (including scalp, nails, and mucous membranes), diagnostic testing, and personalized treatment planning.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Yu 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.
Dr. Yu practices at a dermatology clinic located in the vibrant area near central North Vancouver. The clinic is situated in a modern medical building easily accessible from surrounding neighborhoods, with convenient access via local public transit. Patients can enjoy the scenic views and nearby points of interest, making their visits pleasant. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that patients with mobility challenges can receive care comfortably. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by car, providing flexible options for every patient.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Yu, a Dermatologist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Yu, 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. Yu's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Yu, 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. Yu. 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.
- How should I prepare for my first dermatology appointment with Dr. Yu?
- To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Yu, it's helpful to: 1. Make a list of your skin concerns, symptoms (e.g., itch, pain, duration), and any treatments you've already tried (both prescription and over-the-counter). 2. Bring a list of all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. 3. Be prepared to discuss your personal and family medical history, including any history of skin cancer or significant skin conditions. 4. For a full skin exam, it's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove and avoid wearing makeup or nail polish. 5. If your concern involves a rash that comes and goes, taking clear photos when it's visible can be very helpful. 6. Write down any questions you have for Dr. Yu.
- What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?
- A Dermatologist, like Dr. Dr. Yu, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school followed by several years of specialized residency training in dermatology. They are qualified to diagnose and treat over 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, prescribe medications, perform surgical procedures (like skin cancer removal), and manage complex skin conditions. An Esthetician (or Aesthetician) is a skincare professional trained in cosmetic skin treatments and services that improve the appearance of the skin, such as facials, superficial chemical peels, microdermabrasion, waxing, and makeup application. They are not medical doctors and cannot diagnose skin diseases, prescribe medications, or perform medical or surgical procedures.
- How often should I see a Dermatologist like Dr. Yu for skin cancer screening?
- The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Yu 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. Yu 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.
- When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. John Tsien Yu?
- A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Yu 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.
100-1133 Lonsdale Ave
North Vancouver, BC V7M 2H4
Phone: (604) 987-0917 | Fax: (604) 929-3822
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Yu 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. Yu 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/333577/Yu%2CJohn