Dr. Mani Raman – Dermatologist | Richmond Hill, ON

Dr. Mani Raman 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 the Scarborough Health Network in Richmond Hill, ON, he is a key member of the local medical community. Dr. Raman adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice provides safe, effective, and evidence-based dermatological care. His focus is on delivering comprehensive medical and surgical dermatological services for a broad spectrum of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin cancer detection. The clinic's environment is designed to be welcoming and professional, utilizing modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to optimize patient outcomes.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has over 25 years of experience practicing as a Dermatologist since 1999. Dr. Raman is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), reflecting his extensive training and expertise in dermatology (Subspecialty_Placeholder). His medical career has been dedicated to advancing skin health through continual learning and adherence to the latest clinical guidelines.

Dr. Raman is committed to a patient-centered approach, emphasizing evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, and early detection of skin cancers. He believes in creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs and skin type. Fluent in English and Tamil, he aims to build trusting relationships with his patients in Richmond Hill, fostering a supportive environment for optimal skin health and well-being.

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

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.
• Onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infection): A common infection of the toenails or fingernails by fungi, causing discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and separation from the nail bed.
• Nail Unit Tumors (Benign & Malignant): Various growths that can occur in or around the nail unit, including benign (e.g., glomus tumor, myxoid cyst) and malignant (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) tumors.

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.
• 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.

Hair & Scalp Disorders

• Tinea Capitis (Scalp Ringworm): A fungal infection of the scalp and hair shafts, common in children, causing scaly patches, hair loss, and sometimes inflammation.
• Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Hair Loss): A common hereditary form of hair loss characterized by a receding hairline and thinning crown in men, and diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp in women.
• Cicatricial Alopecia (Scarring Alopecia - e.g., Lichen Planopilaris, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, CCCA): A group of rare disorders that destroy hair follicles, replace them with scar tissue, and cause permanent hair loss. Examples include Lichen Planopilaris, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, and Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia.

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

• Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB, Broadband UVB, PUVA, Excimer Laser): Controlled administration of specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
• Cryosurgery (Liquid Nitrogen Treatment for Pre-cancers & Benign Lesions): Application of extreme cold (liquid nitrogen) to destroy benign (e.g., warts, seborrheic keratoses) or precancerous skin lesions (e.g., actinic keratoses).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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. Raman 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.

Scarborough Health Network's clinic in Richmond Hill is situated in the vibrant Langstaff neighborhood, easily accessible via public transit, including York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The practice is conveniently located near various plazas and the picturesque Headwaters Community Park, providing a pleasant environment for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, making it easy for patients to attend their appointments without hassle. The clinic's central location and accessible features reflect its commitment to serving the diverse community of Richmond Hill and surrounding areas.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Raman, 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. Raman'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. Raman, 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. Raman. 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 kind of sunscreen does Dr. Raman recommend?

While specific brand recommendations can vary, Dr. Raman would likely advise choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. For daily use, a lighter formulation might be preferred, while for prolonged outdoor activities, water-resistant sunscreen is important. Consider your skin type: individuals with sensitive skin might prefer mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. The most important thing is to apply sunscreen generously and reapply it every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Dr. Raman can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and lifestyle during your consultation.

How should I prepare for my first dermatology appointment with Dr. Raman?

To make the most of your first visit with Dr. Raman, 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. Raman.

What does a Dermatologist like Dr. Raman specialize in?

A Dermatologist, such as Dr. Raman, 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. Raman offers various medical, surgical, and potentially cosmetic treatments depending on their practice focus.

What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?

A Dermatologist, like Dr. Raman, 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.

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

Scarborough Health Network
312 Highway 7 East, Shoniker Clinic
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1A5

Phone: (905) 889-2005 | Fax: (905) 889-2006

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Raman 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. Raman 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/Raman-Mani/0056566-68154