Dr. Paul Nicholas Kuzel – Dermatologist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Paul Nicholas Kuzel 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 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 adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care in a modern clinical environment.

Dr. Kuzel graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Alberta in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His training and certifications ensure he is well-equipped to provide expert dermatological services that meet rigorous professional standards. He maintains a commitment to continuous learning and staying current with advances in skin care and treatment modalities.

With a strong philosophy rooted in evidence-based medicine, Dr. Kuzel emphasizes patient education on skin health, early detection of skin cancers, and personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs. He is dedicated to delivering compassionate care in Vancouver, ensuring each patient feels informed and confident about their skin health. Fluent in both English and Czech, he strives to communicate clearly and effectively with his diverse patient population.

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

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• 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).
• 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.
• Eczema (Atopic, Contact, Seborrheic, Discoid, Asteatotic): A group of chronic conditions causing itchy, inflamed, and often dry skin. Types vary in appearance and common locations, triggered by genetics, allergens, irritants, or other factors.

Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders

• 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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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

• 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).
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery for High-Risk Skin Cancers: Specialized surgical technique for removing complex or high-risk skin cancers (especially on the head, neck, hands, feet, genitals) with maximal tissue preservation by examining 100% of the surgical margin intraoperatively.
• Electrodessication & Curettage (ED&C) for Superficial Skin Cancers & Benign Lesions: Surgical procedure to scrape away superficial skin lesions (e.g., some BCCs, SCCs in situ, warts) and cauterize the base.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Botulinum Toxin Injections (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®) for Wrinkles & Hyperhidrosis: Injectable treatments to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce dynamic wrinkles (e.g., frown lines, crow's feet, forehead lines), or to treat excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Kuzel 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. Kuzel practices at a dermatology clinic located in Vancouver's vibrant Downtown Vancouver (Coal Harbour, Waterfront) neighborhood. The facility is situated along a busy commercial corridor near Granville Bridge, providing convenient access for patients. It is well-served by public transit options, including TransLink's SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus services, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront station). The clinic is wheelchair accessible and offers metered street parking as well as nearby parking lots for patient convenience. The location is easily reachable for residents and visitors alike, ensuring timely and comfortable dermatological care.

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

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Kuzel, 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. Kuzel's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kuzel, 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. Kuzel. 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 are some common medical procedures a Dermatologist like Dr. Kuzel performs?

Dermatologists like Dr. Kuzel perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Common medical procedures include skin biopsies (punch, shave, or excisional) to diagnose conditions, cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen) for warts or precancerous spots (actinic keratoses), surgical excision of skin cancers or benign lesions like cysts and atypical moles, intralesional injections (e.g., for keloids or alopecia areata), and prescribing specialized topical or oral medications (including biologics or immunosuppressants for complex conditions). Many dermatologists also offer phototherapy. Dr. Kuzel can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition and may have subspecialty interests influencing the range of procedures offered.

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

The recommended frequency for skin cancer screenings by a Dermatologist like Dr. Kuzel 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. Kuzel 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.

What does a Dermatologist like Dr. Kuzel specialize in?

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

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

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

If Dr. Kuzel recommends phototherapy, what does that involve?

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a medical treatment where your skin is exposed to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light under strict medical supervision. Dr. Kuzel might recommend it for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, or cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Treatments are typically given 2-3 times a week in a specialized light cabinet or with a handheld device for smaller areas. The type of UV light (e.g., Narrowband UVB, PUVA) and treatment duration are carefully controlled. It works by reducing inflammation and slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells. You'll be given specific instructions, including eye protection.

62-1055 Canada Pl, Rejuvenation Dermatology Coal Harbour
Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3

Phone: (778) 262-0880 | Fax: (778) 262-1333

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Kuzel 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. Kuzel 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/339303/Kuzel%2CPaul