Description
About Dr. Peter Michael Vignjevic
Dr. Peter Michael Vignjevic 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 Ottawa Hospital- Cancer Centre in Hamilton, ON, 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 within a modern, patient-centered environment, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and therapeutic options.
Dr. Vignjevic graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto (Canada) and has accumulated over 27 years of experience as a Dermatologist since 1997. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), holding license number 66699. His extensive training and certification underpin his expertise in managing complex skin conditions and performing specialized procedures.
Guided by a philosophy of evidence-based skin care, Dr. Vignjevic emphasizes patient education on skin health, early detection of skin cancers, and personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs. He is dedicated to serving the Hamilton community with a compassionate approach and clear communication. Additionally, he speaks Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, and Yugoslav, allowing him to better serve diverse patient populations in the region.
Common Conditions Dr. Peter Vignjevic Addresses
Dr. Peter Vignjevic 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.
- Keratosis Pilaris: A common, harmless condition causing small, rough bumps on the skin, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, due to keratin buildup in hair follicles.
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Actinic Keratosis (Solar Keratosis): A rough, scaly patch on sun-exposed skin that is considered precancerous and can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, typically slow-growing and arising from sun-exposed skin, appearing as a pearly or waxy bump, flat flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding/scabbing sore.
Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)
- 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.
- Ingrown Toenails (Onychocryptosis): A condition where the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh, causing pain, redness, swelling, and potential infection.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Peter Vignjevic.
Dermatologist Services Offered by Dr. Peter Michael Vignjevic
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Management of Autoimmune Skin Diseases (Lupus, Dermatomyositis, Pemphigus, Pemphigoid, Vasculitis): Diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune connective tissue diseases with skin manifestations and autoimmune blistering diseases, often in collaboration with rheumatologists or other specialists. May involve topical, oral, or biologic therapies.
- Microneedling (Collagen Induction Therapy) & Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling: Procedures that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, reducing scars (acne, surgical), fine lines, and stretch marks. RF Microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy for enhanced skin tightening and rejuvenation.
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Vignjevic 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.
Practice Location & Accessibility
Ottawa Hospital- Cancer Centre, situated in Hamilton's Stoney Creek Central neighbourhood, serves as a vital medical facility within the larger hospital complex. The practice is conveniently located near Mohawk College (Fennell Campus) and is easily accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible to accommodate patients with mobility needs. Paid parking options are conveniently located nearby, ensuring easy access for patients attending appointments. As part of the hospital's specialized units, the practice offers focused dermatological services in a professional and welcoming environment, dedicated to patient comfort and quality care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Vignjevic, a Dermatologist, covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Vignjevic, 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. Vignjevic'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. Vignjevic, 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. Vignjevic. 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.
- When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. Vignjevic?
- A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Vignjevic 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.
- What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?
- A Dermatologist, like Dr. Vignjevic, 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.
Contact & Licensing Information
Ottawa Hospital- Cancer Centre
800 Queenston Road, Box 911
Hamilton, ON L8G 1A7
Phone: (905) 549-1025 | Fax: (905) 549-9487
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Vignjevic 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. Vignjevic 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/Vignjevic-Peter-Michael/0052735-66699