Dr. Suzanne Gagnon 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 Victoria Park Medispa Laval in Laval, QC, she is a key member of the local medical community. Her practice adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care. She 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.
Dr. Gagnon holds a Medical Degree from a recognized institution and has accumulated over 47 years of experience practicing as a Dermatologist since 1977. She has completed extensive post-graduate training and holds the necessary certifications to practice dermatology (Comprehensive Care for Skin, Hair, and Nail Conditions) in Quebec. Her long-standing dedication to her specialty underscores her commitment to providing expert dermatological services to her patients.
With a strong focus on evidence-based skin care, Dr. Gagnon emphasizes patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and personalized treatment planning. She is dedicated to supporting her patients in Laval through compassionate, comprehensive care. Dr. Gagnon speaks both English and French, ensuring clear communication and patient understanding throughout her consultations and treatments.
Dr. Suzanne Gagnon diagnoses and treats a wide range of skin, hair, and nail conditions, including:
Acne, Rosacea & Follicular Disorders
- Acne Vulgaris (Comedonal, Papulopustular, Nodulocystic): A common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and sometimes deeper cysts and nodules, occurring when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Severity can vary.
- 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.
Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths
- Skin Cysts (Epidermoid, Pilar, Sebaceous): Benign, sac-like growths under the skin containing fluid or semi-solid material. May become inflamed or infected and sometimes require removal.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
This list is not exhaustive. For personalized advice regarding your specific dermatological condition, please consult with Dr. Suzanne Gagnon.
- Treatment for Skin Infections (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral, Parasitic): Diagnosis and treatment of various skin infections, such as impetigo, cellulitis, erysipelas, ringworm (tinea), athlete's foot, nail fungus (onychomycosis), warts, molluscum contagiosum, herpes simplex/zoster, and scabies.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Body Contouring & Skin Tightening (e.g., Cryolipolysis, Radiofrequency, Ultrasound): Non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce localized fat deposits (e.g., CoolSculpting®) or tighten lax skin on the face and body (e.g., Thermage®, Ultherapy®).
- 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.
Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Gagnon 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 Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Victoria Park Medispa Laval is situated in Laval's Chomedey West neighborhood, conveniently accessible for residents and visitors. The practice is located near popular landmarks such as Centropolis and Cinémas Guzzo, making it a prominent destination for quality dermatological services. The facility is easily reachable via public transit, with the Société de transport de Laval (STL) providing multiple bus routes to the area. The clinic is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, providing convenient options for those arriving by car, making the visit straightforward and accessible for everyone seeking expert skin care in Laval.
- Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Gagnon, a Dermatologist, covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC?
- Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Gagnon, 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 Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) in QC 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. Gagnon's office or Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Gagnon, 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. Gagnon. 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. Gagnon?
- A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Gagnon 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 are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Gagnon might offer?
- The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Gagnon can include improvement in skin appearance, texture, tone, reduction of wrinkles or scars, and enhanced self-confidence. However, all procedures carry some risks. Common risks for minimally invasive cosmetic treatments (like injectables or lasers) can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, pain, or itching at the treatment site. Less common risks might include infection, allergic reaction, changes in skin pigmentation, or unsatisfactory results. More invasive procedures have different risk profiles. Dr. Gagnon will discuss the specific risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of any proposed cosmetic procedure in detail during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.
- What is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?
- A Dermatologist, like Dr. Gagnon, 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.
Victoria Park Medispa Laval
1428 boul Saint-Martin O
Laval, QC H7S 1M9
Phone: (450) 668-4812
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Gagnon is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Gagnon for medically necessary services covered by the provincial health plan. Cosmetic consultations may have different requirements.
Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=73269