Dr. Tess Nicole Peters – Dermatologist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Tess Nicole Peters 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 Victoria, BC, she is a key member of the local medical community. 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. Her practice is committed to delivering evidence-based dermatological care in a comfortable and professional environment, utilizing modern diagnostic tools and therapeutic techniques.

Dr. Peters graduated with an MD from the University of Calgary in Canada and holds specialty certification as a Dermatologist. She has obtained key certifications including those from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, ensuring adherence to high standards of medical excellence and ongoing professional development.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a commitment to evidence-based skin care, patient education on skin health and prevention, early detection of skin cancer, and the development of personalized treatment plans. She is dedicated to providing attentive and comprehensive dermatological care to patients in Victoria, communicating in English, and ensuring each patient feels informed and supported throughout their care journey.

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

Nail Disorders (Onychopathies)

• 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.
• Nail Psoriasis: Psoriasis affecting the fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, discoloration (oil drop sign), thickening, onycholysis (separation from bed), and subungual hyperkeratosis.

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• 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.
• Lichen Planus: An inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes (mouth, genitals), causing purplish, itchy, flat-topped bumps on the skin or lacy white patches in the mouth.
• Urticaria (Hives) & Angioedema: Urticaria consists of itchy welts (wheals) that can appear anywhere on the body. Angioedema is a deeper swelling, often affecting eyelids and lips. Can be acute or chronic.

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• 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).
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Dermal Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, PLLA) for Volume Restoration & Contouring: Injectable gels (e.g., Juvederm®, Restylane®, Radiesse®, Sculptra®) used to restore facial volume, smooth out static wrinkles and folds, enhance lip volume, and contour facial features.
• 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.
• Medical-Grade Facials & Skincare Consultations: Professional facial treatments tailored to specific skin concerns and expert advice on developing an optimal at-home skincare regimen using medical-grade products.
• 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).
• 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.
• Excision of Benign Lesions (Moles/Nevi, Cysts, Lipomas, Skin Tags, Seborrheic Keratoses): Surgical removal of non-cancerous skin growths for medical reasons (e.g., irritation, inflammation) or cosmetic purposes, with pathological examination if indicated.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Peters 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. Tess Peters practices at a dermatology clinic located within a medical facility in Victoria's Fairfield East, Oaklands neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the BC Transit Hub and Bay Centre Shopping Mall, making it easily accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfortable access for all patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for those arriving by vehicle, providing ease of access for patients from across the community.

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

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

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Peters, 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. Peters. 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 is the difference between a Dermatologist and an Esthetician?

A Dermatologist, like Dr. Dr. Peters, 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.

What are the general risks and benefits of cosmetic procedures Dr. Peters might offer?

The benefits of cosmetic procedures offered by a qualified Dermatologist like Dr. Peters 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. Peters 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.

207-1990 Fort St, Cosmedica
Victoria, BC V8R 6V4

Phone: (250) 598-3300 | Fax: (250) 589-3360

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Peters 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. Peters 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/338167/Peters%2CTess