Dr. Vimal Hasmukh Prajapati

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

Skin Cancers, Precancerous Lesions & Benign Growths

• 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.
• Lipomas: Benign tumors composed of fat tissue, usually soft, movable, and painless, located just beneath the skin.

Inflammatory & Immune-Mediated Skin Conditions

• Dermatitis Herpetiformis: An intensely itchy, blistering rash often associated with celiac disease (gluten sensitivity), typically appearing on elbows, knees, buttocks, and scalp.
• 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.

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.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Acne Inversa): A chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition featuring painful, deep-seated lumps, abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring, typically in areas where skin rubs together (axillae, groin, under breasts).
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy (for Skin Rejuvenation & Hair Loss): Utilizing a concentration of a patient's own platelets to promote tissue repair and regeneration, used for facial rejuvenation (e.g., with microneedling) and to stimulate hair growth in certain types of alopecia.
• 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).
• Teledermatology Consultations (for select conditions & follow-ups): Remote dermatological consultations using secure digital imaging and communication technologies for initial assessment of certain conditions or for follow-up care, enhancing accessibility.
• 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.
• 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.
• Eczema (Atopic, Contact, Seborrheic Dermatitis) Management: Treatment plans for various types of chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, focusing on reducing inflammation, relieving itch, restoring skin barrier function, and preventing flare-ups with topical steroids, non-steroidal topicals, phototherapy, and systemic agents including biologics.

Note: This list provides a general overview of medical and potentially some cosmetic services. Treatment plans are highly individualized. Discuss with Dr. Prajapati 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 Alberta (CPSA) and relevant dermatological care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.

Skin Health & Wellness Centre is conveniently situated in Calgary's SE: Southwood, Canyon Meadows neighborhood, providing easy access for patients. The practice is close to Chinook Centre and Stampede Park, offering excellent transit options with Calgary Transit (CTrain LRT, Bus, BRT). The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, making visits hassle-free for those arriving by car. Patients can enjoy a welcoming environment with modern amenities designed to facilitate comprehensive skin care services.

Are consultations and dermatological treatments with Dr. Prajapati, a Dermatologist, covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

Medically necessary consultations with a licensed Dermatologist like Dr. Prajapati, 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB 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. Prajapati's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) beforehand, especially if there's a potential cosmetic component.

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

Dermatologists like Dr. Prajapati 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. Prajapati can discuss specific procedures relevant to your condition and may have subspecialty interests influencing the range of procedures offered.

When should someone consider seeing a Dermatologist like Dr. Prajapati?

A referral to a Dermatologist like Dr. Prajapati 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.

Skin Health & Wellness Centre
8500-8500 Blackfoot Trail SE, Suite 350
Calgary, AB T2J 7E1

Phone: (403) 264-7546 | Website: https://www.skinhealthwellness.com/

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Prajapati is a licensed Dermatologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician is typically required for consultations with Dr. Prajapati 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 Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9645d3bd-66c8-4cf4-82d0-57319a2bbacb&i=1175