Dr Alanen operated on the opposite side of my nose to where the biopsy was done to confirm a skin cancer lesion. Not only was it on wrong side of nose the procedure was overkill and I now have an unnecessary scar! My family doctor realizing a grave error was made referred me another dermatologist who reviewed the report and he then removed the proper lesion with minimal damage! I had gone to Dr Alanen for many years and was mostly pleased with his service however this was too serious to overlook. He offered up a flimsy explanation, but I will never trust him again or go back to Derm.ca, Please do your homework before going to this clinic and seeing Dr Alanen. read more

Ken Alanen, MD - Dermatologists Near Me - Calgary, Alberta

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I have seen Dr Alanen several times since moving to Calgary in 2018. He is efficient, calm, direct, and professional in demeanor. He diagnoses accurately in my experience. Being one of the Celtic people, I like to have a skin check done regularly. I understand that he is one of Alberta's top experts in skin cancer. The other reviews surprised me as I have had a very good experience at this clinic. I haven't pursued anti-aging treatments so I can't speak to that side of the clinic. read more

Don't wait for a phone call you'll never receive A few years ago i had a great experience with derm.ca. No referral, quick appointment times and the doctor addressed all my concerns during my appointment and took some skin biopsies. Last year, i began having horrible monstrous skin symptoms related to my auto immune. I learned that Derm.ca now required a referral for medical appointments. This was no problem and I asked my doctor to refer me specifically to Dr. Alamein at derm.ca due to my great past experience. I was contacted by the clinic and told I should be able to get an appointment by Feb 2021. The clinic emailed me a link and I submitted many photos of my condition, which i was told we're going to be sent directly to Dr. Alamein for review to book an in person appointment. Months passed, i kept emailing the clinic and sending in updated photos to their secure server. More months passed. My emails remained unanswered. My photos i continuously sent in were confirmed as sent, but I never received a phone call for an appointment. A year later I have not gotten any email responses or heard back about an appointment. Extremely disappointed with my experience. Not only was I not given any appointment at all, my emails inquiring about updates or an appointment were not returned. Don't count on this clinic or dermatologist to book you an appointment. I have since been referred to, and seen, another dermatologist. This clinic and doctor does not care about medical dermatology referrals. Don't waste your time getting a referral for an appointment you may never get. read more

His practice is run like nothing I've ever seen..patients lined up in the waiting room for hours..then you are taken to a consulting room and he sends in a nurse who has no idea of the issue, At least he breezes in, asks a few questions that show he has not even glanced at your file, pays no attention to the answers , and hands you brochures on the products he's promoting (on display at front desk) --tells you he'd like to see you in a month (what on earth for?!) and quickly hustles you out. Would definitely not recommend. read more

I can't say enough good about Dr. Alanen and his staff. I went in to have him biopsy a spot and showed him a second spot. The second spot was confirmed skin cancer. I was to go to the hospital to get the second spot cut out. He was able to get me in that day and cut it out immediately- he is set up for this type of treatment in his office. I was so grateful to have it removed. I had a third spot that Dr. Alanen removed through Mohs surgery behind my ear. Such a smooth process. What I love the best about Dr. Alanen and staff is they had no issue answering all my questions each time I've had to go in. Let me be very clear - I always have a ton of questing. I'm never rushed and feel very comfortable when leaving. read more

Had CO2 laser- extremely painful! Anesthetic was injected subcutaneously with a triple needle over 30x (90 pokes to the face before the procedure even started) and gave patchy pain control at best. Physicians with proper certifications would be able to do an intra-oral nerve block with just a couple pokes to get a fully numb face. In the end, she wasn't able to do the laser on all aspects of my face as I was shaking and sweating in pain- but still paid full price. read more

I had red, itchy skin that spread across my face and around my eyes causing redness and pain. Dr. Alanen didn't even look at my face before writing a prescription for a stronger immunosuppressant when it didn't work previously. He was more focused on selling his skin products that were ridiculously expensive as a miracle cure. read more

I can't believe I read all these negative reviews, my experience was ONLY positive! Ildiko was super friendly and very knowledgeable, I had seen her and DR Alanen several times for a Mole check, and Ildiko for cosmetic procedures they both made me feel comfortable...explained after care every time, I had never had a feeling I was left in the dark...and i am happy with my results! I have been to many different clinics there was always long wait and not professional...I definitely recommend Ildiko and Dr Alanen for everything! I see People complaint about times on here sometimes you can't control the surgery length, just like hairdressers they work to criteria...just like great doctor who provide care! Thank you for everything! I will definitely return with my white skin! read more

Very friend guy but I have now spent over $900 to have a treatment done for my milia that I was told would be $350 for my full face. Had to buy a special face cream that was $100. he missed so many of the milia and when I went back in to get the rest done that he missed during first session was charged $398 more to finish my face. I still have tons of spots on my face he did not do and was told I have to go in again for a third treatment. Forget that. I can't afford over to pay out more and be increased price on less to be done. Not worth it. Talked to another derm who said that they would have ensure it was all clear and charge would have only been $350 in total rather than the $1200 or more I am expected to pay here on such a quick zap of my face. read more

Professional no nonsense service. Nice clinic. Really grateful to have Dr. Alanen on my Healthcare team.

You are all about cosmetics and charging for that, just pushing your expensive creams you don't care about helping people just your bottom line your bank account. Also why did I have to download the app yelp to continue to look at reviews read more

I am also surprised at the bad reviews, Dr Alanen actually examines my skin every 6 months as I have many freckles and moles and my previous dermatologist who was also nice but never even really looked at them...she simply told me to keep an eye on all of them (even my back!). He's taken several off for testing and I thank god he cares! He's very quick but makes me feel very comfortable. read more

I've been going to Dr. Alanen since 2015. He has treated my skin for both medical and non-medical concerns. His knowledge in regards to the anatomy of skin is barred none. Depending on the issue, he may spend 5min and recognize exactly what needs to be treated and how OR he'll sit with you and be very thorough with his questions, diagnosis and treatment. He performs major surgeries on cancer patients, hence, not only have I repeatedly trusted Ken to take care of my skin, I've gained a surmountable amount of respect for his contributions to the community. Upon reading other reviews, his straight forward, and to the point style of communication may not be for everyone but he is definitely the one you want to go to if you are looking for a highly knowledgeable and skilled doctor who is passionate about his work. read more

Bad experience with removal of a tiny (maybe 1/2 cm) basal cell carcinoma from my right shin by Dr. Alanen. Resulted in an over 6 cm ugly wide wavy purple scar and required the attention of a plastic surgeon one month after Dr. Alanen's surgery to debride the wound removing the black dead tissue. Daily wound care using specialized dressings due to an open wound that Dr. Alanen was not able to close and after the debridement dragged this awful situation on for two months. Even stitches removal by Dr. Alanen's office was incomplete and required me taking out the last stitches myself!! A horrible experience and I will never go back to Dr. Alanen. read more

Brutal. From wait times to the service you receive once you make it in. Have been there 3 times, and 3 times too many. Mr Alanen seem to do the bare minimum when dealing with patients. Maybe he needs more help? Hate to put someone down like this but my experience there has been awful and in the period of 8-10 months (visits and wait times) nothing has been done to improve the appearance of my skin, which is what I wanted since the first visit. And yes, I had made that clear. Will certainly not be returning. read more

I'm surprised at the reviews because today was my second time at Derm.Ca and I've had a positive experience both times. The staff is friendly and Dr. Alanen is awesome. I like that he doesn't fuss too much and gets everything done in a timely manner. I'd recommend this office to everyone, in fact one of my coworkers is seeing him soon. read more

So I have to wait a couple of months to get an appointment with the doctor here. I've been waiting an hour so far still no sign of a doctor. Then BAM! OK saw the doctor and talk about quick, here's some ointment and if it doesn't get better make an appointment to see me in a couple of months. Oh and you have something something. I hope he sends the English version to my family Doctor. read more

I spent six months getting microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and spending money on expensive makeup and topical treatments only to have him tell me now, in a different setting (a few years later) that these never work, period. Also if you make an appointment expect to wait as much as a few hours after your scheduled appointment time before you see him. Even then he will only see you for a few seconds, he will talk very fast, and then he will leave. What a joke! read more

I had an appointment with Dr Alanen for which I had to wait several months. When I arrived, I waited 20 minutes in the waiting room. Then waited another 15 minutes in the examination room. Finally, a female doctor came in. She asked me why I was there etc. I said my appointment was with Dr Alanen and I asked when he would be coming in. She said he was too busy to see me so she would be looking after me. I left. I booked with Dr Alanen and that's who I wanted to see. Now it's another 4 month wait. Time for a new dermatologist for me. read more

Not at all satisfied with my visit. The doctor would not listen to my issues. It's very upsetting, I waited a couple months for my referral. And all they try to do is sell their revoderm line. Won't be going back. The doctor said he doesn't diagnose problems, they only do therapy. Not sure how you can do therapy if you don't diagnose a problem :S One pro is that they were on time. read more

Not sure why they have appointment when they are always late. If your appointment is at 10 am, might be better to call in to see where you sit so you can show up 30-45 mins later. That's probably the better way to do it. It pains why we have to put up with the short listed specialist we have in town. read more

I cannot express how poor he is as a doctor. Wish I could give 0 stars. I understand that specialists are in high demand, but regularly being over an hour late for appointments is insane. I waited 45 minutes past my time - and I was the first appointment of the day. My longest wait was almost 2 hours, but that's what happens when you book several appointments at the exact same time. You spend most of the time talking to his assistants which don't really want to hear you describe the issue. Then, you see Dr. Alanen for about five minutes, four of which is him talking at you fast enough that you'll be lucky to catch a word or two. You still won't get a chance to really describe the issue. He won't look at an issue more than once, but will continue to change the diagnosis and change the treatment when prior attempts don't work. read more

My personal experience with the clinic and its staff was good, except for Dr. Alanen himself. Using smart and big words does not make anyone look better and sound smarter, especially when it's a doctor talking to their patient. Dr. Alanen is fan of big words and making the explanation as confusing as it can get. Every time, when I ask for clarification or just talk to him about any problems that have arised, I feel like he is in a rush and wants to get rid of me as soon as possible. Today, I came in for a consultation and challenged him to explain something to me in a way that I could understand (being a patient for more than a year and half with no result, and spending thousands of dollars on treatments that don't work, I think I deserve that). He started waving his hands and raising his tone and asking, "what do you want from me?" Well the only thing I wanted was to understand how to achieve a result in my treatment. He was never patient with my mother and I when we came in for a consultation. I believe that as a patient, I have the right to ask as many questions as I need to understand why I need to take certain prescriptions. If Dr. Alanen cannot spend the needed time with the patient, and only think about how to get more patients and make more money, I believe that even with all the qualifications that he has, he is not a good doctor. From the day I started my treatment, to the last visit, my condition, for which I came in for consolation and treatment, did not get any better. In fact, a couple months ago, a peel that I had gotten done there, had burned my skin to the point of needing to cover it up excessively with sunscreen, just to not get pigmentation in those burned areas in the future. When this issue was raised with Dr. Alanen he said that this is a normal reaction. He did not even apologize for what had happened. I know with my experience and my family's experience with the same peels (and even with higher concentrations) that this is not a normal reaction and should not have happened. A good doctor will try to treat a patient and talk to them like they are on the same level. They will not put themselves into a higher position and think that they are in some way better and more educated than the patient. This is what I experienced in Dr. Alanen's clinic and that is why today was my last visit. I would not recommend anyone to have Dr. Alanen as their dermatologist. read more

Spent almost $20K in 8 years....overpriced and treatments don't last. Be wary that if you need a touch up...it will cost you a ton of money. Extremely disappointed with them and I truly tell everyone not to go there for anything.... read more

Worst place ever. never go there. They treated my face for melasm with treatment called "Picosure"which was $1700.My melasm was very very light when I went to them but it went worst and worst by second treatment. They burnt my face totally like second degree. After making it worst, they were asking me to take other expensive treatment not to make that better but to rejuvenate my skin. and with all this they ask to take hundred more expensive products to work with that treatment. All money game. Now my face is all burnt, even Hydoquinon doesn't work, which I used to apply before. Just go there if you want to throw money to get your condition worst.I wasted so much money for making my face ugly. read more

I went in on a quote for $375 for the face laser resurfacing. Came out with $800 plus bill. Offered to laser the chest area but failed to give the price until after the procedure. It was another $400.00! The follow up which i would need would be another $400.00 again after the fact. Huge upselling in that office. He is unclear initially and you never get anything in writing. I would suggest if you go, get it in writing. I am done with this clinic. And yes if you have an appt you often wait 1-2 hrs. It is never a pleasant experience. There has to be better specialists...he should not be referred from your family doctor at all! Suckered with the Upsell and regretting it! read more

Its been 2 years, and Dr.Ken is still not able to figure out . He just keeps trying medications that aren't even meant for psoriasis. Prescribed me methotrexate but I was smart enough to refuse the treatment, sorry but I would rather have functional liver and lungs. Everytime i took methotrexate, my half week was wasted. And then lastly I was prescribed injections, each one was i believe $1000. I am a student, and my plan won't cover it. Trust me, save yourself some frustration and time. read more

I have to agree with the previous review. But I left after waiting for 45 minutes. Think he is still trying to pay off his medical loans and the leasehold improvements so they are packing people in. read more

I was referred to them a while ago and loved my experience, however i went back a couple of months ago and felt like they only wanted to sell me their makeup/ product line. The dr came in and was speaking so fast that I didn't understand a thing, not going back and will try to find another dermatologist as this place sucks. DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE. read more

This is the worst clinic I have ever been in Canada so far. I visited this doctor through the family doc's referral. After waiting for almost couple of hours he spent less than a minute with me, no details, talks very fast. He is more interested in selling the laser treatment stuff than actually listening to the patient. He simply asked me book an appointment with one of his side kicks and left. They gave me an appointment to see this so called laser specialist (or whoever) for consultation prior to actual treatment session. I specifically asked for first appointment so that I don't have to waste my time there. They gave me an 8AM appointment and the sales person (yes, it's a fact they are nothing but sales people) didn't show up for a while and receptionist has no clue when that person would arrive. I left disgusted, they have no respect to patient's time. read more