Richmond Dermatology and Laser Specialists

Dr Victoria Gross. this is who you have to see, she’s awesome, she cares, and she’ll answer any questions you have. Best doctor there.
Waiting room is rough. usually you’ll wait 30 – 45 min to get called back and then maybe another 30 to be seen, so get ready to spend some time there.

Very disappointed with my visit with Dr. Thornton this morning. I found her to be unprofessional and unfriendly. My main concern was some dark spots on the back of my neck. I was expressing my concern to her that the dark spots have increased in number in the past few years and a lightning cream hasn’t helped in the past. I was asking her if she can explain why I keep getting these dark spots specifically in the back of my neck and what can I do to prevent getting more spots in the future. First, she stated that it’s because I have dark skin and when I asked why specifically on the back of my neck, she said «well, there are no answers to somethings. I can prescribe some acne medication and some lightning cream.» I informed her that in the past I had been prescribed an acne medication, minocycline, that had some side effects that I wasn’t told about initially and came to find out on my own after a few years I took it. As I was telling her about the side effects, she mentioned that she «wasn’t aware of those side effects.» This medication is routinely prescribed by dermatologists and I was surprised that she didn’t know about that specific side effect. When I asked her how come she is not aware of that side effect of that medication when it is routinely prescribed, she stated that «well, there are tens and thousands of side effects to medications. We don’t memorize everything.» This all happened in the span of ten minutes. I didn’t find her approach helpful and friendly. We mutually agreed that it wasn’t a good patient-​doctor match between us and that I should be seen by another doctor. When I was checking out, she wanted to charge me for today’s visit. I requested at the checkout that I don’t want to be charged for today’s visit. They told me that «legally» they have to charge me and I need to talk to my insurance company to remove the charges. As we were trying to resolve this matter, Dr. Thornton walked into the checkout area and told me that I am «upsetting» the front desk staff and that I am a «demanding» patient. She arrived at that conclusion because during our brief ten minute chat in the room, I expressed to her that I wasn’t happy with my previous dermatologist and wanted to see a different dermatologist due to his lack of failing to mention the side effects of an acne medication that I took a few years ago. She used that information against me in the check out area. As she was walking away from the check out area, she kept saying to her front desk staff «charge her, charge her. Make sure you charge her.» I was surprised by her behavior. I found it to be unprofessional. Finally, another lady came into the check out area and resolved the issue and told me that there will be no charges for today’s visit.
Definitely not coming back to this office again. It’s sad to see that physicians now a days do not spend enough time with their patients and truly listen to their concerns and are so eager to write prescriptions for everything that come across their way, even if they don’t know the exact cause of the disease/​condition.
Also, I am attaching a copy of the side effects of minocycline that Dr. Thornton wasn’t aware of. If she or her office sees this post, maybe she will be aware for her other patients.

I was seen very quickly so I appreciate that, but that’s about it. The doctor recommended Loudon Family Pharmacy for my prescriptions and that was a nightmare. The brand name RX was ridiculously over priced, so I was told that the pharmacy would contact the doctor to request the generic. I immediately called the doctor’s office and left a voicemail to make them aware of this change. I called the pharmacy back hours later and was told it can take up to 48 hours to hear back from the doctor’s office. Ridiculous. I ended up calling the doctor’s office two more times over two more days before someone would call me back about the change. I received no apologizes whatsoever for the lack of response.

I scheduled my first and only dermatologist appointment for a full body scan this past July. As a new patient, I was scheduled with Dr. Gross. Let me just say, she was amazing. She was so sweet, not rushed as all, and made me feel completely comfortable with the process. If you are looking for a dermatologist, I recommend Dr. Gross.
The location was wonderful; everything is new and clean, and the waiting run was very comfortable. I am planning to look into their aesthetic center for future laser hair removal.

Dr Ed Kitces is not friendly. Seems disinterested. And does not care to stay on schedule. Since when are Drs time more important than the patient. I waited 45 min to be called back 2 days ago. Sat 40 min before dr came in an saw me for 5 min. Then sent a tech/​nurse in finally. All in all I was there 2 hrs for 5 min. ! This is truly unreasonable. I just arrived for follow up 1115 appt and the receptionist said it would be 1220 before I’d be called back. I told them I couldn’t wait that long. It is really an excessive wait. It’s not an ER ! They did work me in and out in 30 min. Which I appreciate. But what about the 3 ppl ahead of me. Poor things still waiting. This is a major problem. We have other appts and jobs to get back to Come on Drs respect your patients time and get it together.

I went here for a dermatological full body exam. They tell me I have great skin (albeit pale) and I’m fine. (Thanks to the daily sunblock and no sunbathing for many many years!)
They also have an aesthetic center. I got pricing for laser hair removal.
Pricing is reasonable (5 sessions each area):
Under arms $ 675.,
Bikini $ 725.,
Brazilian $ 1000.,
Lower legs $ 1395.
All hair removal lasers predict 80−85% loss of hair. Annual touch-​ups are recommended.

After being diagnosed with melanoma in 2009 I knew it was imperative to find a dermatologist when I moved to Richmond in 2010. I searched the internet for a doctor that concentrated on skin cancer. I found Dr. Victoria Gross at Richmond Dermatology and Laser and I am so glad I did! She is the sweetest, most patient, caring and understanding doctor I have ever seen. I feel completely at ease with her and she never pressures me on meds or anything I don’t feel comfortable with. On the flip side, she is very thorough and I trust her to make sure that everything that needs to be checked/​tested, gets done.
I don’t have much trouble getting in to see her and never have a problem parking. I would recommend Dr. Gross to everyone that loves their skin!

Note: this office has moved from its Forest Ave location
Dr. Eileen Kitces is absolutely amazing at what she does! She’s kind and professional, as is her staff. I have seen great results from her as far as acne treatment is concerned. I have been seeing her for about 5 years now. When I’m on top of my regimen, my face is smooth and clear. Her back acne wash is the only thing that worked for me.
Unfortunately, there tends to be a pretty long wait if you come for an afternoon appointment, so if you can tough it out to get there first thing in the morning, go for it. After all of your long wait, you will only see her for 5 minutes or less, so if you have questions or concerns to be addressed, write them down! She’s in and out, but she get’s the job done. She moves so fast, sometimes I think she’s got wings under that lab coat.
Beware of one thing, she’s a total rx pusher. If you don’t want to take an oral rx, be FIRM. She’s pushy. Also, if she starts you on a particular regimen that works for you and changes it to incorporate her products to do the same job, don’t feel pressured to use it if it costs more. For example, once she tried to get me to use her medicated face wash, while simultaneously prescribing me a weaker version of RetinA… pay attention and don’t feel pressured.
All and all, like I said, she’s the best there is. She keeps my skin beautiful, but she’s also a money maker, just bear that in mind.
As far as her products, I love her facial moisturizer! It’s super creamy and light and moisturizes better than anything else without leaving a film, greasiness, or a heavy feeling. Her aloe acne back wash is a lifesaver. I’m not a fan of one of her sunblocks because it just sits on top of your skin and won’t get absorbed, so you’re either left with white streaks or it rubs off. The sunblock moisturizer in the silver bottle, however, is a gem – goes on smooth, rubs on easily, and stays put.
And I am SO glad they moved their office. Parking at the Henrico Doctors location was horrendous – it took forever just to park. This place has its own lots with super easy parking and it is located in a very low traffic area.
One con is, if it hasn’t changed since I was last home, they’re either closed on Friday or close early on Friday.
*now offering massage therapy*