Apex Dermatology: This is Gaile
By Laura Briedis
It can be said that behind every successful doctor is a terrific nurse. At Apex Dermatology, that especially holds true. Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga has surrounded himself with certified nurse practitioners who boast impressive credentials as well as the compassionate demeanor that is the hallmark of all five of his skincare offices.
“All of our providers have superior training and our entire staff delivers the utmost in patient service,” says Dr. Garcia, who served with distinction as a U.S. Marines flight surgeon prior to relocating to Cleveland for his dermatology residency. He also earned an MBA from Case Weatherhead School of Management and a degree in biomedical engineering from Marquette University.
An innovative skincare center specializing in medical, aesthetic and surgical dermatology, the Apex Dermatology team treats everything from acne and warts to difficult-to-treat skin cancers. Its aesthetic dermatology procedures smooth wrinkles, minimize blemishes and scars, rejuvenate the face and remove unsightly veins.
Although Apex Dermatology is equipped with the latest high-tech equipment and advanced lasers, it is the dedicated, caring staff that elevates the practice.
Joining Dr. Garcia in the Parma office is Ringaile (Gaile) Sirvaitis, a certified nurse practitioner who earned a Master of Science in Nursing at Ursuline College. Born in Lithuania, she owned a fitness club there before moving to the United States. She is a vocal advocate for overall health and wellness.
“My approach with patients is to treat the whole person,” says Gaile, who was a certified fitness instructor and esthetician before embarking on a nursing career. “I draw on both my expertise in fitness and skincare, as beauty and health are interconnected.”
“I treat both adults and children, specializing in common skin problems such as acne, eczema, rosacea, skin pigmentations, scarring and warts,” she says. “I am also well versed in aesthetic dermatology and facial rejuvenation to improve the appearance of skin.”
“I can relate to my patients who come in for aesthetic treatments as I am going through the same aging process,” says this mother of two grown daughters, who is fluent in Russian, Lithuanian and English.
“Botox and injectable fillers, such as Juvederm, Voluma and Restylane, give patients a youthful look and enhance their overall appearance. The results are instant. My patients walk out the door looking wonderful in just 30 minutes with no downtime.”
In addition to aesthetic dermatology, Gaile focuses on skin cancer prevention and screening.
“Even in the winter months, when your skin is covered up by layers of clothing, you need to be diligent about checking for moles and lesions,” she comments, noting that patients should get an annual screening in the doctor’s office and do monthly self exams at home.
Gaile tells her patients to watch for the “ABCDEs of melanoma” to detect potentially dangerous spots. Look for asymmetry, irregular borders with jagged or notched edges, spots with multiple colors, diameter that exceeds the size of a pencil eraser and any areas that are evolving—either by getting larger, bleeding, crusting, itching, shrinking or becoming bumpy.
“Your skin is your largest organ so you should nurture it,” she says. “Remember to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, and wear moisturizers and makeup with zinc that blocks rays year-round.”
Apex Dermatology has five locations to serve the Greater Cleveland/Akron areas:
• Parma 440-845-1146
• Hudson 330-653-DERM (3376)
• Mayfield Heights 440-646-1600
• Concord 440-352-SKIN (7546)
• Solon 440-349-SKIN (7546)
Visit ApexSkin.com for location address and detailed information on services offered. Flexible weekday hours are available. Saturday appointments are available at some locations.