STAFF

zena h. gabriel, md, faad
dermatologist

Dr. Zenovia Gabriel is an award-winning board-certified dermatologist and a distinguished leader in her field. She is the founder of ZENA Medical, a premier full-spectrum dermatology practice in Southern California. Her warm, caring nature and close attention to detail sets her apart as a leader in her field and a highly sought-after dermatologist. Dr. Zenovia helps patients design customized treatment plans, utilizing her copyrighted algorithm and “Signature Four” approach.

Karen K. Leong, MD
Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Karen K. Leong is a plastic surgeon who embraces the nuances of beauty and graceful aging.  Her understanding of the structural and soft tissue changes in the face and body allow her to treat each person with a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. By combining empathy with a gentle yet direct manner, she journeys with her patients through their rejuvenation process.

While her expertise and training is surgical, she believes in a more holistic beauty, thus combining Dr. Zena Gabriel’s signature formula for perfect skin and the office’s value driven philosophy with her surgical skills to achieve aesthetic harmony.

This helps each individual become a better version of themselves.

Along with a love of surgery comes great respect for the intricacies of the human body, particularly in the area of feminine health.  Femi-surgical enhancement is ZENA Medical’s comprehensive approach to women’s sexual health and well-being. Dr. Leong wants to have that conversation with you, to address your questions and concerns about changes to your intimate area whether it’s due to childbirth, trauma, or menopause.

Dr. Leong received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and obtained her medical degree from Drexel University, Philadelphia.   Her plastic surgery residency was completed and Brown University and she continues to cultivate her expertise with a fellowship in cosmetic plastic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Daniel Mills in Laguna Beach.

David Sawcer, MD, PhD
Dermatologist

DrSawcer has over 20 years of experience and is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Dermatology. He is an expert in dermatological surgery and skin cancer, photobiology, lasers in dermatology, and wound healing.

DrSawcer is the Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology at Keck School of Medicine of USC. He directs the HIV Dermatology clinic and teaches residents and house staff weekly. He was educated in England, receiving his medical degree from the University of Birmingham and completed his Internal Medicine at the University of Oxford. Later he took the English Dermatology Boards training in residency at the prestigious St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, St. Thomas Hospital in London.

A sought-after consultant and academic lecturer, he has numerous publications in the scientific community. He is dynamic, yet humble and has a warm, genuine bedside manner.

Donna West, MD, PHD
DERMATOLOGIST

Dr. Donna M. West is a noted Southern California dermatologist in practice for over 14 years and a former faculty member of Loma Linda University.  As a physician who is intimately involved in her patient’s care, Dr. West offers a complete array of services and procedures for medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology.

In addition, as a result of her PhD training in chemistry, Dr. West has extensive expertise and a unique perspective on skin. Dr. West’s motto is “Healthy skin is young skin.”

Barret Bestard, NP
Nurse practitioner

Barret is a board certified Nurse Practitioner with nursing experience in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of San Francisco where she played soccer at the collegiate level.  She then spread her wings and went to the East Coast where she earned her Master’s and Doctoral degree in Nursing from Columbia University. 

She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing as well as the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) and the American Nurses Association (ANA). 

Barret developed her love for dermatology at a young age while struggling with her own skin issues. Overtime she became captivated by the dynamic nature of treating skin conditions. She wrote her doctoral dissertation on a biopsychosocial approach to Acne Vulgaris and integrates her knowledge and understanding into her everyday practice. She is extremely thorough with all of her patients and works hard to help them achieve clear skin.

She worked in one of the most prominent dermatology practices in Manhattan, New York and mentored under several renowned dermatologists.  There, she was exposed to all aspects of dermatology including Mohs Micrographic Surgery, diagnosing and treating skin disorders, in addition to laser and all aesthetic procedures.

Barret’s deep understanding of skin is evident with her detailed patient teaching. She takes the time to get to know each of her patients in order to provide effective, individualized skin care regimens. She is a sharp clinician whose love for her patients and dermatology is apparent right when you meet her.

Barret grew up locally in Southern California in the small beach town of San Clemente. She is the daughter of Dr. Edward H. Bestard, an accomplished orthopedic surgeon in Orange County.She  is very active and enjoys hot yoga, running , and going on walks with her rescue pup Luna.

MIA'ARIARNA KILEKAS, MSPA, PA-C
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Mia Kilekas is a physician assistant who grew up in Southern California. She attended Huntington Beach High School where she danced in the performing arts program. She received her Bachelor of Science with a double major in Biology and Chemistry from Vanguard University and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Mia was interested in pursuing a medical career and began working as a medical assistant at ZENA medical as a fresh college grad. She excelled quickly and became an integral part of the office. She became the lead surgical tech and also worked closely with all the doctors and nurses providing patient care. She had her eyes set on becoming a provider herself and decided to pursue a career as a physician assistant.

She moved to Maine and attended the University of New England and graduated with a Masters in Physician Assistant studies. Here she excelled and was at the top of her class both academically and clinically. She was able to fulfill her adventurous spirit also by hiking, paddle boarding, and snowboarding on the East Coast. Mia came full circle returning to ZENA Medical as a practicing PA. We are extremely excited to welcome Mia back.

She knows the inner workings of our office and our patients, yet she now comes with a breadth of clinical experience and know-how. Mia also spends time giving back. She volunteers with a non-profit surgical group, Mission Plasticos, to help provide reconstructive surgeries to those in need. She hopes to join international missions abroad in the future. Mia specializes in acne management, hormone replacement, laser treatments and much more. She is naturally warm and truly cares for people beyond the clinic visit. She looks forward to seeing familiar faces in her new role and helping new patients as well.

Laura Reynolds, RN
Laser Nurse

Laura Reynolds is a Registered Nurse with over 15 years of medical and cosmetic dermatology experience. She received her nursing degree from Golden West College after attending California State University, Long Beach. In addition, Laura received her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Touro University International.

Laura has extensive knowledge in the dermatology field. Her professional experience and excellent communication skills contribute to the “complete” patient experience. Her educational conversations with her patients help them achieve optimal results from their treatments.

“I firmly believe that my patients deserve to fully understand what the procedure will accomplish… and why … and what they need to do to prolong the improvements. Education is extremely important in the process. I am happy to claim that my patients and I form a unique bond when we work together toward achieving the goal of great looking, healthy skin.”

In addition to being a Special Procedures nurse, Laura has worked in the capacity of Regional Trainer and Clinical Manager for national laser manufacturers such as Solta, the makers of the Fraxel Laser System, Syneron/Candela, Cynosure, and Lutronic Corporation.

Laura’s extensive experience is unparalleled with the laser technologies used in our practice. These include IPL, Sublative, Vascular, CO2, Tattoo removal, hair reduction, Fraxel, Infini and more. She also specializes in providing professional-grade chemical peels and PRP to stimulate collagen production and prolong the benefits of cosmetic treatments.

She is a leader with a vast fund of knowledge yet her greatest quality is that she connects with her patients with genuine warmth and sincerity.

Lisa McCoy
Aesthetician

Lisa is our certified medical esthetician who has been practicing since 2003 after graduating from Bellus Academy, San Diego.  This propelled her passion for the medical skincare and she has been providing advanced medical and luxury facials ever since.

Lisa has extensive knowledge of products and her love of ingredients helps empower and educate her clients. She believes in beauty from the inside out and has a holistic approach to evaluating skin. She promotes relaxation as well as finding the root cause of skin issues. Lisa specializes in creating protocols unique to each client’s individual needs, utilizing a variety of custom peels, micro needling, microcurrent and an array of products during her facials.

Lisa is very gentle yet effective and results-driven. She is totally dedicated to providing her clients with the best care and her attention to detail is unparalleled.  Many estheticians offer the “feel-good” facials that do not produce real, lasting results. Lisa’s facials are medical-grade and based on the latest science, she works in tandem with two board-certified dermatologists and together they’ve created effective facial protocols that can target any skin issue.

She spearheaded the addition of ZENA Medical Deluxe Facials to provide her elite clients with the ultimate facial experience. Our Triple Lift Facial and Ultimate Age-Defying Facial are treatments unlike anything you’ve experience – both luxurious and they deliver powerful results.

Call to receive our facial menu to view all of our services.

Carlyn Rutherford
aesthetician

Carlyn is our certified medical esthetician with extensive training and knowledge on skin treatments, products and much more. Carlyn has been a medical aesthetician since 2004 and has worked with leading dermatologist and plastic surgeons in the industry.

Carlyn has been a licensed medical aesthetician since 2004 and has worked with leading dermatologist and plastic surgeons over the last 12 years. She ongoingly builds her esthetic knowledge to keep up with a rapidly growing industry by working with and shadowing accomplished doctors. Her background also includes training other estheticians and practices on product knowledge and ingredient selection for medical skincare. 
 
Relaxing yet results driven treatments is what you will receive from Carlyn’s facials. She has developed wonderful and trusting relationships with her clients in which she customizes every facial to the skin’s needs. Extensive training and knowledge on Hydrafacial MD, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, microneedling, oxygen treatments and acne facials is what sets Carlyn apart from the rest. You can also expect a personalized at home skincare protocol keeping healthy, glowing, even toned, strong and radiant skin as the goal.