top of page
Pure Essence Center

Our Licensed Medical Team

Learn about the backgrounds, specialties, and personal philosophies of our medical staff that guide their approach to wellness and aesthetics. We take pride in our team's commitment to excellence, innovation, and empathy, ensuring that every client's experience is as unique and remarkable as they are.

Ranbir Mangat Bains

Medical Director

PhD, APRN

Ranbir Mangat Bains

Ranbir is an APRN with over 20 years of experience. She graduated from Yale University School of Nursing with an MSN and from University of Connecticut School of Nursing with a Ph.D. Wellness and aesthetics have always been an integral part of her professional interests. That interest has motivated her to keep up with the latest developments in health and wellness in the aesthetic world and gain certifications. Her healthcare and academic background are an asset when evaluating what products and services would be most beneficial to clients. Partnering with clients and helping them look and feel their best is both a privilege and honor for her.

Iole Punzo

Founder

RN, BSN, ANS

Iole M. Punzo

Iole Punzo RN, BSN is certified in aesthetics from The New England School of Aesthetics Education where she trained for over 800 hours in both comfort and medical aesthetics. She is a graduate of St. Joseph College where she received her BSN in nursing with a minor in Biology. Iole has been in the medical field for over 20 years of which over a decade in aesthetics alone. Her interest in aesthetics medical stems from the many years of caring and working in the field of ICU / trauma and surgery.

It has always been her goal to preserve a sense of dignity and confidence in someone while healing their physical injuries. Her passion has led her out of the clinical setting and into the home. “I have had the chance to help give someone back their life in the ICU not I can aid in restoring their confidence and love for life.” Whether it be through feeding the soul with massage or implementing treatments to remodel a scar, she has always dedicated herself to helping a client reach that goal.

Iole Punzo is certified with Cynosure, Alma and Sciton lasers for skin resurfacing, pigment, laser hair removal and vascular lesion therapies, she is certified through Aesthetics Advancements and trained with several vascular surgeons in the treatment of sclerotherapy and laser vein removal. Iole is also certified in Thermage, Ulthera and Venus Freeze which are the standard skin tightening systems on the market today. She has assisted physicians in many surgical procedures in medical spa and surgical center facilities, such as scar revisions, blepharoplasties, facelifts, body augmentations and laser assisted liposuction. Iole has advanced training in Coolsculpting technology and has performed several hundred treatments in the past 5 years.

Iole received her injectables certification through the accreditation Council for Medical Aesthetics at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. Her training certifies her in neurotoxin and filler administration. She has been certified as a master injector through Allergan in facial sculpting with the latest liquid facelift techniques. Her formal training is also in various treatments such as PRP therapy for hair stimulation and skin rejuvenation.

Iole is devoted to her clients and wellbeing. In doing so she has kept skin blogs and written several skin related articles keeping her clients updated and informed of the latest.

Iole joined Advanced Dermatology Center in 2018 “It is an honor and a privilege to work with such an incredible team.”

Iole lives behind her philosophy “Only 100% client satisfaction and quality. It takes, hard work, passion, expertise and determination to maintain that expectation. That expectation is our standard. No other will do!”

PURE ESSENCE Center for Wellness & Aesthetics

Ready to set up a consultation?

Deanna J.C. Zimkus - Pure Essence

Physicians Assistant

Deanna J.C. Zimkus

A native Rhode Islander, she settled in Connecticut after graduating from Quinnipiac University in 2009. As a new graduate, she first practiced in pediatric and adult emergency medicine. Since high school, she has always had a love for dermatology and disorders affecting the skin. Deanna is active in state and national PA professional organizations and regularly precepts PA students.

Education:
Quinnipiac University

  • Master of Health Science / Physician Assistant Certificate

  • Bachelor of Health Science; Cum Laude

Professional Involvement:
Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants

  • Immediate Past President

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Regional Director

  • Membership Committee Chair

  • Education and Conference Planning Co-Chair

American Academy of Physician Assistants Fellow Member

  • Connecticut Delegate for AAPA House of Delegates

Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants Fellow Member

Connecticut State Medical Society Associate Member

Faculty: Connecticut Academy of Pas; Charter Oak Conference

  • Skin Cancer Review

  • Commonly Encountered Dermatoses in Clinical Practice

  • Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Disease

Faculty: Connecticut Academy of PAs; Student Leadership Symposium

  • Becoming a PA Leader / How to Get Involved

Academic Appointments:

  • Sacred Heart University Physician Assistant Program; Adjunct Faculty and Clinical Preceptor

  • Quinnipiac University Physician Assistant Program; Adjunct Faculty and Clinical Preceptor

Professional Publication:

  • Ferenczi, K., Berke, A., Cichon, D., Jurzyk, R., Varicella-zoster virus vaccination-induced granulomatous dermatitis; October 2014. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 71(4), d131-132.

Paola Silva - Pure Essence

Office Manager,

Medical Aesthetician

Paola Silva

With two decades of unwavering dedication to the salon and spa industry, Paola is a seasoned Esthetician who brings a wealth of experience to every client she serves. Her journey is a testament to a profound commitment to beauty and well-being. With Paola you're not just receiving a service; you're embracing the expertise and artistry cultivated over 20 years in the pursuit of timeless beauty.

Dr John John Schmidt

Plastic Surgeon

John Schmidt, MD

Dr. Schmidt holds advanced degrees from The City University of New York, Columbia University, and the University of Alabama, Birmingham. He has been inducted into several honor societies and has been awarded several honors and stipends at his graduations. Because of his academic scholarship, he was able to graduate medical school in less than 3 years. He completed his residency training at Yale and has remained continuously on staff for more than 30 years. He has been a clinical faculty member of Yale School of Medicine, recently becoming an assistant professor, as well as the coordinator for plastic surgery training for residents. Dr. Schmidt has had the honor of doing post-graduation training with giants in the cosmetic surgery including Dr. Howard Smith and Dr. Donald Wood-Smith. Dr. Schmidt has done numerous pro bono surgical procedures at both Yale and St. Raphael Hospital. He and his wife have recently endowed a fund at Yale University that assists the surgical residents’ staff with outreach programs in Africa.

bottom of page