Skin doc smoothes over big growth plan

Fort Myers-based Riverchase Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery expanded into three new locations, including one in Manatee County, with the acquisition of Skin Cancer Centers.

The three offices, which will operate as part of Riverchase Dermatology, are located in Parrish, Sun City Center and Zephyrhills, according to a statement. As part of the expansion, Riverchase brings in Dr. Michael Caruso, Dr. Brett Blake and Leslee Baute, a physician assistant, according to the statement.

Entrepreneur and physician Dr. Andrew Jaffe opened Riverchase in 2000 as a solo dermatology practice. The company, which started with an $80,000 loan and three employees, has since grown into 20 locations along the Gulf Coast. Riverchase acquired West Coast Dermatology, with eight offices spread from Sarasota to Lehigh Acres, in April 2014.