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We have been partners since 1995, devoting our interests and energies to helping people transform their lives. The Gentle Star concept started after the new millennium when we wanted to reverse the signs of aging on ourselves after years of sun damage and environmental exposure. We quickly realized that we had the education, the skills and the personalities that were unique to the world of medical esthetics.

Thomas R. Ellis, M.D. A board-certified anesthesiologist in the state of California, Dr. Ellis is also the Director of Anesthesia at Webster Surgery Center, a leading outpatient surgical facility in the Bay Area specializing in cosmetic and orthopedic surgery. Previous to this, he was the Director of Cardiac Anesthesia at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley. As a resident at Stanford University Medical Center, he was voted Outstanding Resident of the 1997 graduating class and received the Outstanding Teacher Award as voted by the medical students. He received his medical degree from the University of Michigan.

Craig T. Shishido As Lead Clinical Esthetician with internationally renowned plastic surgeon Dr. James J. Romano, Mr. Shishido was responsible for the pre & postoperative care and services of cosmetic surgery patients. Together with Dr. Romano, he was also in charge of managing medical skin care regimens that ensured the long-term correction and preservation of skin health and beauty. The broad ethnic diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area allowed for extensive experience in Asian, African-American, Caucasian, Latin, Mediterranean skin types with conditions such as hyper & hypo-pigmentation (spots), acne, acne scars, stretch marks, rosacea, fine lines & wrinkles, and sun damage. An MBA from University of Southern California with over 10 years in the medical industry – including positions with Merck & Co., B. Braun and McKesson – Mr. Shishido is a visiting lecturer at the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics, a Paul Mitchell Partnership school.