San Jose Morgan Hill Meet our newest master injector, Marisha Carriao! While her work certainly speaks for itself, we’re so excited to have her here at Illuminate and can’t wait for you to meet her.
Before you book your appointment, get to know the woman behind the syringe.
Marisha’s journey into plastic surgery was atypical to say the least, “It was purely accidental how I got my start in Plastic Surgery. When I became an RN in 1995 there were no Bay Area hospitals hiring new graduates. The only employer prospects that showed up at the nursing job fair were the different branches of Military. That was not an option for me.” she explains.
“My unexpected, ultimate dream job surfaced later. Someone close to me overheard a Plastic Surgeon saying he wanted to find a ‘new’ nurse to hire and train. My friend handed him my number and that was it. Not sure if I call it luck or fate, but I interviewed and got the job. Fresh out of nursing school I was eager to learn.”
It’s clear that while Marisha’s passion for plastics started early, the beginning of her journey was just that: “I wore many hats during those early years. And helping to grow a practice from the ground up had its many challenges and rewards. The surgeon had a very diverse practice ranging from trauma call, hand specialist, breast cancer implant and tram flap reconstruction, chronic wound care, cosmetic surgery and CO2 laser.”
If it reads like Marisha was handling a lot, that’s because she was. During her early days she served as office manager, patient care coordinator and the only nurse on staff. Whether she wanted to or not, she was cramming a lifetime worth of knowledge and skill into one position.
When the options were sink or swim, she learned to swim.
Marisha’s transition into master injector was just as spontaneous and fateful, “I brought in an esthetician with full skin care services and medical grade skin care lines in 1996. During this fast paced, dynamic work schedule, the surgeon one day simply asked if I wanted to learn to inject.”
The rest is, of course, history. During the late 90s there wasn’t any formal training for injection, but Marisha was a natural.
“I have always had an attention to detail and an eye for beauty. Observing fashion trends, model’s faces, their makeup, symmetry — all of it fascinated me. On the other side of that, I also had a real interest in math and science.”
The intersection of science and art is where Marisha thrives.
Still, without discomfort there isn’t growth. “[I left my position] as a clinical office nurse and injector, and accepted a position as O.R. Circulator and recovery room nurse. Learning the OR and watching the transformative art of surgery was yet another invaluable experience for me.”
Fast forward 16 years, and she’s still practicing the art of injection with the same enthusiasm she had on that first day.
Now that you know her background, get to know her injecting style. We’re certain you’re going to love her as much as we do.
Book your appointment with her today: 408.369.9300, or reach out to our Palo Alto plastic surgery clinic for more details.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly Setoguchi, PA-C
Kelly Setoguchi, PA-C is a certified physician associate and aesthetic medicine specialist with more than eight years of experience in medical aesthetics. As Director of MedSpa Operations at Illuminate Plastic Surgery, Kelly oversees clinician training, clinical operations, treatment protocols, and patient safety standards across the practice’s locations in San Jose, Palo Alto, and Morgan Hill.
Known for her refined aesthetic eye and commitment to natural-looking results, Kelly specializes in advanced injectable and laser treatments designed to help patients age gracefully while maintaining their unique features. Her expertise includes neurotoxins such as Botox and Dysport, biostimulatory treatments including Sculptra, dermal filler, lip filler, and comprehensive full-face balancing. She also performs advanced laser and energy-based treatments including BBL, Moxi, Halo Tribrid, and nonsurgical procedures such as Avéli for cellulite reduction.
Kelly is especially recognized for creating subtle, balanced enhancements that prioritize facial harmony and long-term skin health. Her aesthetic philosophy centers on thoughtful, personalized treatment plans that enhance confidence while preserving natural beauty through every stage of aging.
Education and clinical excellence are central to Kelly’s approach. As a Sciton trainer, she remains at the forefront of laser technology and advanced aesthetic techniques while personally training and mentoring Illuminate’s clinical team. She is responsible for maintaining and updating all clinical policies, protocols, and safety standards to ensure patients receive the highest level of care across every Illuminate location.
Patients throughout Silicon Valley trust Kelly for her honest recommendations, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to combine artistry with evidence-based medicine. By integrating advanced injectables, laser treatments, and preventative aesthetic care, she helps patients achieve refreshed, natural-looking results that never appear overdone.
At Illuminate we’re with you during every step of your journey toward greater self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with us today and let Illuminate’s expert team listen to your concerns and guide you through treatments and procedures to help you reach your individual goals. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating your renewed appearance and realized potential.
