Our Medical Aesthetics Team

Balaji Perumal, M.D. is an Ophthalmic Plastic, Facial Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Eye Surgeon. Dr. Perumal has specialized interest and training in all areas of reconstructive and cosmetic oculofacial surgery including periocular skin cancer and lesions, eyelid reconstruction, ptosis repair, cosmetic blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, orbital tumors, entropion and ectropion repair, lacrimal system & tearing disorders and thyroid eye disease. He has written multiple articles and chapters on these subjects.

Dr. Perumal works to help patients look their best with facial rejuvenation, using a range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. He performs cosmetic eyelid plastic surgery including “eyelid lifts” or blepharoplasty to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Perumal attended the University of Pennsylvania and received his Medical Degree at Duke University School of Medicine. This was followed by an Internship at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He then completed a Residency in Ophthalmology at the Kresge Eye Institute where he won multiple awards for top research in the program. After residency, he was selected for and completed an intensive two-year fellowship sponsored by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) at Albany Medical Center.

Dr. Perumal is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). In the United States, there are only about 600 total members. Membership involves multiple examinations, a thesis, and extensive surgical experience. He is also a board-certified member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Perumal enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. In his free time, he enjoys fly fishing, hiking, and tennis.

Dr. Thomas is an Eye and Facial Plastic Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgeon, who has had 25 years of experience with patient care. During his time as Professor/Director of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, he trained multiple physicians both at home and overseas. Dr. Thomas has been named multiple years on “America’s Top Ophthalmologists,” Castle Connelly’s “Top Doctors,” and the “Best Doctors” lists. His expertise lies in a comprehensive range of reconstructive and cosmetic oculofacial surgeries, covering areas such as periocular skin cancer and lesions, ptosis repair, orbital tumors, entropion and ectropion repair, lacrimal system and tearing disorders, and thyroid eye disease. Additionally, Dr. Thomas focuses on cosmetic eyelid and facial rejuvenation to help patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals. He utilizes both minimally invasive nonsurgical treatments such as Botox and fillers, as well as cosmetic surgical procedures including “eyelid lifts” (blepharoplasty), and brow and cheek lifts to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Dr. Thomas received both his BA and MD degrees in 6 years by being selected to the competitive combined program with Lehigh University and the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Dr. Thomas achieved an Ophthalmology Residency at Brown University School of Medicine/Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI. He completed a Fellowship in Oculoplastic & Orbital Surgery at the W.K. Kellogg Eye Center/University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI as well as an additional Fellowship in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at the Plastic Surgery Center of the Pacific located in Honolulu, HI.

Outside of work, Dr. Thomas enjoys spending time with his friends and family, particularly with his 3 college-aged children. He values being active and outdoors and can be found at CrossFit, hiking, biking, or playing tennis. He enjoys overseas travel for pleasure, medical teaching, and mission trips.

Medical Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner, National Trainer & Member of Galderma Faculty

Sara Christie is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with years of advanced medical experience in injectables, laser treatments, and skincare. As a National Trainer and member of the Galderma Faculty, Sara is highly respected in the medical aesthetics community.

Sara graduated from Clemson University and began her nursing career as a Registered Nurse in the Operating Room at Roper/St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, SC. After moving to Greenville, Sara continued as an OR Nurse at Greenville Memorial Hospital. In 2013, Sara began working closely with a plastic surgeon, where she gained experience in cosmetic surgery and injections. Having developed a passion for medical aesthetics, she returned to school and graduated from the University of South Carolina with her Masters in Nursing. Alongside our Medical Director, Sara helps lead our aesthetics team to provide medical training and support.

Sara is a member of The Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists and stays current with continuing education. She is married and has one son, Jacob. She has not only been published in a medical journal but has also published a children’s book called The Wrecking Crew. With Sara’s surgical knowledge and experience, she has been all over the world on surgical mission trips. She embodies a passion to serve others and instill confidence in themselves.

Janice Sasser, FNP BC, a registered family nurse practitioner, has been in nursing for over 30 years at GHS, St. Francis Health Care Systems and in private medical practices. Over the past 10 years, Janice has dedicated her career to providing medical aesthetics services to clients in the Greenville area. She works closely with our Aesthetic team and doctors to provide the most innovative treatments available today.

Janice has performed over 5000 laser, filler, and injectable aesthetic treatments using the most advanced techniques, specializing in skin tightening, correction, and rejuvenation through the use of lasers, dermal fillers, and injections, such as Botox®. She is the first provider in South Carolina to offer treatments with the revolutionary Halo® by Sciton®, the world’s first hybrid fractional laser. Janice also offers a full line of prescription-strength skin care treatments, like Obagi®, Revision®, and Skinmedica®, to maintain beautiful and healthy skin.

Trained in the most advanced non-surgical cosmetic products and treatments available today, aesthetics consultations with Janice are complimentary. She offers flexible scheduling options at our Greenville clinic, located at 360 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC.

Over the past 20 years, Elizabeth Smith has dedicated her career as a registered nurse in medical, surgical, emergency, and pre-and post-op plastic surgery. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing and Communications prior to attending Clemson University’s FNP Program. Her drive to earn her degree as a Nurse Practitioner stemmed from an increasing love for aesthetics.

Elizabeth has always enjoyed learning and continues to keep up with the latest techniques to give her patients their desired results. In addition to being a renowned injector and certified FNP, Elizabeth is also a member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Greenville County Medical Society Alliance, and National Charity League.

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys time outdoors, exercising, or reading. Her love for the outdoors grew while living in her hometown in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is married to her husband, Joshua and together they have two children, Hannah Cate, and James. As co-founder, Elizabeth is passionate about the Greenville non-profit, SOAP (Sharing On All Porches), which provides individuals an easy way to participate in local philanthropy while highlighting charitable organizations in the area. Elizabeth is passionate about providing the best results for her patients, in the safest way possible. She will provide care at our Greenville clinic located at 360 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC with complimentary consultations.

Kelly is a Registered Nurse with 32 years of clinical experience. She began her career in the hospital setting working in ICU and Orthopedic/ Neuro unit. Upon leaving the hospital, she found her true passion for aesthetic medicine and spent 10 years working for a reputable Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Boca Raton, FL. Moving to the Carolinas to be closer to family, she’s spent the past nine years working in Aesthetic Med Spas. She enthusiastically continues to perfect her skills with advanced techniques through the use of dermal fillers, Botox, Xeomin, Dysport, Microneedling, Kybella, and body contouring with Coolsculpting. Kelly is knowledgeable of medical-grade anti-aging skin care products such as Skinmedica and Obagi. Her primary objective is safety with an optimal aesthetic patient treatment plan to meet their goals.

Brenn earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of South Carolina in 2012. She then began her nursing career as a Labor & Delivery nurse in Columbia, SC. Brenn worked for many years in L&D and outpatient OB/GYN, before earning a Master of Science in Nursing degree from Clemson University’s FNP Program in 2021. Brenn previously practiced in Obstetrics & Gynecology, before pursuing her passion for Aesthetics.

Brenn is a member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN) & the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). She is dedicated to providing compassionate care while empowering all patients to feel not only comfortable, but confident, in their own skin.

Outside of the office, Brenn enjoys gardening, yoga, word games and staying up-to-date on continuing education.

Kathy Gray has been a Licensed Aesthetician for 16 years. She is licensed in the states of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. She has worked in 5-star resorts as a licensed massage therapist and aesthetician as well as in a medical setting.  Her passion is in medical aesthetics where she can really make a difference in helping clients become confident in their own skin. As a former instructor in esthetics, she stays abreast of the latest developments in the skincare industry and will customize facials and a skin care plan for your own unique needs.Kathy performs customized treatments using chemical and enzymatic peels, dermaplaning, microneedling with SkinPen, custom facials, HydraFacials, and permanent brow services. In her spare time, she likes to read, spend time with friends and family, and travel. She has seen many countries and plans to see many more. Kathy sees patients in our Clemson clinic.

Whitney is a trained and experienced Licensed Aesthetician, who specializes in laser treatments. She is trained in Sciton BBL, Skintyte, Profractional Resurfacing, and laser hair removal. She also has experience with Microneedling (utilizing the SkinPen), Microneedling with PRP, and Sculpsure Body Contouring. Other areas of expertise include dermaplaning, light to deep chemical peels, enzyme masks, customized facials, extractions, and LED light therapy. Whitney has experience with medical-grade skincare products like Obagi®, SkinMedica®, and Revision®. Whitney works closely with our Nurse Injectors to create the best skincare treatment plans for her patients. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and son, James and Layton.

Shelley Ahmed is one of our trained and licensed medical aestheticians at our Greenville Pelham Road clinic.

Shelley works closely with our medical professionals to perform advanced skincare treatments such as custom facials, HydraFacials, microneedling with SkinPen, chemical peels, and dermaplaning. Shelley is trained on our Sciton Laser to offer laser hair removal, BroadBand Light Therapy (BBL), and other laser treatments to help address acne scarring, sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. She is skilled with our InMode EmbraceRF technology using Morpheus8, a revolutionary method of skin tightening that rebuilds and reinforces the underlying structure of your skin through microneedling combined with radiofrequency (RF) technology. Shelley’s goal is to help her clients feel naturally beautiful with healthy, glowing skin and confident knowledge of products and services.

Shelley is trained in the art of Micropigmentation, a process of implanting pigment into the skin to accomplish semi-permanent makeup on the face.  She specializes in Microblading and Powder brow techniques for beautiful brows!

She and all the Clemson Eye aesthetic staff offer complimentary consultations.

Kendall studied Medical Aesthetics at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA. She is an SC and GA Board Certified Esthetician.

Kendall’s areas of expertise include custom facials with analysis and development of treatment plans for Acne, Rosacea, and Melasma; Collagen induction therapy such as Microneedling; Advanced exfoliations such as HydraFacials, Dermaplaning, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels; Sciton Laser treatments including Laser Hair Removal, BroadBand Light; and Anti-Aging Skin Remodeling with Morpheus8.

Katie Hyder works as our Aesthetics Patient Coordinator at our Simpsonville location. She helps welcome patients to the practice and ensures they have a smooth experience from start to finish. She exemplifies excellent customer service and treats our patients like family. Katie has a background in marketing and enjoys coaching volleyball and spending time with her family and friends in her spare time.

Sam Calixto works as our Aesthetics Patient Coordinator at our Greenville location.

Sam has lived in the Greenville area her entire life. She graduated college with a degree to teach high school social studies but found a path in medical administrative work instead. Her role as an Aesthetics Patient Coordinator will primarily be assisting with incoming patient calls.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and playing with her dog, Paco. 

Zoe is the liaison between our Aesthetics team and the Marketing team. When she is not assisting our patient coordinators at the front desk, she is working hard behind the scenes with our Marketing team to create the best experience for all our patients.

In her free time, Zoe enjoys being outdoors, listening to new music, trying new foods, and playing with her puppy, Chewy!