Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachael Allen.
Hi Rachael, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Our story really began with friendship, shared values, and a deep appreciation for both medicine and aesthetics. My husband, Dr. Thomas Allen, and I are both physicians — I’m an ophthalmologist, and he’s an emergency medicine doctor — and over the years we’ve always shared a passion for helping people feel their best, inside and out. During my ophthalmology training, I developed a strong interest in oculoplastics and facial aesthetics, and I realized how much I loved the blend of precision, anatomy, and artistry that aesthetic medicine allows.
When we met Drs. Steven and Madison Fish, who are also close friends and physicians (Steven shares my background in ophthalmology), we quickly found that we all shared a similar vision: creating a space that combines medical expertise with approachable, results-driven aesthetics. We wanted to build something local — right here in the North Country San Diego area, where we live, raise our kids, and are part of the community.
That’s how Coastal Aesthetic Physicians was born. Our goal was simple: to provide a place where people could receive safe, effective, physician-led aesthetic care in a warm and welcoming environment. Every consultation and every treatment here is performed by a board-certified doctor, which gives our patients peace of mind that they’re in skilled, medically trained hands.
What makes this journey so meaningful for all of us is that it’s truly personal — we’ve built this clinic not just as doctors, but as friends, parents, and community members who wanted to make high-quality self-care more accessible. We’re proud to offer evening and weekend hours so that busy professionals and parents can take care of themselves, too.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most great things, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting a new business while raising three kids and working full-time as an ophthalmologist has been both exciting and humbling. As a true grassroots clinic, I’ve worn just about every hat imaginable — the front desk, the medical assistant, the doctor, the supply manager, the accountant, and even the janitor. It gives you a whole new level of respect for what it takes to run a small business and for all the other entrepreneurs doing the same.
There have been long nights, countless checklists, and moments of doubt, but I’m incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful business partners. They’re motivated, ethical, and grounded — truly the kind of people you want in the trenches with you. We complement each other’s strengths and share the same vision and values, which makes all the difference.
Every challenge has taught us something new, and seeing our vision come to life — a space where patients feel cared for and confident — makes every bit of the hard work worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an ophthalmologist who spent 11 years serving in the U.S. Navy, where I had the honor of leading the Ophthalmology Department at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. During my four years as department chair, I learned every side of medicine — from surgery and patient care to the business and administrative aspects like budgeting, hiring, supply management, and improving clinical operations. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for what it takes to run an efficient, patient-centered practice.
After leaving active duty, I joined Eye Care of San Diego, where I provide the full spectrum of ophthalmic care — from LASIK and cataract surgery to glaucoma management. But I’ve always had a deep passion for aesthetic medicine, and I wanted to create a space that reflected that creative side of my work. That vision became Coastal Aesthetic Physicians — a collaborative practice founded by myself, my husband, and our partners, Drs. Madison and Steven Fish. Together, we’re building a patient-centered space that blends medical expertise with artistry, helping people look and feel their best.
At Coastal Aesthetics, we specialize in non-surgical rejuvenation — from injectables like Botox and Jeuveau to advanced light and laser treatments that enhance natural beauty while keeping results subtle and refined. As working moms and physicians, Dr. Madison Fish and I understand the importance of self-care and confidence, and we’ve built our menu around treatments and products that we genuinely use and love ourselves.
What sets us apart is that everything we offer has been personally hand-picked by physicians who value safety, science, and authenticity. We pride ourselves on providing a warm, boutique-style environment where patients feel like family — not a number.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We’re always looking for creative ways to collaborate with other local small businesses and community members. At Coastal Aesthetic Physicians, we love the idea of building connections that make wellness and self-care more accessible — especially for busy moms and dads.
We’re open to teaming up with local yoga and Pilates studios for wellness events — think “Botox & Balance” or “Glow & Flow” — where guests can enjoy a rejuvenating class followed by aesthetic services in a relaxed, social setting.
Beyond partnerships, we’re passionate about giving back to the community that supports us. We’d love to participate in school fundraisers or local charity events that benefit families, education, and wellness programs in North County. Collaborating with like-minded, community-focused businesses is what keeps us inspired — we truly believe that when we lift each other up, everyone thrives.
Pricing:
- Botox $14/unit with frequent specials
- Xeomin $11/unit with frequent specials
- Jeuveau $11/unit with frequent specials
- Microneedling starting at $300
- Chemical Peels starting at $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://coastalaestheticphysicians.com/
- Instagram: @coastal_aesthetic_physicians
