Patient Reviews
About Patient Reviews
We value all of our patients and their individual needs. At Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology, we want you to make the most informed decision to achieve your cosmetic goals. Choosing the best procedure and physician for you is an extremely important decision, and we invite you to read about previous patients’ experiences and better understand the quality treatment you will receive from our board-certified dermatologists. Each of our medical professionals value your journey and want to ensure you feel as comfortable and confident about your decision as possible.
Reviews for San Francisco, CA Dermatologist Dr. Kathleen Welsh IPL Photofacial Procedures
"Been a client of Dr. Welsh's for years. She is an expert bar none and also an excellent human. Her staff is also top-notch from the front desk to my med asst. Jo. All very competent and happy which makes for an excellent experience. I love seeing how Dr. Welsh and her team support their staff's education and advancement. You can feel that the staff feels lucky to work with Dr. Welsh and her team. That kind of stuff makes it a better experience as a patient. They also have every type of laser and type of skin care product. She's always up on the latest and safety/results."
"Been a client of Dr. Welsh's for years. She is an expert bar none and also an excellent human. Her staff is also top-notch from the front desk to my med asst. Jo. All very competent and happy which makes for an excellent experience. I love seeing how Dr. Welsh and her team support their staff's education and advancement. You can feel that the staff feels lucky to work with Dr. Welsh and her team. That kind of stuff makes it a better experience as a patient. They also have every type of laser and type of skin care product. She's always up on the latest and safety/results."
"I had a very quick & painless laser hair removal. Dr. Welsh & her staff are wonderful!"
"I started seeing Dr. Welsh in my early 30’s for adult acne. She taught me proper skincare and set me up with the best products. I am checking in yearly to keep products on point with current skin changes. As I age, I need to choose to come in Every 4-6 months for botox & filler. Plus an occasional photo facial and laser hair removal treatments. It is now 20 years later I honestly could pass for ten years younger than I am. Dr. Welch is magical, in my opinion. If you ask her a question, you are going to get an honest, educated answer. I would not trust anyone else."
"I’ve been a patient of Dr. Welsh for 20 years. I’m a man in my 70’s, and until age 50 had never given a thought to skin care beyond a moisturizer. I’ve a northern European complexion aging on the California coast. I was originally referred to her by my cosmetic surgeon for laser treatments to augment the healing of scars and hair removal. Dr. Welsh achieved quick results and offered sound advice on skin maintenance which has reversed a lifetime of neglect. I noticed the improvement immediately. Her care has been exacting, artful and extraordinary, and my skin - young for my years - attests to her skill. She has frequently advised against procedures I thought "maybe should try?" I have reaped benefits, mainly from fillers Dr. Welsh recommended, including lip enhancement. Most important: Nothing about my appearance has ever looked "altered." My most recent treatment - Hydrafacial - produced amazing immediate results.Her staff is professional and warmhearted. I’m a big fan!"
"I can’t believe it took me this long to write a review on Dr. Welsh and Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology. I have been a patient of Dr. Welsh’s going on 10 years and I can’t imagine seeing anyone else. When I first started going, the office was a lot smaller, but all the expanding hasn’t changed the service I get there. Every time I see Dr. Welsh she is so kind and thoughtful, and she has really changed my life. I have had bad cystic acne since around 19, and she openly admitted I had one of the worst cases she had seen. It was painful and heartbreaking and I thought it was hopeless. In the many years I’ve been going to her, we have worked together until finally finding treatment that worked well, and I am so thankful. I go a few times a year for laser treatments and fillers for residual scarring (shout out to Nurse Mary who is probably the nicest person on the planet and an absolute wizard with lasers, and she genuinely cares about all of her clients). Dr. Welsh has always been considerate of my budget (I’m a nonprofit worker, while I know most of her clients are probably closer to the 1%) and has worked with me when my skin condition needed more for less. I am lucky to have found them so long ago and can’t recommend them higher!"
"I have been seeing Dr. Welsh (who was initially recommended to me by my primary care physician) since 2007 for fillers, and more recently, Botox, between once and twice a year. Additionally, two years ago I had an intensive peel and spots on the backs of my hands treated, and last year, a light peel. Although it seems counter-intuitive, I am now paying less per visit than I did ten years ago; I don’t need as much! I also am not trying to look decades younger, only slow the external manifestations of aging. This goal is exactly what Dr. Welsh continues to achieve. The work is subtle, yet I am always met with disbelief when I tell people I am fifty-eight. (I should add that I have been using Retin-A since I was thirty, and Dr. Welsh says this makes a huge difference.)Since Dr. Hui has come on board I have seen her once for fillers, with the same excellent results. I wanted to get another intensive peel this year, which Dr. Hui administered eight days ago. The product Dr. Hui currently uses has a much quicker turn-around than the previous two-week period. The treatment is, as Dr. Hui characterized it, "spicy." But the three chili peppers level lasts only for a minute, and my face felt completely normal an hour later. I’ve been slathering my face with Aquafor (and sunscreen when I am outside) and the peeling has ended. I was a bit concerned as my face peeled much more rapidly than with the previous treatment, but when I saw Dr. Hui for a check-in yesterday she reassured me that this was normal for the new product. I currently have patches of redness in varying size and shade over about a third of my face that will fade over the next three to four days. The skin is beautiful, and I won’t feel the need to wear make-up. I am very pleased with the results--at a much lower cost than Fraxel laser treatments.Drs. Welsh and Hui have stellar educations and credentials, yet are down-to-earth. They love their work and it shows. Over ten years I have had only warm, professional interactions with staff, and never once felt pressure to buy products. I have watched my skin and appearance improve under Dr. Welsh’s thoughtful care, and am happy that the equally attentive Dr. Hui has joined her. I am looking forward to the next ten years!"
"Dr. Hui completely transformed my skin and I cannot recommend her more highly! I have had rosacea for more than 20 years. In that time I have seen countless dermatologists (including some of the "best" in NYC and SF) and experimented with dozens of skincare products and prescriptions. The results have always been minimal and often made my face even redder and more irritated. This led to a general skepticism of dermatologists and feeling that the rosacea was just something I would have to live with. I decided to try V-Beam treatment, which led me to Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology (again, skeptical about the potential outcome). In addition to the laser treatment, Dr. Hui recommended a regimen that included over-the-counter and Rx creams, face wash, supplements, and sunscreen. Dr. Hui and Dr. Welsh compound their own unique prescription rosacea cream, which is far superior to anything I have tried from pharma companies (my skin absolutely loves it!). After just one V-Beam treatment and following the regime for only a few weeks my skin dramatically improved. After 2 months the rosacea is almost completely gone and my skin looks healthy and youthful. I am absolutely amazed by the outcome. In addition to being a highly skilled dermatologist, Dr. Hui and her staff are warm and friendly and always take the time to listen to any questions or concerns I may have. I am so grateful to have found Dr. Hui and her team!"
"There is no need to go anyplace else or see any other dermotologists. Dr. Welsh knows what you need before you even ask for a particular treatment. In many cases, her suggestions are not what you might intend, but better and more effective. She is truly at the top of her field in cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Hui is the best at treating and rectifying problem skin and preventative maintenance. I will no longer see any other doctor for my skin concerns. Their entire staff is deeply knowledgable in all areas of every treatment they offer. I can't say enough about this practice.Treatments I have had: Coolsculpting, IPL, Accutane, Ulthera, V-beam, tattoo removal"
"There is no need to go anyplace else or see any other dermotologists. Dr. Welsh knows what you need before you even ask for a particular treatment. In many cases, her suggestions are not what you might intend, but better and more effective. She is truly at the top of her field in cosmetic dermatology. Dr. Hui is the best at treating and rectifying problem skin and preventative maintenance. I will no longer see any other doctor for my skin concerns. Their entire staff is deeply knowledgable in all areas of every treatment they offer. I can't say enough about this practice. Treatments I have had: Coolsculpting, IPL, Accutane, Ulthera, V-beam, tattoo removal"
"Dr. Welsh is an exceptional dermatologist. She will go the extra mile and think out of the box to help with stubborn and complicated skin problems. Apparently she does a lot of beauty treatments but don't let this fool you. She is exceptionally well-trained. She is a board certified internist as well as a dermatologist. I have several skin conditions and they complicate each other. I saw other dermatologists at Stanford and other Bay Area locations who over at least a one year period (more like 2 years) did not help me get my condition under control at all. I was suffering to the point of wondering if life was worthwhile. I did see Dr. Anhalt in Los Altos and he did figure things out and try some off label treatments which got me halfway under control. Dr. Welsh knowing I had been struggling with this condition for a few years and the quality of my life was so low was not afraid to prescribe Accutane which basically gave me my life back. Don't get me wrong she of course knows there is risk associated with this drug like all drugs. We did try a few other things including doing laser first before using the Accutane at a lower dose than usual. My problems were not small and the decision was not light and I have never looked back. I did laser with her in San Francisco because she had the particular equipment I heard would work best for my particular condition. Kathleen Welsh MD uses V Beam for rosacea! I had been wanting to try Accutane and laser both for rosacea and it was pretty much a miracle so I would recommend it for rosacea. I have had laser hair removal in her office as well. Yvonne is extremely professional and caring and I would highly recommend her as well."
"I have had occasion to be treated by both Dr Welsh and Dr Hui ............. these two physicians are wonderful in all respects..... and their busy staff goes beyond the call every time. Most recently I had a treatment with Dr Hui........ called V derm and is a Laser treatment . Dr Andrea Hui was simply teriffic to say the least. explained the procedure which is painless and simple yet the results were amazing and beyond my expectation. what can I say about Dr Hui ....... she is 5 star all the way."
"I have been going to Dr welsh for years and love her practice. This week I was saw Dr. Hui and also had a photo facial with Mary. The treatment I received was amazing. Both were incredibly kind, professional, and amazing at their jobs. I couldn't recommend them more! They also really took their time."
"I have been to Dr. Welsh approximately five times for rosacea treatments (V Beam laser) and a few precancerous spots on my face and decolletage over the past couple of years. She did a great job and I found her to be very knowledgable and professional. She does schedule patients in tightly, one does have to wait (it's usually about a half hour), and she doesn't take insurance (though they'll mail the form in for you), however, she is an excellent dermatologist so it's worth it to me. On occasion, she has done a little extra for me and not charged me. I've been to several high-end dermatologists in Beverly Hills over the years including the Head of Dermatology at UCLA (before I moved to the Bay Area) and find Dr. Welsh to be an excellent dermatologist, friendly with no "attitude." I am not a wealthy person (far from it), however, when it comes to my skin, I like the best. Though Dr. Welsh has informed me of the various treatments she has available for aging skin (I'm middle aged), she only did so because I asked and she hasn't "pushed" any treatments or products on me. The products are expensive but they work great (so my friend says) - just not in my budget at this point. I found her staff to be very friendly and efficient. Someone commented that all her staff look "done," and I suppose one could take that viewpoint but they also have virtually flawless skin. That's their choice but the Doctor doesn't push this "look" on her patients, however, if you want flawless skin, Dr. Welsh knows how to achieve it. Finally, because it's a bit of a drive for me and I have health challenges, Dr. Welsh even gave me a recommendation for a doctor close to me to take care of a precancerous spot on my chest - so I would say that Dr. Welsh puts her patients care in the forefront. Her services are expensive, however, I would prefer to have a doctor who really knows what they are doing then have mistakes made that one has to spend even more money correcting, and I particularly do not want mistakes made on my face. BTW, I am not affiliated with Dr. Welsh in any way, merely a happy patient - in fact, I went to her based on her Yelp reviews."
"I have gone to Dr. Welsh for years for skin checks, and have been grateful for her thoroughness. I've had a couple of spots removed and certainly felt that there was professionalism and attentiveness, and I am glad I didn't have anything develop into a problem that was harder to cure. I've also had IPL done by both Katie and Jane. Again, very professional, but also friendly. I was impressed by the amount of information I was given to insure that I knew the risks of what I was doing, as well as what my skin reactions would be and after-care. I've been VERY pleased with the results. I love this office. I have found all of the people there to be extremely friendly and attentive- I'm not sure why all the negative comments about the staff. I've been going for over 5 years. Maybe you should forget emailing and just lift up the phone, that doesn't seem to be a good method of communication with them. Years of experience with this group makes me want to recommend them to anyone. I just went there yesterday, and was reminded of how much I like them. Added bonus- fairly inexpensive parking lot on the Geary side of the building."
"I've been a patient of Dr. Welsh for about 10 years. I'm a man in my 60's, and until age 50 had never given a thought to skin care beyond a moisturizer. I've a northern European complexion, aging on the California coast. I was originally referred to her by my surgeon for laser treatments to augment the healing of scars. She achieved some quick results, and Dr. Welsh offered sound advice on skin maintenance which has helped reverse a lifetime of neglect. I noticed the improvement immediately. I see her about every six months, right on schedule with my dentist. Her care has been exacting and extraordinary, and my skin - young behind my years - attests to her skill. She has frequently advised against procedures I thought "maybe should try?" I have reaped benefits mainly from Sculptra and Fraxel, and nothing about my complexion looks "altered." Her staff is professional and warmhearted. I'm a big fan!"
"My dermatologist moved out of the area, so I was left with nobody to zap away the veins on my face that make me look a little too much like WC Fields. I'm not that old yet! So I made an appointment with Dr. Welsh after reading her reviews on Yelp. My only disappointment was how long I had to wait to get a first appointment. This doctor is in demand! After going to see her today (finally!) for my first visit I understand why. Dr. Welsh's office is pleasant and atttractive; more spa than medical clinic. Her staff are friendly and efficient. But the biggest deal of all for me is that I don't look or feel awful after having my face zapped by the vascular laser. I thought my old dermatologist was good, but compared to Dr. Welsh he is downright primitive. I always had to lie low for 2-3 days after getting lasered by him because it looked like I'd be in a car accident. Four hours after my treatment by Dr. Welsh and I can barely see any evidence that I got zapped. It's amazing!!! I cleared my whole schedule in anticipation of hiding out at home, but now I'm thinking I'll go out tonight. Thank you Dr. Welsh! I'll be seeing you for my next treatment soon!"
"I have melasma. Or should I say HAD! My bff recommended Dr. Welsh as she had this HUGE grey thing growing in her dermis some years ago and Welsh magic-wanded it. I am getting ready for my wedding and nada I have tried over the last few years has helped. I have done just about eerything you can do without a prescription. I'd gotten to the point of hating the mirror just because of my skin. That was a new experience for me because my entire life I was able to avoid skin problems. Never had issues, even in my teen years. Anyway, now tables turned and my skin had become horrendous - the dark mask was getting worse by the day it seemed. I thought laser was next so I went to see Dr. Welsh. She told me the real deal - laser wouldn't help (at least not permanently) melasma, especially as mine was hereditary. She put me on Obaji Nu Derm and in 4 weeks my life has changed. I mean REALLY. The spots have almost completely cleared up and my skin is even better than before. So happy with the correct assessment of my skin that I am also going back to Dr. Welsh's group for laser hair removal. So happy when something really works and someone really really knows their stuff. Thanks Dr. Welsh! Also: - Parking all over the place (lots, even occassionally street) - Very flexible appointments once you have had your first"
"The 5-star, rave reviews about this doctor do not lie. I've been looking for a great dermatologist pretty much since I've been a teen and I've finally found her! Previously I've been to some of the "best," most well-reputed derms in the Bay Area and was never totally happy -- some were just OK; one gave me a laser treatment that literally fried (and scarred?) my face and then was completely blase/dismissive about the result. Visiting Dr. Welsh is truly worth every penny. Yes, you pay out-of-pocket for "cosmetic" advice/procedures, but I've paid more for mediocre facials that had no lasting results. Factor in parking time -- the recommended lot was full and I had to circle the block for street parking. Her staff is wonderful: it turns out I was an hour late for the appointment (my computer's calendar did not sync up with the early daylight savings time change this year), but her assistant still fit me in with almost no delay. Best, Dr. Welsh gave the kind of assessment and advice I was looking for: straightforward, efficient, reasonable. She alerted me to some new treatments for skin like mine and even did one procedure on the spot. I couldn't be happier."
"Compassionate, confident, competent skin care queen! - I see Dr. Welsh for IPL (FotoFacials) and it has really made a difference in my rosacea. My skin is more even with less redness and my brown freckly spots have faded. I have recommended her to a number of curious friends, male, female and trans, One gave up because the new patient waiting list was pretty long (but for good cause!), and if you find yourself in this position, please wait; it's so worth it! She could do her job blindfolded and sleep-deprived and not miss a beat. I love this woman! Competent beyond most, Dr. Welsh is also caring, funny and not just in it for the money. ""We Love Skin"" isn't just a slogan around this exceptional cosmetic dermatologist's office!"
"Compassionate, confident, competent skin care queen! – I see Dr. Welsh for IPL (FotoFacials) and it has really made a difference in my rosacea. My skin is more even with less redness and my brown freckly spots have faded. I have recommended her to a number of curious friends, male, female and trans, One gave up because the new patient waiting list was pretty long (but for good cause!), and if you find yourself in this position, please wait; it's so worth it! She could do her job blindfolded and sleep-deprived and not miss a beat. I love this woman! Competent beyond most, Dr. Welsh is also caring, funny and not just in it for the money. "We Love Skin" isn't just a slogan around this exceptional cosmetic dermatologist's office!"
"I see Dr. Welsh for IPL (FotoFacials) and it has really made a difference in my rosacea. My skin is more even with less redness and my brown freckly spots have faded. I have recommended her to a number of curious friends, male, female and trans, One gave up because the new patient waiting list was pretty long (but for good cause!), and if you find yourself in this position, please wait; it's so worth it! She could do her job blindfolded and sleep-deprived and not miss a beat. I love this woman! Competent beyond most, Dr. Welsh is also caring, funny and not just in it for the money. "We Love Skin" isn't just a slogan around this exceptional cosmetic dermatologist's office!"
"Compassionate, confident, competent skin care queen! - I see Dr. Welsh for IPL (FotoFacials) and it has really made a difference in my rosacea. My skin is more even with less redness and my brown freckly spots have faded. I have recommended her to a number of curious friends, male, female and trans, One gave up because the new patient waiting list was pretty long (but for good cause!), and if you find yourself in this position, please wait; it's so worth it! She could do her job blindfolded and sleep-deprived and not miss a beat. I love this woman! Competent beyond most, Dr. Welsh is also caring, funny and not just in it for the money. ""We Love Skin"" isn't just a slogan around this exceptional cosmetic dermatologist's office!"
"Compassionate, confident, competent skin care queen! - I see Dr. Welsh for IPL (FotoFacials) and it has really made a difference in my rosacea. My skin is more even with less redness and my brown freckly spots have faded. I have recommended her to a number of curious friends, male, female and trans, One gave up because the new patient waiting list was pretty long (but for good cause!), and if you find yourself in this position, please wait; it's so worth it! She could do her job blindfolded and sleep-deprived and not miss a beat. I love this woman! Competent beyond most, Dr. Welsh is also caring, funny and not just in it for the money. ""We Love Skin"" isn't just a slogan around this exceptional cosmetic dermatologist's office!"
"Dr. Welsh is a master! She's the only dr. I see on a super regular basis - and I look forward to my appointments. She has given me blemish free, freckle free, perfect skin. I've seen her for skin care, laser and mole removal - she has done a great job on all of it. She and her staff are super friendly. Dr. Welsh has treated 5 of my friends - they all are thrilled with their results. **Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. But for things like mole removal, they will bill your insurance...and you pay whatever insurance doesn't cover."