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
"Dr. Welsh is the consummate skin care professional. She is thorough and inquisitive, extremely knowledgeable and informative. Her genuine concern for her patients is clear; and it is the hallmark of her practice. She is as lovely as she is brilliant. BACD treatment rooms share the widest possible variety of equipment designed to treat skin ailments. This investment by Dr. Welsh ensures that each patient will receive the specific and individual care best for the problem that brought them to her. If I could think of how to recommend her more highly, I would. I am grateful for the time Dr. welsh has accorded my family and me."
"Doctor Kathleen Welsh is awesome! One in million doctors with experience, very knowledgeable and caring and a fabulous human being !"
"Such a great experience….extremely helpful staff on all levels. Dr. Welsh is amazing and gives excellent advice and service and her support staff make the experience even better. Thanks to everyone"
"Love Dr Welsh and the whole staff! So helpful and responsive to any and all questions."
"I have been a patient of Dr.Welsh’s for two decades, and can unreservedly say she and her team are amazing. They are great clinicians, and wonderful human beings. They always make me feel seen and valued, and I love the results. I have recommended Dr. Welsh and Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology to many of my friends and members of my family."
"I think I left the office without an evening serum that Dr welsh recommended. Miriam asked me about but I misunderstood and declined it. (Not her fault, mine.) I'd like to have that sent to my house now if possible using the credit card on file, used yesterday. Separately , I've sent Dr welsh a message about my lips which are overly enhanced."
"Dr. Kathleen Welsh, Katie M, Sophia and the entire BACD team are simply the best! If I could give 1000 stars I would!! Beyond being truly lovely, kind humans they are incredibly knowledgeable and are the best of the best. To say that after each visit I look and feel refreshed and rejuvenated is an understatement. I often get compliments that I have great skin to which I give full credit to the BACD team. Thank you to this fabulous group of powerhouse professionals!!"
"The entire Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology group, particularly Dr. Welsh, is lovely. I always feel respected and welcomed, and by the end of my appointment, I am very pleased. I initially visited on the recommendation of a trusted friend, and I have passed on this recommendation to other friends. I will return for appointments and continue recommending Dr. Welsh and the Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology group. We Love Skin!"
"Dr. Kathleen Welsh is incredibly intelligent, compassionate and is simply one of the best doctor’s on this planet. She is the top doctor in her field. I recommend her to all my friends, family and colleagues."
"I've been plagued with festoons under my eyes for over a decade. I've tried fillers and even considered plastic surgery until Dr. Welsh suggested Morpheus. After three treatments, the skin on my face was tighter and my festoons practically disappeared. I was so pleased with the results that I agreed to Morpheus treatment on my neck. Morpheus again tightened the skin minimizing the pesky jowls. I've been seeing Dr. Welsh for a long time and have always been amazed not only at her knowledge of cutting edge technology but her kindness, generosity and genuine interest in her patients. Arianna Phillips and Mary Krempa who performed the Morpheus treatments went above and beyond to make sure the procedure was as comfortable and pleasant as possible. They answered all my questions and followed up after the individual sessions. I couldn't have asked for more. Well worth the investment. BACD gets 10 Stars!!"
"I've been going to Dr Welsh for over 30 years and quite often get complimented on how much younger I look than 77. Always asked who my doctor is. Dr Welsh and all of her staff are absolutely The Best! Caring, professional, and pioneers on treatments that really do make a difference in the way one feels when gazing into a mirror. I wish the the scale for the number of stars on this review would be 10. But even then I'd have to add a plus sign after that "score"."
"Had a 5 star experience. Dr Welsh & Mary always make me feel comfortable. They go above and beyond, from their level of caring and expertise is unparalleled. They take the time to answer any questions I have. I am so thankful to have been a patient of Dr Welsh's for so many year."
"Fast, efficient and highly informative. Dr Welsh is truly amazing!"
"Dr. Welsh is an artist and absolutely THE best! I’ve tried the supposed “best” of NYC Dr.’s and they don’t come close. She is worth every bit of the long wait. I’ve referred so many others to her, and sentiments are the same."
"Dr. Welsh is an artist and absolutely THE best! I’ve tried the supposed “best” of NYC Dr.’s and they don’t come close. She is worth every bit of the long wait. I’ve referred so many others to her, and sentiments are the same."
"Venturing into the world of cosmetic dermatology in the Bay Area, one name consistently echoes with unparalleled excellence: Dr. Welsh and her remarkable clinic. From the moment you step into their facility, the atmosphere radiates a blend of professionalism, warmth, and state-of-the-art care that immediately sets you at ease. Dr. Welsh, the founder, stands at the forefront of cosmetic dermatology not just as a physician but as a visionary who has meticulously crafted an oasis for those seeking transformative dermatological services. Her clinic is a testament to her dedication, offering a wide array of treatments that incorporate the latest advancements in skincare technology. Each procedure is tailored to meet the individual needs of the clients, ensuring outcomes that are not only effective but also harmoniously aligned with their natural beauty. Dr. Welsh’s expertise is evident in the precision of her work and the glowing testimonials of her patients, who consistently praise not only the visible improvements in their skin but also the boost in confidence and well-being they experience. What sets Dr. Welsh and her clinic apart is the holistic approach to dermatology. It’s not just about cosmetic enhancements; it’s about nurturing skin health and empowering individuals through education and personalized care. The staff mirrors Dr. Welsh’s passion and commitment, providing a nurturing environment where every client is treated with the utmost respect and attentiveness. For those in the Bay Area seeking a sanctuary for cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Welsh’s clinic is a beacon of excellence. It’s a place where science and artistry converge, creating outcomes that are as remarkable as the individuals who walk through their doors. Dr. Welsh is not just a dermatologist; she is a catalyst for positive change, enhancing the beauty that lies within each patient with an amazing blend of compassion, expertise, and innovative care."
"Venturing into the world of cosmetic dermatology in the Bay Area, one name consistently echoes with unparalleled excellence: Dr. Welsh and her remarkable clinic. From the moment you step into their facility, the atmosphere radiates a blend of professionalism, warmth, and state-of-the-art care that immediately sets you at ease. Dr. Welsh, the founder, stands at the forefront of cosmetic dermatology not just as a physician but as a visionary who has meticulously crafted an oasis for those seeking transformative dermatological services. Her clinic is a testament to her dedication, offering a wide array of treatments that incorporate the latest advancements in skincare technology. Each procedure is tailored to meet the individual needs of the clients, ensuring outcomes that are not only effective but also harmoniously aligned with their natural beauty. Dr. Welsh’s expertise is evident in the precision of her work and the glowing testimonials of her patients, who consistently praise not only the visible improvements in their skin but also the boost in confidence and well-being they experience. What sets Dr. Welsh and her clinic apart is the holistic approach to dermatology. It’s not just about cosmetic enhancements; it’s about nurturing skin health and empowering individuals through education and personalized care. The staff mirrors Dr. Welsh’s passion and commitment, providing a nurturing environment where every client is treated with the utmost respect and attentiveness. For those in the Bay Area seeking a sanctuary for cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Welsh’s clinic is a beacon of excellence. It’s a place where science and artistry converge, creating outcomes that are as remarkable as the individuals who walk through their doors. Dr. Welsh is not just a dermatologist; she is a catalyst for positive change, enhancing the beauty that lies within each patient with an amazing blend of compassion, expertise, and innovative care."
"I have been a patient of Dr. Welsh’s / BACD for 17 years. They are perfection in every way! I have unusual skin condition and they figured out how to treat it. I’ve had countless procedures and loved them all. If there is ever an issue, they are very accommodating and work diligently to make sure I’m always happy! Dr. Welsh and Dr. Austin are gifted dermatologist and lovely to boot. I don’t feel like they are rushing ; both doctors take the time to build rapport with me which always puts me at ease in their office. I feel so lucky to have found them!"
"Dr. Welsh and this facility rank among the top dermatologists worldwide! Dr. Welsh is truly exceptional."
"I received excellent care today from Dr. Welch and Mary for a facial injury and scars I have from a bike accident. My concerns were heard and I felt positive about my prospects for healing for the first time in several months. Every member of the team was supportive and professional, and exemplified their mission of delivering the highest standard of care & esthetic results in a compassionate way."
"I always appreciate having Dr. Welsh take care of me. She has been my dermatologist for over 30 years and my skin looks better than ever. The staff is wonderful too"
"I love Dr. Welsh and her staff 😍. They are always professional, friendly and do a fantastic job at keeping my skin tags under control."
"Always top notch service from Dr Welch and her fine staff. The nurses and staff are efficient and very pleasant. Dr Welsh is superb in what she does and making you comfortable."
"Dr. Welsh and her team are the best! I have been going to her for years. I know I will always be treated with professionalism and kindness. More importantly, I know I look the best I possibly can when I put my face in her hands."
"Dr Welsh is kind, caring, competent and immensely talented! Her experience and ability places her at the top of the Game!!!!!! All the staff reflects her values and takes extra care to create a supportive professional environment."
"Dr Welsh and her team are fantastic!"
"Dr. Welsh is fabulous. She saw me at the last minute for a skin issue. I was worried about I’ve been going to her for years and highly highly recommend her practice."
"Dr. Welsh and her team at BACD are wonderful. This visit we took a look at my “before” photos from five years ago—and compared them with today’s. My skin looks even better! I’ve learned to care for my skin—and the treatments and products that she’s recommended have been perfect for me. It’s clear that Dr. Welsh is engaged in life—and so a visit with her is also inspiring. The team is great. Everything in the office designed for thoughtful efficiency-yet never losing the personal touch."
"Have been seeing Dr Welsh for 20 years now. People complement me on how great my shin looks! My whole family sees her! Xoxo thank you Dr Welsh"
"Exceptional customer service. Dr Welsh is always awesome. Great suggestions. Everyone works as a perfect team."
"Always a pleasure to come here. Staff are so nice and helpful. Place is clean, attractive decor. And of course Kathleen Welsh is so warm and attentive."
"I always love seeing Kathleen Welsh She is so kind, cheerful and professional! Thanks nancy"
"Dr Walsh is a five star person and doctor. I just love her work and she's absolutely delightful."
"Dr. Welsh and her staff are incredibly kind and helpful."
"Dr Welsh is awesome, as is her wonderful staff."
"Have had the good fortune to be under Dr. Welsh's excellent care for many years. She and her team of top professionals are the best!"
"Such amazing service today. Dr. Welsh was so knowledgeable and helpful."
"This has been my dermatologist provider for 20 years. Dr Welsh has caught numerous skin issues for me. She is friendly, talented, caring and has the best memory of anyone I’ve ever met. Highly recommend this office!"
"Dr Welsh is the best dermatologist!"
"First class cosmetic dermatology. A place that is pleasant to go to and makes the world a more attractive place. Dr. Welsh is always fun to be around and knows what she is doing. Rare in the world of skin care!"
"I love going to Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology. Dr Welsh is highly skilled and tells it like it is. I know what I can expect and I always leave feeling good about myself."
"The staff and Dr. Welsh are amazing. They care about the outcome, healthy preventative skin care routines and are the best in the business."
"Dr. Welsh has really gone above and beyond to address the previous issues and I am completely satisfied with the improved strategies that she and her team had implemented. They were professional and kind in their interactions and the therapies that were recommended truly embodied good patient care that I had come to know from her practice for more than 20 years. Thank you Dr. Welsh. Kudos!! ------------------------------------------ Of my 20+ years with Dr. Welsh and her team, I felt this visit was the least satisfactory. The front desk receptionist seemed reluctant to answer any more than 2 questions. From the getgo, the MA focused on pushing skin care products the whole time rather than assess my visit intent. Subsequently, when Dr. Welsh came in, she really did not spend much time asking which areas I intended to plan on having improved upon. Maybe she thought the MA already elicited the data? Given the above, the 2 usual trouble areas that usually gets the procedure got left out. Then one of the newer procedure went awry and I was supposed to follow the area carefully so it won't form a blister, otherwise I will have to return to get it fixed. I had to ask for new ice bags for the pain as no refills were offered. Finally, the billing needed to be adjusted several times as a few major miscalculations happened, luckily spotted by the MA (I don't really know who is counting / tallying what/how much products were used during the procedure). They were cleaning the room before I was ready to go. Sadly, the visit felt rushed, less friendly and there was notably less attention to details from staff and clinician compared to my previous visits."
"I’ve been coming to Dr. Welsh for several years and and I honestly can’t say enough good things about her and her wonderful, friendly staff. She has always steered me in the right direction about which procedures and products would best suit me and my skincare needs. She also happens to be one of the kindest people I’ve ever met - so genuine and sincere. A truly good soul. I trust her thoroughly. A special shout-out to Mary, Katie and Katy - all fantastic RNs."
"As a new patient, my first visit left me very impressed with Dr. Welsh and her staff. I was happy with the questions I was asked, the answers I received to my queries; and the treatment I received at that visit. The daily care plan laid out for me is simple and effective.. Dr Welsh observed an issue with my left eyelid (ptosis) that neither my previous dermatologist nor my ophthalmologist had noticed, and referred me to another expert for treatment. This combination of attention to both cosmetic and medical issues is what I have been looking for!"
"I have complete confidence in Dr Welsh. She has treated me for around 10 years, cleared up my rosacea, removed several pre-cancerous growths and advised me on a number of treatments and procedures that have improved my appearance and the health of my skin considerably. I really like her products and take her advise on all skin issues."
"Dr. Welsh and her staff are fabulous."
"Fantastic recommendation made by Dr. Welsh, who switched something around for me. I will be returning in future!"
"I believe Dr He is a very professional and extremely gifted cosmetic dematologist. He runs a close second to the dearest Dr. Welsh."
"Dr. Welsh is amazingly talented and caring; and her staff is awesome."
"Dr. Welsh and her staff are amazing. Love and care for both body and soul. After my treatment I walked out looking and feeling my best. Thank you!"
"Dr Kathleen Welsh is THE BEST!"
"Wonderful, caring staff. Dr Welsh s simply amazing! Highly recommend the practice!"
"It’s always a good experience coming to this practice with helpful, friendly, courteous staff and amazing physicians. It’s always a pleasure seeing Dr Kathleen Welsh, she’s an extremely caring person and an excellent doctor."
"Absolutely adore Dr Welsh. She is so knowledgeable and makes the experience fun."
"I had a very quick & painless laser hair removal. Dr. Welsh & her staff are wonderful!"
"I've been seeing Dr. Welsh for several years- love her! She delivers results that I'm more than happy with. She's literally helped me stop appearing to age with her professional advice and direction. I've recommended her to all my friends."
"Dr. Welsh is always so warm and thoughtful that I look forward to appointments."
"I have been seeing Dr. Welsh for around twenty years. I look forward to my appointment with her, and always look much better after the appointment. During the appointment, Dr. Welsh examines my skin, recommends items that should be handled by my insurance company dermatologist, and steps I can take to care for my skin and hair. She does not try to sell products or services that are not appropriate for me. I feel lucky to be Dr. Welsh's patient, and highly recommend her."
"It is always a pleasure to see Dr. Welsh and her team. I explicitly trust them with my face!"
"The Best dermatologist and great staff at Bay area Cosmetic. Never leave disappointed with this office. Dr Welsh is awesome!"
"I’ve been going to Dr. Welsh for 7+ years. I receive exceptional treatment. Her team, particularly Katie McCormick, is the best. I go to Dr.Welsh for general dermatology, rosacea treatment, and overall skin wellness."
"Dr. Welsh is amazing! I’ve been seeing her for many years! She doesn’t inject anything too much and always makes you look pretty and natural."
"Kathleen is the best. She never pushes me to get somethingI don't want. I appreciate her so much and so glad she is healthy again."
"Dr Welsh has been my dermatologist for 15 years. I am able to look 15-20 years younger than I am due to her. She is the best. I w irk in the music business and it really helps me stay young."
"I waited for an hour to see Dr. Welsh. She is always very pleasant and I enjoy a visit in the office but it seems they are always running behind!"
"Dr Welsh is the best."
"Dr. Welch is a super talented cosmetic doctor. She is also super nice. I trust her totally to always do what is best for me."
"Exceptional customer service. Dr Welsh is awesome. Great suggestions. Everyone works as a perfect team."
"The team at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology is incredible. If you’re a celebrity or an every day person looking to take excellent care of your skin, the staff at BACD will treat you the same either way. I have been to a diverse set of dermatologists over the past 15 years and BACD is definitely the absolute best. I am under the care of Dr. Welsh and Dr. Austin, who both stay on the forefront of technology and look out for you without plumping you beyond recognition or pushing services and products on you. They are the best of the best and you can count on personable, high end, quality attention and expertise. Thank you, Dr. Welsh and Dr. Austin, for supporting my commitment to my self and to my skin care!"
"Dr. Welsh and her staff are the best! I've been coming here for over 20 years and I highly recommend BACD."
"Dr. Welsh is always such a thorough and caring physician. She is a master at her work and always a delight to see and talk with. I have always felt so well cared for by she and her staff."
"Dr Welsh and her team are the best in the business. So grateful I can trust my face to them! 🙏"
"Absolutely incredible service. Dr. Welsh is top notch."
"I have been seeing Dr. Welsh for around twenty years. I look forward to my appointment with her, and always loook much better after the appointment. During the appointment, Dr. Welsh examines my skin, recommends items that should be handled by my insurance comapny dermatologist, and steps I can take to care for my skin and hair. She does not try to sell products or services that are not appropriate for me. I feel lucky to be Dr. Welsh's patient, and highly recommend her."
"Thank you so much Dr. Welsh & Staff. I been with Dr. Welsh over 22 years. Always professional know how and friendly staff."
"Dr. He is meticulous, methodical, and a perfectionist in all the right ways. I used to only see Dr. Welsh, who is of course wonderful, but now that I have seen Dr. He, I will continue going back to him everytime and recommend him to all my friends. His assistant is a gem as well! Nobody has noticed that I have “done” anything specifically, but a ton of my friends and clients keep telling me my skin looks amazing and keep asking me how my skin looks so beautiful— I tell them all it’s Dr. He at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology!"
"Dr Welsh is the most caring, nurturing doctor I have ever experienced. Both she & Deborah were beyond any expectations with an issue I had. Everyone in this office has the highest regard for customer service and I am so happy I am a patient here!"
"5 stars for Dr. Kathleen Welsh. She has performed numerous procedures on me for the past 20 years; from fillers to laser abrasions etc. I went to someone more inexpensive in the past and had to return to Dr. Welsh to correct the work. When you ask her opinion she will give you an honest assessment."
"I got carded!!!!!! And I’m 57 all thanks to the wonderful care I receive from Drs Welsh and Austin! You two are rock stars!"
"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 must say, my new skincare routine has changed my skin entirely. For more than two decades, I tried every doctor in both LA and San Francisco and cream/treatment and was told it was something I had to live with. Dr. Welsh's recommendations have 98% cleared up the eczema and flakiness. I think it’s the Face Retin-A cream, but not even sure. I am sticking to the exact routine/program every morning and night that Dr Welsh assigned. It has changed my life."
"Dr. Welsh is everything you could want in a doctor, She is extremely competent and skilled in the science of skin care, with an artists eye and concern for the face. She is clearly invested in her work, thoughtful, and able to see the individual.Having moved away for quite a few years and recently returned to San Francisco, I was impressed to find that her expanded practice had not lost any of the integrity and carefulness I"d come to associate with her. I did my laser treatment with Dr. He and found him to be equally competent, thoughtful, invested in his work and patient care.In this time of Covid with every contact needing to be weighed, I found the cosmetic lift and the human lift to be well worth it - highly, highly recommend."
"This place is the élite Dermatology spot in the Bay Area. Dr. Welsh and her team are simply incredible in their professions. The place is talented, clean, proficient and all with a personal touch you will not soon forget. For many years now I have simply gone in and sat down and let them do what they know best. Keep up the great work!"
"During Covid, I had a visit yesterday with Dr. Kathleen Welsh and her nurse, Cynthia, for beauty injections as well as a process to remove the redness from roascia and broken blood vessel's in my face. My experience was wonderful. I was greeted by an assistant in a mask and facial shield at the door who took my temperature. I felt Covid safe in the patient room. All the assistance wore masks. Everybody who treated my face was wearing a mask and shield. My appointment time was honored and I was properly escorted to my patient room. Naturally, the results from my visit are beautiful! I also appreciate Cynthia's sound advice on products to use on my face, as she is very knowledgeable and goes into depth on my morning and evening facial routine. I trust Dr. Walsh with her advice regarding the products to use for my injections, and most importantly, I am extremely satisfied with the results.!!!"
"I have been coming to Dr. Welsh’s office on and off for various treatments since around 2006. I absolutely love this office, top notch professionalism and reasonable prices. I saw Mary recently, one of the nurses , and she was absolutely a wonderful practitioner with a fabulous bedside manner. I look forward to visiting Dr. Welsh’s office for self-care and for how the staff are so nice. Honestly I can’t say enough good things! Not one complaint! If you have been thinking of getting a little laser, or a peel, or hair removal, or whatever, I highly recommend you go with Dr. Welsh’s office, you won’t be disappointed!"
"THE BEST. 110%. Not only is Dr. Welsh, Dr. Austin and Mary (RN) the absolute best team ever, they deliver the highest level of service I have ever experienced in my life anywhere. FLAWLESS.I am SO GRATEFUL to this team for their expertise and kindness. If only every business took this much pride in their service delivery and product, we would be a much a better world."
"I just can't say enough about Dr. Welsh and her team. Everyone who took care of me was super patient and knowledgeable. Dr Welsh answered all my questions - a lot of questions - and recommended a treatment plan. She and her team were all very kind and I feel like they really took the time to make sure I was comfortable. The experience couldn't have been better. Katie and Chelsea are my favorite for sure."
"I have been a patient of Kathleen Welsh for a few years now and I will continue to go back to her for years to come. Dr. Welsh helped me clear my severe hormonal acne through both topical medications and oral medications. I have also received laser treatments to clear the scarring and redness caused by my acne. Fr. Welsh is the most understanding, kind, and smart doctor I have seen and I highly recommend her to anyone in anyone in need of dermatology services."
"From the moment you walk into the office, you know you're at the best. I will not trust anyone else with my skin, so Dr. Welsh is just going to have to stay in practice forever! Dr. Welsh is an artist and there is no one better. She takes the words right out of your mouth as she gets to work and tells you what she's thinking which always matches exactly what I'm thinking! There is no one better, period. I always see Katie McCormick and Dr. Welsh, and have seen many others over the years. Every person in that office is at the top of their game and utmost professionals, with Katie being a stand-out. They run a tight ship and it's a wonder to watch everyone work as a team and like clock work. On a personal note, I'm shocked at looking at another review that is negative and even mentions racism. I don't want to begin a whole conversation here, but I felt I had to mention this as my husband and I run a non-profit for immigrants of every color and Dr. Welsh has been our biggest supporter. I am sorry for that reviewers experience, and haven't walked in her shoes, but my personal experience is that Dr. Welsh is kind, empathetic and compassionate, and makes certain that she surrounds herself with a staff that shares those same values. By the way, if you take a look around the office, you'll see many colors of skin. Also, it's literally Dr. Welsh's business to understand every color of skin and how each reacts to every procedure. I'm Native American and Dr. Welsh spoke to me about what that means for expectations and reactions when considering different treatment plans. Bottom line, I won't go anywhere else. Go see Dr. Welsh. You won't be disappointed. You will look the best you ever have!"
"I'd like to thank Dr. Welsh for providing a second opinion that helped resolve a tricky dermatological diagnosis. She was kind and professional and asked all the right questions. I would definitely recommend her!"
"I strongly recommend this practice. Dr. Welsh, Dr. Austin, and Dr. He are so brilliant and help you take back control of your skin. I’ve been with this practice for 4+ years. In addition to the results they achieved for my skin, it’s the staff and the providers who keep me coming back. I appreciate the level of professionalism and consideration BACD has for all of their clients.The doctors are so smart and truly take time to understand your problem, and recommend the right treatment to deliver the fastest possible solution. I struggled with acne my entire life; in my first consultation with Dr. Austin she recommended a daily topical (tretanoin) and specific treatments (e.g Hydrafacial and Laser to break up redness!). Ever since then my skin improved drastically. I hardly recognize myself in the mirror today. It’s truly incredible how small changes can deliver drastic results. Recently, I met their newest physician Dr. Steven He. He is LOVELY and a true dermatology prodigy! All MDs at this practice will provide you with the information you need to treat your skin. Dr. He, in particular, is always willing to answer questions and has a magical way of breaking down the science of skincare in a way that is easy to understand. He is also very friendly and cute -- LOL! Thank you Dr. Welsh, Dr. Austin and Dr. He for all of your support over the past few years. I am so fortunate to be a client at your clinic."
"I strongly recommend this practice. Dr. Welsh, Dr. Austin, and Dr. He are so brilliant and help you take back control of your skin. I've been with this practice for 4+ years. In addition to the results they achieved for my skin, it's the staff and the providers who keep me coming back. I appreciate the level of professionalism and consideration BACD has for all of their clients. The doctors are so smart and truly take time to understand your problem, and recommend the right treatment to deliver the fastest possible solution. I struggled with acne my entire life; in my first consultation with Dr. Austin she recommended a daily topical (tretanoin) and specific treatments (e.g Hydrafacial and Laser to break up redness!). Ever since then my skin improved drastically. I hardly recognize myself in the mirror today. It's truly incredible how small changes can deliver drastic results. Recently, I met their newest physician Dr. Steven He. He is LOVELY and a true dermatology prodigy! All MDs at this practice will provide you with the information you need to treat your skin. Dr. He, in particular, is always willing to answer questions and has a magical way of breaking down the science of skincare in a way that is easy to understand. He is also very friendly and cute -- LOL! Thank you Dr. Welsh, Dr. Austin and Dr. He for all of your support over the past few years. I am so fortunate to be a client at your clinic."
"After having two children and before Emsella I could literally not run .Each time I tried, I would literally “wet my pants” .My OB/GYN suggested surgery, but I thought I’d give Emsella a try. After 6 sessions I am dry as a bone after running and can even do jumping jacks without embarrassing leakage. My sex life has also improved. I am so grateful to Bay Area Dermatology and Dr. welsh for suggesting the treatment. It was painless and very discreet. (45 year old female)"
"Please give Dr. Welsh and her team a try and you will not regret it!!Came here only once and resolved all my skin problems!"
"Dr. Welsh was recommended to me by a friend 18 years ago. Once I met her, I never needed to look further. She an excellent dermatologist and more importantly, a caring and compassionate person. For the past 18 years she has always been available to treat me. She knows my skin. And, yes, she loves skin! I highly recommend her to anyone who wants a dermatologist who will take the time to listen to you. You will not be disappointed; you will wish you went sooner!"
"Dr Steven He is the best! I've visited this office in the past and have seen Dr Welsh and Dr Hui occasionally throughout the years but Dr He will be my go-to dermatologist. He was so nice, so knowledgeable and really took his time with me. Follow up call to check in with me after some Botox, felt very taken care of! Evaluated my skin and noticed things other doctors hadn't noticed, along with lots of tips and tricks at home to try, talked through a treatment plan and targeted product recommendations but not pushy at all. I learned a lot about my skin from the appointment with him. Fiancée said today that my face has been looking so flawless lately. Thanks Dr He!!"
"Let me start by saying, I highly recommend Dr. Steven He!
I have severe eczema and have tried everything after seeing multiple doctors (I moved from SF to LA last year). NOTHING has worked. The last physician asked me, "what do you want, nothing will cure it so let's just try another cream". Pretty much the consensus with all doctors -- nothing I can do about it!
It's incredibly depressing when people ask you what's on your face, your arms, your legs... my niece always refers to them as "boo-boos". And everyone has advice on how to cure eczema - let me tell you! I have tried every diet, all kinds of supplements, juicing... nothing worked. I have been walking around in LA weather wearing long sleeves all the time because I'm tired of hearing the questions.
On a whim, when I'm in SF, I call Dr. Welsh's office. I was desperate for help and the staff offered me to see Dr. He. I went in with low expectations since no other physician has been able to help me.
What I didn't realize is the absolute compassion that Dr. He and the staff showed me the moment I walked in the door. I cried as I told the assistant about my eczema. I continued to cry as Dr. He walked in and started talking to me. I'll never forget when he said, "Eczema is a disease, you were born with it, and you didn't cause this!" I told him that I was depressed because and felt bad about it because so many other people have worse problems. He said, "People with eczema suffer the same depression as people with serious diseases." He also told me, "I have something that can cure you." You can imagine my excitement.
However, the excitement didn't last long. The cost of the medication (Dupixent) was exorbitant -- 5K per month! We started talking about other treatment plans but Dr. He told me that he would find a way to get me this medicine. He gave me cortisone for the eczema flare-ups, creams and said he'd be in touch. And he certainly was. The same evening, he called and told me to come to the office in the morning and sign paperwork so that I could get Dupixent through a patient assistance program. We would try to make it work, he said.
The next morning, the paperwork was all filled out, and all I had to do was sign it. Dr. He spent even more time with me talking about how Dupixent works and said he would do everything to get the medicine for me. I left feeling hopeful. After speaking with the folks at Dupixent, I was, in fact, approved! My first shipment would arrive the following week and I could start the new medicine.
It's been over a month, and my skin has already vastly improved from Dupixent. Dr. He has checked in on me consistently to make sure I'm doing OK. I even had some slight reactions and we talked those through and he reassured me that everything was fine. I don't know any physician that would take the extra time and care that Dr. He has done for me.
Long story short -- go see Dr. He! Everyone at Dr. Welsh's office is amazing, but I highly recommend Dr. He, especially if you have a serious skin issue and need the care, compassion, and knowledge that he provides. To say he has gone above and beyond is an understatement. He's changed my life.
Thank you, Dr He!"
"They were so kind from the front staff to the assistant to the Dr just amazing.I really appreciated the attention and knowledge of everyone there and I left feeling very happy..."
"Dr. Welsh and her staff are the very best! I have been coming here for many years and am always more than happy with the results of their services. Dr. Welsh is very experienced, highly skilled and does absolutely beautiful work. I don't know what I'd do without her!"
"I love Dr. Welsh. I love Dr. Austin."
"Joining Yelp and providing a review for Bay Area Cosmetic is long overdue. I have been a patient of Bay Area Cosmetic for more years than I can remember (think back to Laurel Village when the office was the size of a closet!!!). Dr. Kathleen Welsh and Dr. Andrea Hui Austin are the consummate professionals when it comes to dermatology and I trust my face and my skin to no one else. For over 15 years I saw Dr. Welsh exclusively but in recent years, and as a result of a more robust practice, I have transitioned to being a patient of Dr. Austin. Through regular visits I am able to maintain a rejuvenated appearance with a clear complexion. Dr. Austin has a tremendous understanding of the bone structure and muscle placement of the human face. Her skill in administering delicate injections is something to behold. The results to my skin are subtle but with noticeable improvements both in appearance and texture. I never leave the office looking 'done', rather I leave feeling refreshed and more youthful whilst at the same time looking natural. On many occasions after receiving injectables I have been able to attend work functions the very same day. Minimal bruising, no down time and a natural appearance. I have read through many of the reviews for Bay Area Cosmetic, in particular, the 1 and 2 star reviewers who mention long delays in the waiting room. Unfortunately this happens sometimes, even for long standing loyal patients like myself. Based on my experience this is because both Dr. Welsh and Dr. Austin are focused when they are in the treatment room with each patient. When I am in the treatment room with the doctor I have never felt rushed. On the contrary, both doctors take time to listen and then, most importantly, take their time to administer treatments. It is because of their highly personalized service and attention to detail with treatment protocols that sometimes they can get a bit behind on the schedule. Over the years I have recommended many people to Bay Area Cosmetic with confidence and will continue to do so. I trust my dermatological needs to no other practice in San Francisco."
"Dr. Austin helped me with a hair growth problem I was experiencing and was able to diagnose the problem at first sight. I've also been here for acne problems I was experiencing and Dr. Welsh was able to alleviate my issues. This is definitely the best dermatologist business in San Francisco! Thank you"
"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!"
"We have been patients of this practice for several years and feel so very fortunate to have Dr. Welsh and Dr Austin attending to our skin care. The staff is knowledgeable and efficient and the facilities are excellent. Both doctors are brilliant dermatologists; so knowledgable and skilled that they can quickly and accurately assess and make treatment recommendations. As well, both are lovely and personable and committed to their patients. Our experience here has been exceptional and our skin has never been healthier. We highly (and frequently) recommend Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology and both of these wonderful doctors."
"I have been a patient of this practice for over 12 years. I have seen Kathleen Welsh for over 50 visits and have always been pleased with the outcome of my medical treatment. She is a caring lovely person. All of my family members have also seen her for acne , mole removal, skin care and fillers. I travel a distance to my appointments and it is worth every mile."
"I've been seeing Dr. Welsh for over 8 years. I'd give her more than 5 stars if I could because she deserves it. She's changed my life. She gives thorough sun cancer screenings that are educational, preventitive, and smart. She is a genius with diagnosing what the core root of an issue is too. I had skin allergies since I was a child and no one was ever able to diagnose what it was. She helped me do state of the art skin allergy tests to identify several allergens and improve my diet -- all of which have in turn made me healthier, allowed me to get off medicine, and just live a normal life without allergy annoyances. My favorite part though about Dr. Welsh is her passion, patience, drive, and care to help you get better and do all she can until you get there. She listens to me and answers my questions (I have a lot of them :) ) and she will call you to check in if youre waiting on a result and respond to emails quickly on something. I recommend to get the most out of your appointments to come w questions and take notes so that you can benefit from her wealth of knowledge. I send all my family and friends to her. Their office also has epic facials and lasering. All the staff is great, but I have always been impressed and thankful for Meghan and Mary's services :)."
"I can't say enough great things about Dr Welsh and Bay Area Cosmetics! Dr Welsh has helped me transform my skin with her treatments and skin care lines. Not to mention how many skin cancers she has saved me from! The best thing about her is she radiates really caring for her patients and that is hard to find. The super friendly staff is all about great customer service and everyone runs on time. Just a great experience every time I go!"
"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!"
"Mother of the Brides - Both my daughters got married within two years of each other desperate to look my best I made an appointment with Dr.Kathleen Welsh. I had sculptura, juvederm and Botox ..basically the works! Dr. Welsh made me look and feel in my 40’s while in my 60’s. She is the Best!"
"Dr. Welsh is the best... - Dr. Welsh is the best injector! She always takes care to enhance my features in a natural way. I never have to worry that I will look “done” after my treatment. She offers the latest and greatest injectables and her technique is flawless. There is no one else I trust more when it comes to my face!This review was created as part of a nomination to the RealSelf I Love My Injector Campaign."
"Dear Dr. Welsh -
Thank you so much for popping in to see me today. It is always so great to see you. You have such a positive energy! Also - you look really fantastic! You look radiant, beautiful and natural. And you are the best advertisement for your practice. I completely trust anything you advise for me. Thank you again!
Thank you again!
Fondly,
Anonymous"
"Amazing skin care and a staff that is fantastic. SUPER highly recommend."
"The women I've met who work here are amazing! They are professional and caring and truly passionate about getting skin to the best it can be safely and carefully! If you are passionate about skin and excellence in skin care, this is a wonderful office to consider a connection."
"Great dermatologist - When I lived in the Bay Area Dr. Welsh was my dermatologist of choice! The first time I came to her office was for tattoo removal when I was in my 20’s...it was a total success. Years later I am 100% tattoo ink free thank to her. It took time but was well worth it. I have also used her office for the V-beam laser procedure which removes dilated blood vessels. If you have rosacea, or a..."
"Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology is beyond my expectations. Dr. Hoi and Dr. Welch provide excellent care. I've suffered from acne for most of my life. Dr.Hoi provided excellent care and Mary works magic with her micropen. I'm so happy I discovered Bay Area Cosmetic. My skin looks so much better, I can't believe it. I am able to feel confident and engage in eye contact. I used to be ashamed and now my skin looks almost perfect. It's unbelievable. A million thanks to Dr.Hoi and Mary. Excellent staff, excellent care."
"I was welcomed like a queen! The staff took my jacket and handbag, which relieved my load. I was already feeling weighted by my skin issues, so by allowing me to be escorted into a nice room, free of my belongings, provided an intentional mental attitude to receive the consultation provided by Dr. Hui. Dr. Hui's recommendations were spot on! My daily skin regimen makes my skin feel supple, glowing, and elegant--the prescription for a queen. Thanks, Dr. Hui :). I booked an appointment for a hydra facial by Clare. Oh my goodness. It's was the most thorough cleansing experience I have had in a long time. Clare is professional as well as personable. She explained every procedure which made the experience even more enjoyable. Let's not forget the warm chair and blankets. I didn't want to get up! Oh so sweet and cozy. Thanks to Dr. Kathleen Welsh! Your staff is amazing and represents your vision very well! Fondly, Portia O."
"I was welcomed like a queen! The staff took my jacket and handbag, which relieved my load. I was already feeling weighted by my skin issues, so by allowing me to be escorted into a nice room, free of my belongings, provided an intentional mental attitude to receive the consultation provided by Dr. Hui.Dr. Hui's recommendations were spot on! My daily skin regimen makes my skin feel supple, glowing, and elegant--the prescription for a queen. Thanks, Dr. Hui :).I booked an appointment for a hydra facial by Clare. Oh my goodness. It's was the most thorough cleansing experience I have had in a long time. Clare is professional as well as personable. She explained every procedure which made the experience even more enjoyable. Let's not forget the warm chair and blankets. I didn't want to get up! Oh so sweet and cozy.Thanks to Dr. Kathleen Welsh! Your staff is amazing and represents your vision very well!Fondly,Portia O."
"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!"
"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!"
"Love dr Welsh!!!!! She is the best derm in San Francisco!!!"
"I have been going to Dr. Welsh for few years now. I had been looking for a dermatologist for botox and fillers throughout the Bay Area and Europe. I was so happy to finally find Dr. Welsh! She is an amazing "artist " with the syringe -- never makes me look like I had something done. My own children, husband, and sisters never noticed that I had gotten "work done" to my face. I always get compliments on how great and young I look. Equally as important, Dr. Welsh is extremely thoughtful with how she practices. She always takes her time to listen to what I am looking for, and only suggests alternatives when they are best suited for the results I want. Never has she pushed anything on me like some other doctors have.Most importantly, I am so fortunate to have been her patient. I had been seeing other dermatologists while abroad, but when I returned to the Bay Area and visited Dr. Welsh for a botox treatment, she identified that I had an extremely early stage melanoma, so early that other physicians had not identified it or been concerned. I insisted that it was nothing, as I had had the mole for years. Dr. Welsh insisted on a biopsy - thank God ! She was incredibly caring as she gave me the news, and reassured me that everything would be okay given my early stage diagnosis. She not only referred me to the top specialists in the area for the Mohs surgery, but she continued to followed up with me throughout my treatment. Dr. Welsh is simply is one of the best, most caring doctors I have ever had. I have no words to describe how thankful I am to her. P.s. I finally told my husband that that I was getting Botox and that Dr. Welsh was the one that discovered the melanoma. While he is pretty anti-cosmetic procedures, my hubby has now given me a full OK for botox...as long as I will continue to see Dr. Welsh :-)))"
"Submitting this review for my mom, who doesn't have a Yelp account but really wanted to review Dr. Welsh.* * I have been going to Dr. Welsh for few years now. I had been looking for a dermatologist for botox and fillers throughout the Bay Area and Europe. I was so happy to finally find Dr. Welsh! She is an amazing "artist " with the syringe -- never makes me look like I had something done. My own children, husband, and sisters never noticed that I had gotten "work done" to my face. I always get compliments on how great and young I look. Equally as important, Dr. Welsh is extremely thoughtful with how she practices. She always takes her time to listen to what I am looking for, and only suggests alternatives when they are best suited for the results I want. Never has she pushed anything on me like some other doctors have.Most importantly, I am so fortunate to have been her patient. I had been seeing other dermatologists while abroad, but when I returned to the Bay Area and visited Dr. Welsh for a botox treatment, she identified that I had an extremely early stage melanoma, so early that other physicians had not identified it or been concerned. I insisted that it was nothing, as I had had the mole for years. Dr. Welsh insisted on a biopsy - thank God ! She was incredibly caring as she gave me the news, and reassured me that everything would be okay given my early stage diagnosis. She not only referred me to the top specialists in the area for the Mohs surgery, but she continued to followed up with me throughout my treatment. Dr. Welsh is simply is one of the best, most caring doctors I have ever had. I have no words to describe how thankful I am to her. P.s. I finally told my husband that that I was getting Botox and that Dr. Welsh was the one that discovered the melanoma. While he is pretty anti-cosmetic procedures, my hubby has now given me a full OK for botox...as long as I will continue to see Dr. Welsh :-)))"
"Dr. Hui is the consummate professional. Beyond being very knowledgeable in her field, she is a kind and gentle provider. Medical advice and applications along with a strong and effective product line are absolutely top notch. One never seems rushed in this office as both Dr. Welsh and Dr. Hui are extremely dedicated to the well-being of their patients. This is obviously pushed downward as every single member of their staff is cordial and client oriented. I highly recommend this office to anyone who wants the very best dermatological needs."
"I can't say enough good things about Dr Welsh and Dr Huy. I have been seeing Dr Welsh for 20 years, since high school. She has saved my face a few times... Severe cystic acne, severe acne scarring all over my entire face, a dog attack that severely mangled my cheek... big stuff. Over the course of my life I have experienced that feeling of shame and insecurity because my face looked so messed up that I didn't want people to look at me. And every time, Dr Welsh put my face back together and then some. Which essentially gives you your life back, because you can face the world with confidence and really show up and be present in conversations, instead of tripping out over how how destroyed your face looks.Those are the extreme cases that Dr Welsh has helped me through. Always, she is compassionate, straight up, and comes up with a game plan and a timeline, and doesn't want to stop until whatever the issue is perfectly resolved. Pretty much everything you want when you put your face in someone's hands.Now I am in my late 30s so there are a new bag of things that that can be improved upon that pop up: wrinkles, face and lips losing its fullness, and discoloration (hyperpigmentation). And again, I don't trust anyone to mess with my face, EVER, unless its Dr Welsh or Dr Huy. Dr Welsh is a master at filler because she basically refuses to make you look unnatural. She will make you look refreshed and well-slept, but even if I beg for slightly fuller lips she looks at me and says, "No." That's what you want. Someone who says no. Dr Huy is amazing. At first I felt like I was cheating on Dr Welsh by seeing her as well but she is awesome and just as skilled. I highly recommend you try her, because they have similar approaches and equal skill set. I am so glad I gave her a chance because she is fantastic and she dealt with this discoloration and redness/rosacea problem that started a year ago. Again, she was sweet and supportive, gave me a game plan and a timeline. exactly what you want when you are stressing over something on your face. I love Dr Huy.Everyone who knows me knows that I call Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology "my happy place". Such caring, such professionalism and and attention to detail, such a personalized care regimen that makes you feel like you are in the right hands and you can relax and there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am a die-hard supporter."
"I have been using Dr Kathleen Welsh for over 15 years and highly recommend her. I receive V-Beam treatments for my rosacea and my skin looks amazing. I'm turning 52 this year and can easily pass for 42. Thanks Dr Welsh for keeping my skin beautiful!"
"After moving to San Francisco, I did a huge amount of research before selecting a dermatologist--I could not be happier that I found Dr. Hui. She is truly exceptional: talented, up to date on all the latest techniques, and is extremely dedicated to her patients. I have been seeing her for over a year now and would trust no one else with my skin. I have never hesitated to recommend friends and family to Dr. Hui because I know they too will have a fantastic experience with her.Dr. Hui and Dr. Welsh have created an outstanding environment at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology, filled with the newest technology, and staffed by a wonderful and caring group of people. I give them my highest recommendation!"
"I am the frequent customer of Bay Area Cosmetic dermatology clinic. I was seen by Dr. Welsh's new associate a year ago for Kybella for my puffy eye bags and Fraxel Repair for my face. Tell you all my Asian friends, my eye bags haven't come back and my face is still as smooth and as clear as baby cheeks. It seems it get smoother everyday. I used to hate to look at my reflection on the mirror, but now I really happy with the great result of Dr Andrea Hui's skillful and painless procedure on my face. It holds up for one a year now!!!!!!!!!! Another secret is I follow Dr Hui's skin care program to the last detail. No one can guess my age right!!!"
"Dr Welsh has been my favorite dermatologist for over 20 years - I'm pretty sure she is the reason I don't have skin cancer from my careless youth ;) She (and her staff) always make me feel good when I am there and I get great results w everything I've tried (including fillers). Kathleen Welsh is a perfectionist and a true artist! Dr Welsh knows my style (she knows I don't want to look "over done") and gives (on request) great advice for what I really need (instead of what I thought I needed) often saving me $$. I trust her completely (based on 2 decades of stellar results)! I was introduced to Dr Welsh by a product rep friend (it's part of her job to know everybody in the industry) as a wonderful person and excellent doctor. I have always been glad of every visit! Recently I tried her cleansing pads while camping - who knew you could get refreshed glowing skin w/out water? I'm one of those people who breaks out if I miss cleansing morning or night, so these are little gems. Honestly, I cannot lavish enough praise on Dr Welsh (and her staff) for excellent care and great results! I'm pretty sure Dr Welsh really does love skin!"
"Before I started seeing Dr. Hui and Dr. Welsh, I had very oily skin, frequent breakouts and a fair amount of redness and blemishes. I wore cover-up often and carried oil-absorbing sheets with me everywhere. Although I didn't have "severe acne," I was not satisfied with the appearance of my skin, and wished that I didn't need to manage it so much. At Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology, I have had laser and resurfacing treatments with Dr. Hui, Mary, Claire and Mabel (who are amazing to work with!) and have seen pretty dramatic results in evening my skin complexion and texture, and getting rid of red blemishes. I was initially hesitant to invest in the skin care routine they recommended, as I hadn't had much success with products in the past, but I can honestly say that my skin has never been better. I actually have no problems with oil anymore, and maybe one pimple every few months, which is pretty amazing for me! What sets Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology apart from other practices I have been to is that they have a tremendous variety of treatments and products available at the office, and the staff is extremely knowledgeable in determining what the specific needs of my skin are and which treatments and products will provide the best results. I genuinely feel that my treatments are customized to me, and not just generic recommendations like I have received in the past. Before I met Dr. Hui and Dr. Welsh, I didn't know that it was possible to change my skin, and not just consistently manage it. It is a relief to have doctors whose recommendations I can trust. I am so grateful to have found this incredible practice, and to finally have skin that I feel confident with! I recommend this practice to anyone!"
"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!"
"At 38 I noticed I was getting dark circles under my eyes. After much research, I decided on Belotero, and the offices of Dr. Kathleen M. Welsh and and Dr. Andrea Hui at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology. My first appt with Dr. Hui was great. She listened to all my concerns. I told her I was on a budget, but still wanted to take care of my skin longterm and she said no problem, she already had a regimen in mind for me and my price range. And we discussed Belotero. Over the next two months I followed the skin care regimen. I love the products! I use a gentle cleanser and tretinoin gel from OBAGI. No side effects from the gel and it has lasted forever - just a pea! And I really love the Kathleen M. Welsh Restorative Bio-Therapy daily moisturizer and the Retinol Eye Repair. My complexion started looking better immediately. After 2 months, I got the Belotero done. I was a bit nervous but the staff at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology is amazing and totally made me comfortable. Dr. Hui was again lovely, so kind and very adept at what she does, I wasn't uncomfortable at all. The results were immediate and subtle. Aside from a couple small marks from the needle, which were gone in a day or two, I had no swelling or pain. It was still my face, my eye area, all my natural features - nothing changed, and yet that tired look was gone. The dark circle was gone. It was beyond subtle, it was natural. I've had it for over 3 months now and it looks better than ever. It seems like the product settles out over time. I love the results! I feel like I've made a great choice with this practice. Thank you Dr. Hui and Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology!"
"I have been treated by both doctors and all the wonderful nurses in this practice for years , there is a high level of care and expertise and you always feel safe and in the best hands .The staff is personable and takes time to help and guide you through the jungle of treatments and products . Everything is very up to date and the atmosphere is relaxed and fun, but at the same time professional .I so appreciate their skill and highly recommend their services, for both cosmetic and medical issues .Feel safe booking an appointment !"
"I am so pleased with Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology! I currently see Dr. Hui and use several of Dr. Welsh's products. My skin has been transformed!I moved to San Francisco earlier this year and was in need of a new dermatologist and I am so happy to have found Dr. Hui! I am extremely pleased with all the treatments and medical advice I have received from her and her assistants. She listens closely to my questions and concerns each time I see her and goes out of her way to make sure I am comfortable during my procedures. I went to see Dr. Hui for the first time for Botox a February. This is a procedure I've had done several times before elsewhere. First of all, the Botox looked amazing! There was no need to touch up and it looks very natural. Secondly, she introduced me to a more permanent way to keep the wrinkles away--Retin A. I was a little hesitant to try Retin A again after having a terrible experience with it when I used it for acne as a teenager. However, Dr. Hui's method of application was so gentle, I was able to tolerate the Retin A without any problems! Dr. Hui currently helped me transition over to a new skincare regimen when I found out I was pregnant to keep my skin looking at its best and I'm so happy when I look in the mirror!I am very thankful to have found such a knowledgeable and caring dermatologist. I've been seeing a dermatologist since I was 12 years old because of cystic acne that covered my head neck, and shoulders (which is long gone!) I'm very careful with my skincare routine and the dermatologists I choose. Dr. Hui is extremely caring and knowledgeable and I highly recommend her and Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology."
"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"
"I don't know why its taken me so long to write this review given that I have been going here for years and the fact that I L-O-V-E this place! I've seen Dr. Welsh and Dr. Hui and can't say enough great things about both of them. The first time I saw Dr. Hui, I was going through a divorce and had developed a nasty, itchy horrible rash on my leg due to stress. I was feeling really awful about myself. Dr. Hui really went above and beyond, she not only cured my rash and did some Botox and filler, she was so kind and supportive of my situation. I walked out feeling so much better, so much more like my old pre-divorce self! My botox and filler is always flawless--Dr. Hui doesn't make you look plastic--she makes you look well rested and healthy. All of the Nurses and Staff are fabulous as well--Chrissy has the best suggestions for products and I'll basically do whatever Roxanne and Robin tell me to do. Just go here! Its the best place there is!"
"Professional and personable, Dr. Welsh and her office tells the truth every step of the way. Never tried to up-sell products and/or treatments. I appreciate that along with her ability to understand any potential problems for my skin."
"I have been going to Bay Area Dermatology for over 10 years. I switch off between Dr. Welsh and Dr. Hui and am impressed with their staff as well. I trust both doctor's views and conservative recommendations and have recommended Bay Area Dermatology to many of my dear friends."
"This is a very belated 5 star review for Dr. Welsh and her staff. I've been a patient of Dr. Welsh's since she started her practice about 16 years ago (yipe! :). I am so lucky I found her when I did because I just happened into the best dermatology practice in SF. Dr. Welsh is an extremely skillful practitioner and dermatologists across SF refer people to her. I know this b/c someone referred me back to Dr. Welsh. Among other ways Dr. Welsh has helped me is I had a dermatologic condition that was medical not cosmetic, but I couldn't get into see a dermatologist within my health plan. I needed help fast so I saw Dr. Welsh, and she correctly diagnosed it and treated it, whereas my primary care physician was at a loss for a diagnosis. She gave me the forms to bill my insurance, and yeah, I paid more than if I had been in-network, but I could not get into another physician to have them help me. She's the real deal.A couple years ago, I switched to working predominantly with Dr. Hui because Dr. Welsh is very busy, and I couldn't say enough about how wonderful she is to work with in every way, both professionally and as a person. Dr. Welsh made an excellent choice!!"
"You Owe It to Yourself! - San Francisco, CA - You owe it to yourself to get Miradry! For so long I denied myself the treatment because I was scared it wasn't safe. With the saline injections and use of tumescent anesthesia, there is little to no risk of nerve damage anymore. The procedure itself was relatively painless, just a few needle sticks and a slight burning sensation every now and then. I would rate it a 3 out of 10 at most..."
"I love Bay Area Dermatology. I go to both Dr. Welsh and Dr. Hui. I switch off because I love them both. They have similar styles of treatment in that they both want to give you your best skin possible- while giving you a natural look. I think it looks awful when someone's face is over treated. I really appreciate that they both are perfectionists and don't over do it. You can always go in for more! Recently, I went to Dr. Hui for v-beam to combat my redness as well as Botox and fillers to combat aging. It's pretty amazing that everyone comments on my skin and when I tell them I use fillers they are blown away. Everyone thinks I have naturally good skin- but I have a hard working team. For the first time in my life I feel like I can leave the house with just sun screen on. Awesome! I also have to say that the entire staff is warm and friendly. At this point they feel like friends and family which is always what you want at the doctors. They do everything to make you comfortable - I'm sure they would even hold your hand if you are scared of needles. This is a super- star team. Make an appointment and improve your skin."
"As a Certified Dermatology Nurse, I have known Dr Welsh for over 30 years. She is very talented and holds her staff to high standards."
"With degrees from Harvard Med School + UCSF & Stanford Med School, Dr. Welsh is not exactly fooling around when it comes to providing expert cosmetic dermatology services. She has a great eye, listens to and really hears what you want and does not up-sell unnecessary services. My results have always been natural and subtle and the one time I was unhappy with results, she did not hesitate to adjust my treatment at no cost. Appointment wait times have in the past been an issue in this busy, successful practice, but seem to have markedly improved over the last year. Worth every penny."
"Amazing Results - San Francisco, CA - Everyone who helped me was extremely professional and I felt safe and comfortable."
"She is the best of the best. As a veteran Esthetician that has had facials for 20 plus years,I have to say that i get the best results from my doctors recommendations of treatments and products. Her team of Esthethicias are so lovely and sweet, not to mention very knowledgeable."
"I've been going to Dr. Welsh and Dr. Hui for a few years now. I can't imagine going anywhere else for my skin care needs. The staff is so friendly and helpful. Both Dr. Welsh and Dr. Hui are perfectionists and give you the most natural beautiful results. I'm so lucky to have found them and can't recommend them enough."
"I have been going to Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology for the last ten years. I am continually impressed by both Dr Welsh and Dr Hui for their ability to listen to my needs and desires without judgement, address cosmetic issues artfully, and manage medical issues with great knowledge and expertise. Their ability to integrate both the art and science of dermatology is truly exceptional. Our entire family has been treated by the practice. My children for extreme acne and stubborn allergic skin reactions, my husband with his sensitive Asian skin for his sun spots and I have had multiple moles skillfully removed and biopsied, Ulthera, botox, fillers and even repaired earlobes, (torn from heavy earnings). Coming from a family of physicians, I have learned the importance of quality of care and true medical expertise. We have all been impressed by their responsiveness, depth of knowledge, attention to detail and overall quality of care. I have referred many to this practice and have heard nothing but stellar reviews."
"After much deliberation, i underwent the Fraxel Repair CO2 with Dr Hui, the staff and the procedure were as good as it gets and the results amazing!Dr Welsh's office and facility are state of the art and Dr Welsh is bar none the best in the business."
"I've been seeing Dr Welsh for 11 years now. Many tell me I have beautiful skin. I tell them genetics and Dr Welsh is my secret! Love her and the staff!"
"Several of my friends had suggested going to Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology so I decided to give them a call. I spoke with Johanan who was able to make my tricky schedule work and even remembered speaking to me on the phone when I came in (it seems like a pretty busy place, so I was pleasantly surprised by that). I became a patient of Dr. Hui several months ago and am so glad I made the choice to get treatment for my skin with her! Dr. Hui was gracious, understanding and answered all of my many questions. My most recent visit was to remove a few moles and to correct dark circles under my eyes. Dr. Hui did outstanding work removing a flesh tone mole on the bridge of my nose and had bothered me since childhood. She walked me through the various stages of the healing process so I knew exactly what to expect. I am very happy with the beautiful results! I would highly recommend both Dr Hui and Dr. Welsh (who I had met once when I tagged along to a friend's appointment). Both are amazing women that take the time to get to know their patients. At the end of my visit I had a little redness from my treatment and was introduced to Natalie at the makeup counter. She was very nice and knowledgeable, and in just a few minutes had fixed me up and you could barely tell that I had done anything to my face (except for the little bandage on my nose). It really feels like a place filled with people you could be friends with, everyone was warm and welcoming. I would highly recommend Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology to anyone"
"Several of my friends had suggested going to Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology so I decided to give them a call. I spoke with Johanan who was able to make my tricky schedule work and even remembered speaking to me on the phone when I came in (it seems like a pretty busy place, so I was pleasantly surprised by that). I became a patient of Dr. Hui several months ago and am so glad I made the choice to get treatment for my skin with her! Dr. Hui was gracious, understanding and answered all of my many questions. My most recent visit was to remove a few moles and to correct dark circles under my eyes. Dr. Hui did outstanding work removing a flesh tone mole on the bridge of my nose and had bothered me since childhood. She walked me through the various stages of the healing process so I knew exactly what to expect. I am very happy with the beautiful results! I would highly recommend both Dr Hui and Dr. Welsh (who I had met once when I tagged along to a friend's appointment). Both are amazing women that take the time to get to know their patients. At the end of my visit I had a little redness from my treatment and was introduced to Natalie at the makeup counter. She was very nice and knowledgeable, and in just a few minutes had fixed me up and you could barely tell that I had done anything to my face (except for the little bandage on my nose). It really feels like a place filled with people you could be friends with, everyone was warm and welcoming. I would highly recommend Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology to anyone!"
"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 been going to see Dr Welch for 13 years ,she is an artist when it comes to treatments .I always get compliments on my skin .I have Dr Welch and her lovely staff to thank ."
"I have been a client with Dr. Welsh for years. She is quite simply a genius and has attended some of the best universities in the country including Harvard and Stanford.Dr. Welsh is extremely skilled and has the eye of an artist when it comes to seeing what one needs to appear more attractive. I have noticed that her staff always becomes prettier and prettier the longer they have been with her, and this is because they get a lot of treatments.If you care about your face, you won't think twice about the price. Dr. Welsh is worth every penny."
"No Lemon Lips for Me - San Francisco, CA - Dr Kathleen Welsh; she is the best!"
"I love what Dr. Welsh and Dr. Hui have done to my skin. They helped me find confidence and happiness again. I have been doing treatments for about two years including injections, ulthera, clear and brilliant and hydra facials. Never disappointed!!! I also see Mary - she is the best with treatments and helpful advice!! Strongly recommend."
"What more can I say other than I implicitly trust my face to Dr. Welsh who is an absolute master of her profession."
"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."
"Dr Welsh has been my favorite dermatologist for over 20 years - I'm pretty sure she is the reason I don't have skin cancer from my careless youth ;) She (and her staff) always make me feel good when I am there and I get great results w everything I've tried (including fillers). Kathleen Welsh is a perfectionist and a true artist!
Dr Welsh knows my style (she knows I don't want to look "over done") and gives (on request) great advice for what I really need (instead of what I thought I needed) often saving me $$. I trust her completely (based on 2 decades of stellar results)!
I was introduced to Dr Welsh by a product rep friend (it's part of her job to know everybody in the industry) as a wonderful person and excellent doctor. I have always been glad of every visit!
In response to another reviewer: a couple of times a few years ago I had waits of up to a half hour, but I always just guessed my doctor was giving someone else the precise meticulous care that she gives me. (There were a few prior visits that Dr Welsh spent extra time burning off my way-too-many pre-cancer spots; apologies if your wait was my fault!). Lately, I'm in and out before I can read a single magazine article.
Recently I tried her cleansing pads while camping - who knew you could get refreshed glowing skin w/out water? I'm one of those people who breaks out if I miss cleansing morning or night, so these are little gems.
Honestly, I cannot lavish enough praise on Dr Welsh (and her staff) for excellent care and great results! I'm pretty sure Dr Welsh really does love skin!"
"Love her and her staff. Obviously. I live in L A, and she's my dermatologist! She's the only one I trust with my face."
"I've been a patient of Dr. Welsh's for years now. She is INCREDIBLE at what she does. I simply adore her. With a bit of apprehension I decided to see Dr. Hui in Kathleen's absence. What needless worry. She is as gifted, friendly and professional as Kathleen. I am always worried filler will change my looks. I fear the dreaded "duck lip" in particular. For that reason, and because I HATE needles, I rarely do it. Andrea is AMAZING! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the result. Love it. It's a dream for a thin lipped girl like me. Natural, kissable pillows!!! AND! the kicker is she figured out a trick to take literally all the discomfort out of it. I'm am so pleased and should have know Kathleen would only work with the best."
"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."
"Dr. Andrea Hui, partner of Dr. Kathleen Welsh, is a fabulous addition to this practice. Dr. Hui is experienced, professional, technically very skilled and provides thoughtful insights to any procedure she recommends. She was also very willing to evaluate a skin condition that I had on my legs and recommended that I try wearing support hose. No other doctor had provided me with any treatment options and the good news is that the support hose have helped decrease the ugly brown spots on my legs!!I highly recommend Dr. Hui.....she knows what she's doing!!"
"Dr Welsh is an excellent doctor. I've seen her for several reasons and with multiple issues on one visit. The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is that you need topay cash and doesn't accept insurance. However her staff will provide informationfor you to send to your insurance for reimbursement. Not sure if my insurance willreimburse; probably not. Also she has a cosmetic section that doesn't offer such great service. I think they are a vendor and not her employees. I have doubts aboutproducts if someone is making a profit off of them."
"Excellent cosmetics dermatologist! She runs an efficient office, the staff is very friendly, the other technicians and nurses are thoughtful and helpful in their advice, and best of all, Dr. Welsh is really skilled at helping you decide what is best procedure to improve the look of your skin. There are so many to choose from and it is daunting to try and evaluate yourself. Also, she gave me excellent recommendations for plastic surgeons and for cosmetic permanent make up specialist. Lastly, when I came for a consultation, my first appointment, which you do pay for, but she also gave me a short,, but complimentary laser treatment . She said, "I want you to go home feeling like a little something was accomplished at this appointment. I was wowed! And have been a regular client/patient ever since!"
"I heard about Dr. Welsh from some friends and also several of the stylists, a facialist and make- up artists at Joseph Cozza Salon. One gentleman told me his client s skin had improved drastically over a year due to Dr. Welsh and the treatments she had received and regime followed. (and you know how people in salons work closely on their clients)Dr. Welsh is expensive and should be with all of her education, lasers, etc. I feel confident I am in great hands when I see her. I was surprised. though, by the warmth she exudes and her brilliance! She remembered seeing me at a high school performance...(maybe she thought that woman needs my help!)Am very grateful to have such a intelligent doctor and lovely staff!"
"Dr. Welsh is wonderful. Worth every penny...and I save them for her! Over the last four years or so, I have found her to be skilled, trustworthy and efficient. Bonus, she is also personable and genuine. She cares and it shows...in my face :)"
"I've been going to Dr. Welsh since she was at Kaiser. Her staff are THE BEST! Kathy always tells you like it is and I never felt like I was being suckered into buying any unnecessary treatments(Also, very good at make up!)"
"My first visit to Dr. Welsh was in the early 2000s for adult acne, a condition which had plagued me since childhood. I received excellent results. Now as I reach my later 30s, acne has become a thing of the past, yet I have a new issue: Aging facial skin. While I'm lucky that the byproduct of the former acne condition keeps my skin more naturally moisturized than others my age, I still am noticing subtle wrinkles around my eyes and furrowed smile lines. I've been very pleased with the outcomes of the various creams and non-invasive procedures she has recommended. The doctor and her staff always give me (a dude) a great comfort level whenever I arrive at their otherwise girly-ish offices (i.e. half of the waiting room area contains a Bloomingdale-sized cosmetic counter). Then again, if 80%+ of my clientele were women and I advertised my practice as "cosmetic dermatology," I'd probably design my office layout similarly. In any case, I have to admit it's kind of fun being the object of attention--however briefly--by her helpful and attentive female staff :)"
"There's an old Burmese saying "even Lord can't make everyone happy," But Dr. Welsh makes me beyond happy.. Period! I had been to a couple of dermatologists (including Kaiser) for my certain skin condition and they had no clue what to do with it. But gladly I discovered Dr. Welsh's office .. she did carefully researched and kept in touch with me and discussed about what she finding was to help me resolved the issue. She treated me with her motherly touch. Never thank enough to her help me to gain my confidence back. I will be fair and realistic on my review about her office .. Yes! sometime, not always, I have to wait a bit longer to see her ( that's pretty standard for Most offices base on my experience ) But she is so worth to wait.. I highly recommend to anyone and everyone who wants their confidents back or wanna be prettier. She is Amazing, she and *Her Office* deserve more then 5 stars."
"This review is very long overdue. I have been a patient of Dr. Welsh and her lovely staff for the past year, and with every visit I have arrived and left Dr. Welsh's office feeling 100% satisfied with the services provided. Upon arrival, the women behind the front desk have made me feel welcome every time with genuinely warm greetings and smiles. Checking in is both personable and easy. Further, beyond the comfort of the waiting room, I have never waited long for my scheduled appointment. Whether my appointment is with Dr. Welsh, Jane, Megan or one of the other attentive nurses or estheticians, I always feel as though I am the only patient being seen that whole day. I have never felt rushed nor have I ever left Dr. Welsh's office with questions of concern unanswered. Rather, every concern expressed is always discussed in length until clarity and an understanding is provided. Furthermore, it is very apparent that Dr. Welsh and her staff love what they do. Not only is Dr. Welsh and her staff kind and personable in their care and services, but talented and thorough as well. Without any reservations, I recommend Dr. Welsh and her incredible staff."
"I have been in to see Dr. Welsh three times and been thrilled each time with the result and/or prescription. I have been to other dermatologists and these ladies "get it" better than most. The first time I went in to inquire about how to improve the look of my aging skin and they started me on retnoids-which have been a game-changer. Women in their 30s and 40s shouldn't have to battle acne and wrinkles at the same time! I have been using them for three years now and could not be happier with the result. I went back in to have a light peel done to try and remove some melasma on my forehead and chin from years of sun abuse (I now wear sunscreen religiously, but had a misspent youth in tanning beds...). I also received some other in office treatments that did not disappoint. Dr. Welsh saw me for two of those appointments and her very capable staff saw to my needs the third time. I plan to make an appointment to return to see Dr. Welsh and her friendly and competent staff as I prepare for my upcoming wedding this summer to make sure I look my best. Reasonable pricing for this area and realistic results are what I expect and what these ladies have delivered each time I have been in. Highly recommend!!!"
"I've been to many different dermatologist and I have never had such wonderful results. I'm consistently complemented on the appearance of my skin and asked about the products that I use. The good- the staff is professional and very friendly. I've never had to wait for my appointment and the office environment is comfortable. Dr. Welsh is very skilled and I found her skin care recommendations to be spot on. The ugly- pricey. Worth every penny, but cost more than a few of them."
"I read all the reviews, negative and otherwise, but I have been seeing Dr. Welsh for 12 years, and if I go in the morning to avoid the wait, my experience is fabulous!She is kind, gentle, and has always been wonderful with me. She is gifted, as others have said, and I look 10 years younger than my age (54), due to her. Especially if I get enough sleep and exercise, then I can look 15 years younger! I've done the botox, filler, and now will do Pelleve. She is really amazing, and has always worked on me personally, with care and thoughtfulness. She always asks how I am doing, and really wants to know. She is just the best. I love her, and I'm sorry for others who had bad experience, but that sounds more like the office staff, and not her, although I have had only the best experience, also, with the office staff.She is my number one top dermatologist!"
"I started coming here last April to get v-beam on my face for rosacea and redness. I was looking for a place that could do it in the south bay but could not find any places that could do it or that I would want to go to. When I called to make an appointment the girl at the front desk was very helpful and explained to me what it was and pricing. She said she had done it as well. She told me exactly where to park and where the office was... very helpful if you are not from the city. When I came in to my first appointment Dr Welsh came into the room took a look at my face and gave me some recommendations and said the v-beam was an excellent option for me. Yvonne was the nurse who performed the laser on me and she is great and explains everything and answers all my questions. I could not be happier with my results and will keep going to her office and Yvonne even though its in the city and I am in the south bay. I finally found something that works after spending tons of money on things that have not worked and will always trust their opinion. Reading reviews people have complained that her office has long wait times and a crowded waiting room but i have never dealt with anything than the average wait time when you go to a doctor, dentist, etc.. I would be more concerned if there wasnt anyone there."
"In the past I have been to at least 20 dermatologists regarding my severe Eczema. Dr. Welsh save my life and gave me a new beginning. I was referred by a friend and I thought why not. I have tried everything. She took one look at me and couldn't believe I had suffer so badly all these years. I am now Eczema free. I owe her everything. She is the only doctor who didn't rush me when I explain what has been happening over the course of 10 years. She was extremely attentive and said, there is no reason why you should be dealing with this. I continue to see her as she has also advised me on how I can continue to have healthy skin. I am turning the big 60 and people can not believe it. Her staff is also exceptional. Very caring and friendly and no attitude!"
"Dr Welsh is the best dermatologist in the nation! She's an amazing person, friend and doctor! Always honest. My whole family sees her, and I fly back from NYC to see her! Two thumbs up!"
"She's the best! She has great bed-side manner and knows skin. Her staff rocks!"
"i have been seeing dr. welsh since 2002. i am nearly 51 years old and am told, even by people who know my age very well, that i look about 35-38. what else needs to be said? dr. welsh and her staff are caring and capable women, and dr. welsh herself is quite gifted...i've never been disappointed or felt that i wasn't getting terrific and appropriate treatment. she makes very helpful suggestions and will keep you up-to-date on the latest technologies. and products.the staff has been consistently friendly and fun, and there is a very small turnover, always a good sign. i honestly enjoy visiting the office and who ever says that about their doctor?a tip: book your appt early in the AM...dr. welsh is, understandably, enormously popular and the office can get crowded, but first appt of the day is golden!another tip: ask about "eye crack," you'll be happy you did!"
"I was a patient of Dr. Welsh when I was in college back in 2000. I believe they took insurance back then. I absolutely loved her. She was always kind and knowledgable. I feel that dermatology is more of an art than a science, thus it is unreasonable to expect miraculous outcomes."
"She probably doesn't need any more patients ( I have had a few long waits when I felt she was over-booked) but she never seems rushed or careless and her work is flawless. I never have had the feeling that I was being "sold" and every procedure seems professional and practiced. You can trust the talents of Dr Welsh and her staff."
"When I was refered to Dr. Welsh by another five star Doctor who excels in reconstructive surgery, I had no doubt Dr. Welsh would be the best. She practices with the utmost integrity, will refer if the patient wants more unnatural or unnecessary work done. Professionally, educated at the most prestigious University's, Dr. Welsh upholds her values. Dr. Welsh is excellent, very sensitive, and will spend as much time as you need to discuss any procedure, fears and your personal goals. I am very youthful, healthy, natural, happy. I am 60 yrs. old my kids tell me I am the prettiest Mom. Thank you Dr. Welsh, also Dr. Welsh has had the same trained staff since I have been going to see her 8 years ago. Dr. Welsh upholds the highest standard,I trust her and myself and my family will never go anywhere else for skin care, make-up, and new questions"
"Dr. Welsh is a magician! I have been going to her since January of 2012 and everything she has done has made a big difference in how I look. Friends that have not seen me for months tell me that I look amazing. I trust her emphatically and for me that is a very big statement. She is meticulous in her treatment, she always has me come back to make sure the treatment is perfect. I trust whatever she recommends because of the results I see. I recommend her to anyone without reservation!"
"I was flying to Beverly Hills to get my injections, until I met and heard about Dr.Welsh. The reason I spend money to fly in get a hotel room for one night in San Francisco is because she is so worth it. I have been to other derm's that just put the injections any where just to make you happy. Dr. Welsh as an eye for your individual face and what would look best on you. I highly recommend Dr.Welsh because she truly cares about you instead of just being another patient."
"Let's be honest ladies - skin is tricky. Skin is finicky. Find what works for you and stick with it. For me, that's Dr. Welsh.Why she's great:Fabulous credentials.Great bedside manner.Tells it straight - yes those wrinkles are noticeable.Tries all the products and treatments on herself and staff before purchasing for the office.Is recommended by countless doctors.Look at the skin of the ladies that work in her office and try not to be cat clawingly jealous.Has a great eye for injectables.Worked wonders on my server Acne caused during pregnancy.Now let's address some of the rants of people who gave Dr. Welsh 1-StarLong Wait Times: Do you really want a doctor who runs onetime? Seriously, that means that they give you 5 minutes of time and no more. What if you have questions? What if you have a mole that looks suspicious and she wants to take a biopsy? Good doctor take as long as necessary with their patients, so I am willing to wait my turn to get my time with the best skin doctor in SF.Selling Products: Dr. Welsh sells only the best products on the market. She isn't trying to up-sell you, trust me. She makes plenty of money from her appointments. The products she sells work for MOST people. Sometimes the odd person has an atypical reaction - but thats not a reason to give Dr. Welsh 1 Star. Do you stop going to Walgreens when that new lotion gave you a rash? Nope - and I bet if you call the office and are nice they'll take it back and recommend something else. I'm sorry if you can buy things cheaper on Amazon - but isn't that the truth about everything? Dr. Welsh's office is a small business and I'm happy to give them my business, just like my local butcher and bookstore.Staff: Her staff are great. Friendly, knowledgable and very experienced. Try and see the same person each time and you can develop a nice friendship. I totally look forward to my appointments so I can happily chat with Kate. She's amazing with skin and saved me during my pregnancy. She does RIDICULOUS extractions and peels and made my skin look the best it could while I was in pregnancy acne hell.Price: You pay what you get for. She doesn't take insurance, but neither does the personal trainer or yoga studio. You want to do something good for yourself and your skink then spend the money on the top person in the city and call Dr. Welsh."
"Dr. Welsh is an excellent dermatologist, if you have a difficult issue with your skin or want a natural look that is not overdone, you should definitely see her. She is excellent with filler and botox She helped me by using filler to correct an issue caused by surgery. She listened attentively, was very supportive, spent a lot of time with me and was very conservative in her approach bc she wanted to make sure the results were perfect. Her staff are lovely, and they didn't try to sell me one thing, although, I did ask about their glowing skin and bought one product that is fabulous. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Welsh and her staff."
"Dr. Welsh is my go-to dermatologist, as well as my mother's. Totally would recommend her for injections of any sort or if you have some serious acne issues. She is honest and very knowledgeable, and didn't overcharge me in comparison to another well known dermatologist in the Peninsula for a basic procedure. I trust her entirely with my skin/face and would recommend her to anyone. My only negative feedback is wait times in her office can be quite lengthy, so make sure to over feed your meeter just in case!"
"This is my first review ever written but the staff at Dr Welsh's was so wonderful that I had to write. I had a Blue Peel and Laser CO2 done around my mouth and was very nervous going into this as I had never really done anything much previously. I had been to the office only twice before but my friends had told me how great they all are. Dr Welsh and the nurses who performed the procedures were incredibly caring, professional, thoughtful and concerned about my wellbeing the entire time. This last week has been a challenge healing and not once during my many visits and follow up phone calls have they made me feel anything less than a valued and important patient. I hope the results of these procedures are as good as the experience I had with this office. I will certainly go to them for any further cosmetic work i have done."
"I came in with the worst cystic acne, blotchy skin and low self esteem. Dr welsh and staff were so amazing! my skin has been clear for the last 6-9 months! I am so happy and my confidence came back big time! yay! dr welsh is the best !"
"I was referred to Dr. Welsh by a group of clinical nurses who I used to work with. I hadn't seen them in a few years, but when I bumped into them last year, I immediately noticed how LOVELY their skin looked - smooth, clear, etc. and somehow they looked at least a decade younger (we are all in our 40s)! I complimented them and asked what their secret was - they referred me to Dr. Welsh and the rest is history.I saw Dr. Welsh before the holidays. What impressed me the most about Dr. Welsh was that her face looked appropriate for her age (not someone who had plastic surgery). Her face was REAL. She has a friendly, gracious and professional demeanor. She is clinically honest about her first impressions of your face, her diagnosis, and is conservative about her approach to treating skin disorders & aging skin e.g., let's try the mild form of this skin line for a month or so...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!"
"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."
""Dr Kathy rules", my friend (who had seen her before) texted me now, after hearing how my appointment went with her today. I am going back to Dr Welsh because of my adult cystic acne. If you read my old review, you can see Accutane did work for me for .. I would say around a year, then it came back, and lately it has flare-ups that I just can't deal with anymore. After googling everything under the sun I came upon articles about another drug, Spironolactone, that is sometimes used for women with my condition. I have heard from 2 acquaintances that it works really well for them, and I just wanted to try it SO badly. I had been to other dermatologists who, because I did not have an acne flare up at that moment, did not take me very seriously. (Now i take photos of it when it's bad, just in case I need the proof.)Dr Welsh is the only doctor who has taken my skin issues seriously and been extremely helpful and kind about it. She explains the different options and doesn't treat me like a "second class citizen" because I don't have insurance or bags of money like I imagine some of the clients going for .. I don't know, Botox or other more cosmetic issues go for. (I'm always afraid that will happen in any medical practice.) She asked me why I hadn't been there sooner and I sort of implied I thought there wasn't much i could do, she was so sweet and said that there is always something we can do. Her staff is also very polite .. . and they have immaculate skin! i hope to treat myself to something that will help my scars after we get a handle on my acne issue."
"I've been going to Dr. Welsh for 10 years and have always been pleased with my experience in every way. Dr. Welsh caught the beginning of skin cancer on my face, which my primary was able to remove immediately. She and her staff are friendly, warm and attentive. (Yes, sometimes doctors do run behind...)I love Dr. Welsh and her staff more than they love skin!"
"I am actually really surprised I have never written about Dr. Welsh. I am sure it is because, selfishly, I don't want her to get too popular so that I can't get an appointment. But to give credit where credit is due, Dr. Welsh is hands down the best dermatologist in the city. I have been seeing her for about 10 years and would never trust anyone else with my skin. She is incredibly talented, conservative, and only recommends what she really thinks will be best for you and your skin type. 5 stars."
"I am a fan. I have had two visits. One she is a GREAT cosmetic dermatologist. She's qualifed and knows the latest and greatest in procedures. I had heard this from two different friends who swear by her advice. I am overwhelmed by the amount of beauty advice so it's nice to go to someone who can sort through the latest things and render a medical opinion on them. A few thoughts... I think that you will wait in the lobby if you come mid-day or later day which is typical for most doctors. i was seen right away the second time and I had to wait for 25 minutes on the first visit. At that time she had an emergency patient that came in, totally understandable why she was late. This is not an appt that you want to schedule if you are in a hurry right after. She has a great personality and I do think that she cares about her patients. I had a very bad allergic reaction to some eye cream and I was seen right away. I got some medication and a visit with a nurse right away. I am still checking it all out but a few observations that might be helpful. One, this is not a regular dermatologist office so people need to stop complaining about insurance. Second, you will wait a bit but that is sort of normal for most doctors. Third, she's not going to spend 15 minutes with you. She's there to diagnose and she's got capable staff to figure it out with you. Finally, the front desk folks are perfectly nice. They do look good and if they didn't look good, you might question it ... this is a cosmetic dermatologist's office! I think that some reviewers seem envious. Going back and checking out more. Will update accordingly."
"I wanted to wait a few months before I wrote this review, since I had a very mixed impression of this office. On the positive note, I am using some of Kathleen's topical products and I am seeing huge results in only two months. I think the ladies in the office were extremely lovely and not snotty at all. I am not one of those society high net worth ladies, but they were extremely friendly and proactive with me. I thought, for the very brief time (see negative below) I spent with Kathleen she was extremely sharp, personable and knows skin very well. They did offer a bunch of other treatments and other creams, but when I did not express interest, I did not feel like they were pushy at all. On the negative side, I spent a shocking amount of money on products (to the point my husband was like, "holly XX" you spent what?) and felt like I only spent the most 8-10 minutes with the doctor. I felt extremely rushed to a point where I think it was a little uncomfortable for the nurse. In theory, you would think I would get more time since I was paying out of pocket. I did have to wait since I came in the afternoon for 30-45 minutes. I am definitely going back a second time since I am seeing solid results, but hope I feel so rushed with the doctor next time."
"My step mom introduced me to Dr. Welsh a long time ago(maybe around 10 years ago now) and I am glad she did. Dr. Welsh is a great doctor and dermatologist. Just check her credentials.No, she doesn't take insurance, but I don't go to her for anything that insurance would cover. I used to when she DID, but have since only seen her for cosmetic purposes. I have been conservative(just topical products) thus far but she has explained to me procedures and products from both ends of the spectrum. When I am ready to go a little more aggressively, you can BET this is the woman with whom I will work. Yes, sometimes you do have to wait, but it is worth it. This is one of those professionals who is really worth the time and money. Her office staff are really sweet as well. For what its worth, I have two other friends who see her and they are both pleased with their results as well."
"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 am a HUGE fan of Doctor Welsh's office. I hit my mid-twenties and suddenly I broke out in the worst acne I have ever had. After spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora and other stores to try to improve my skin with no success, I finally decided to see a doctor. I chose Doctor Welsh because of her great resume and location. So far, I am very glad I did. (Note: I have only seen Doctor Welsh twice now over a span of two months, which I guess is still pretty early to see results, so keep in mind that this review is based less on results and more on my experience with her office.)I don't have insurance that covers dermatology right now, so I had to pay out-of-pocket for both visits. But I was willing to do anything to save my skin. (In any event, I guess the way Dr. Welsh's office deals with insurance would require me to pay out-of-pocket anyway.) I told Dr. Welsh about my financial concerns during my first appointment, and she was incredibly understanding. She made every effort to recommend products and treatments to keep my costs down, at least until my job starts and I can afford to do more. My first time in her office she waived the $150 visit fee and just charged me for the in-office treatment I received. Amazing!Dr. Welsh is a busy woman, so do not expect to have a long drawn-out visit with her. But she could not have been more understanding, proactive, and kind during the conversations I had with her. Also, her knowledgeable staff more than make up for the limited time with Dr. Welsh herself. I COMPLETELY disagree with the reviews that say that the staff is unfriendly. On both of my visits, an assistant patiently answered each of my questions and took the time to make sure I understood my new facial regimen. Several times I have called the office to ask questions about my treatments, and each time an extremely nice, bubbly assistant answered the phone who patiently and knowledgeably answered all of my questions right on the spot -- no charge and no wait!I hope my results are as good as my experience with the office has been. I trust Dr. Welsh and definitely would recommend her to anyone seeking expert help with their skin needs."
"I was referred to Dr. Welsh by several of my friends who see her. My mom and I both went and were seen promptly and with friendly service from both the esthetician and Dr. W. Both my mom and I were pleased and will be returning."
"Dr Welsh is a great dermatologist! I've been to many derms at the best medical institutions in the country and rate Dr. Welsh at the top. She is smart, caring, conscientious, reasonably priced and provides very effective treatments. I have never waited very long in her office, although I make my appts in the morning. She comes in, works quickly and moves on, but I always get all of my questions answered. I feel lucky to have found her!"
"I did not see Dr. Welsh because she does not take insurance, but when I called the office to understand my options Julie was extremely helpful. She not only entertained my questions about how visits work, are priced and what service I need but she offered two referrals to doctors that take insurance. Finding any kind of Doctor can be very scary and difficult, so friendly advice and referrals from a reputable practice are a huge help.I would go here if insurance was not an issue."
"The Best Dermatologist - I have been going to Dr. Welsh for five years now and find that she's a godsend. I have rosacea and she has improved the skin on my face 100% - you would never know I had the condition. She's very caring and compassionate, and fun! I would not hesitate to make an appointment with her. Sometimes, her office is so jammed that you have to wait a long time. I find that very frustrating and believe it could be better managed. However, I find her worth the wait."
"Thank god for a practitioner who knows exactly what they are doing."
"dr welsh is wonderful! i got laser hair removal done from here and never had to wait. after my experience with american laser cener, i would spend more at dr welsh for the service i get there is amazing. people at acl were rude and very disrespectful (once they had my business and the 3K in their account)"
"For years, i had suffered with a strange skin condition. the skin under my armpits was very dry and discolored. i went to about 3 or 4 dermatologists before coming to see dr. welsh, and she was a lifesaver. everyone had been wrong about my condition, except her. she knew exactly what it was, gave me a biopsy just to make sure, and turned out to be right. she prescribed me antibiotics, that made the condition go away COMPLETELY. i was so surprised at how well she knew her stuff and how quickly she made my condition go away.her staff gets kudos as well. they are extremely friendly, and not to mention all have amazing skin and are a great representation of dr. welsh's work! dr. welsh was very nice, extraordinarily helpful, and although she was a bit expensive, she was absolutely worth it and i recommend her!"
"I have been going to Dr. Welsh for almost four years and absolutely love her! She is up to date on all the newest procedures and takes the time to really understand my needs and concerns!"
"Dr. Welsh and all her staff are super nice. If you need to get your skin checked out she is the right dermatologist to go to. She has such a nice way of explaining and assuring and of course best of it her treatments worked for me. I am so glad I found her and will go back!"
"Really the best -- worth the wait - She's terrific. I see her for real skin problems and for cosmetic things. She's very gentle and fast in removing things. On the cosmetic front, she's quite good, and she doesn't push too much. I'm a guy, and she said she wouldn't do botox in two areas at once, but would alternate forehead and eyes. She was giving up 350 or so in money, but she really won my trust. Her products do get pricey, so I'd recommend you ask her what she suggests and buy at skin1 on line."
"Fraxel Re:store Worth It for Acne Scars and Melasma - Conservative approach; excellent risk management/mitigation; approaches as part of overall skin program; understands how skin issues affect self esteem"
"I reserved my review of Dr. Welsh until after several weeks to see the results of my recommended treatment - and I'm pleased to say that I'm 100% satisfied. Dr. Welsh is an excellent dermatologist with a lot of knowledge - she explains things clearly and thoroughly. I find her bedside manner to be just right for this field - friendly but direct - there's no sugar-coating here, and that's what I want from someone treating my skin.I was concerned when reading the reviews about the recurring themes of scheduling and lack of timeliness. Regarding scheduling, I had no problem at all tetting an appointment a couple weeks out at a time I preferred as a brand new patient. That was a pleasant surprise!When I arrived for my appointment, I was prepared with my Blackberry to get through work emails, and looked around the waiting area (and the actual doc office) to find an entertaining array of magazines - fantastic. Much to my surprise, I didn't have that much time for either distraction. On my first visit, I waited a bit longer both to be called from reception and for Dr. Welsh once I got back there, but nothing notable. On my second visit, I barely had time to settle into my comfortable chair in the waiting room, and perhaps even less to wait for Dr. Welsh.There's also been a lot made of their insurance policy here. First, they are very clear when you schedule your appointment that they do not accept all insurance, and that you will have to pay $150 up-front first, regardless. Second, I actually received about 80% coverage - and was notified of this in just a few weeks.My last response to some comments here is that I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful - not at all snooty. Bottom line: If you're looking for a respected dermatologist that will yield results, and prefer a "pretty" environment to the typical medical office, definitely give Dr. Welsh a shot."
"I'm reserving judgment. I was peeved that after being 15 minutes early, I had to wait 25 minutes past my appointment time to see the doctor. Looking past the 1 hour of my life I'd have rather manifested as sleep than waiting, Dr. Welsh was quite hurried, and I didn't feel the $150-with-no-insurance-coverage I spent for the 15 minute consultation was worth it. I really just wanted simple product recommendations, like soap and sunscreen, and instead was shunted towards expensive drugs, peels, and lasers.I originally wrote a scathing review, but I'm revising now because it's not Dr. Welsh's fault that I had high expectations. I was hoping she was different that other dermatologists, with keen insights into the products that could work *with* me. Instead, I was jolted by the scrape-burn-zap mentality which, in retrospect, defines western medicine. So it's not her fault that I was hoping she would empathize with my more gentle approach and accommodate it. That being said, I'm still out $150 and right where I started.--- revision 3/5/09I'm changing my review to 4 stars from 2 stars. As it turns out, another dermatologist recommended the same treatment that Dr. Welsh had recommended to me, and it worked. I think I was so irritated by the long wait to meet Dr. Welsh that I wasn't ready to hear anything she had to say, and her hurried delivery didn't help. All this being said, though, she was correct, and on top of that, her staff has been quite supportive and helpful during followups, providing exactly the product recommendations I wanted. So I now trust them for various products, which are summing up to be a whole lot more than that initial consultation.--- revision 8/7/11I'm now changing my review to 5 stars. I'm now a complete convert to the ministry of Dr. Welsh. I have gone from horrible acne that Accutane could barely control to gorgeous glowing skin even my Asian relatives fawn over (with Latisse-enhanced eyelashes). It's also refreshing to go to someone trustworthy and say, hey, I don't like this unevenness in my skin (yes- now that the color is fresh and even, now I want to perfect the texture!) and she knows the latest in getting it addressed. She also has the latest products that I buy for friends as gifts and all of them buy more when they've finished. I can't recommend Dr. Welsh more. It's expensive, but it's worth it. I don't even wear makeup anymore to go out! Literally just some Sumbody chapstick and that's *it*."
"I can not tell you enough how happy i am that i went to see Dr. Welsh. As i get older the sun spots on my face started to get a little darker, which made my skin really uneven. After seeing her, she could have easily gotten a peel or something that would have been VERY expensive, but after speaking with me and looking at my skin, she gave me some skin care products that have completely fixed the problem. I was leery of the restylane injections, but now i am sold. After one week of using the products and after having the restylane, everyone said to me that i look like i am 10 years younger and i look very rested and glowing. No one has ever said that to me! I cant wait to go back i and show them the results i have had with the products, and when the restylane needs to be filled again, i will be there will bells on, my lips never looked so good, and the lines around my nose, and mouth are totally gone. She took back the clock for me 10 years! The staff was nice, and helpful, and the office was beautiful and very calming."
"Dr. Welsh is by far one of the best cosmetic dermatoligist's around!!!!! her staff is beyond professional and actually very sweet. yea you might have to wait but like i said earlier she's one of the best. so pick up a magazine and relax it will be worth the wait. your skin will never have looked better!!!!!!!"
"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"
"I went back for my touch up and she worked her magic again. My lips look amazing and I have no bruising. I let her decide where to touch them up and she was ultra gentle. One of the staff even came in and put makeup on me to hide the redness before I left AND she didnt charge me for the touch-up!I plan to go back in 4 months and do it again, and I plan to use Dr Welsh as my doctor for all my skin care needs. I would rather pay of out pocket for her then use a doctor covered by my insurance. She is that good."
"Dr. Welsh is a great dermatologist. I'm a little surprised at some of the bad reviews-It seems more people have entitlement issues rather than issues about her competence as a doctor. First of all, shes a doctor. Doctors are expensive-especially cosmetic dermatologists. Dont look for a bargain..for doctors, surgeons, tattoo artists, etc...Go to the best one you can find. Her staff is very friendly-and Dr. Welsh is sweet . She is also very busy..like most doctors, dont expect her to spend an hour with you talking about your wrinkles. Does your gp do that? probably not. Pushing products? Whats the alternative? She knows what shes talking about. Obaggi is expensive, but just tell her you want something cheaper. Mark ups? Come on, people..tell me where you shop that doesnt have huge mark ups. Please. I went to her about 8 years ago..I recently came back and she was still totally cool, even with her big staff (with the most covetable skin EVER) and her swanky new office space. Quit your spoiled-brat complaining..go to see her or just go to walgreens and buy some clearasil."
"I have a strongly emotional, very high opinion of Dr. Welsh. If I had gone to her ten years earlier, I would have such better skin now. I had moderate but persistent acne my entire life and saw a million dermatologists. They all did strange ice treatments, gave me Retin-A and sent me on my way - all to absolutely no avail, except that I got dry red skin still populated with blemishes. Then I started getting mega pimples at age 30, just months before my wedding. Enter Dr. Welsh. By the time of my wedding, I had perfect skin, and my skin is still pretty much acne-free more than two years later. Now I am going to see her for spots and lines - I wouldn't dream of seeing anyone else.Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's crowded. But it's popular for a reason and you get what you pay for. She saved my skin, and again, how I wish I had seen her years earlier. What a lot of heartache it would have saved! They love skin - my skin loves Dr. Welsh!"
"I love Dr. Welsh. I love the Obagi line they recommended for me. Yes, it is pricey, but it lasts a LONG time and your skin will thank you. And I love the Jane Iredale pressed powder. It is mineral-based, lasts FOREVER and makes your skin look awesome. If you care about your skin, go visit her, it is so so so worth it. If you are a Lever 2000-on-the-face-kind-of-a-girl, you probably won't appreciate what she dishes out."
"Dr. Welsh is probably the most knowledgeable cosmetic dermatologist in SF. I feel Dr. Welsh offers the best services available in a professional and caring manner."
"after years of trying to find a good dermatologist in san francisco, i finally have. dr. welsh knows what she's doing. the first thing she asked me was if i used birth control and what type was it. i quickly learned that was causing probably 70-80 percent of my recent bad skin, ie acne. i couldn't believe it. less than a year before i saw one of the city's most well known dermatologists, he even treats the stars, and he NEVER asked me once about the pill. i always thought all birth control was good for the skin. turns out the nuva ring causes acne in many patients. dr. welsh was also quick to point out that my cute little freckles of which i have sooooo many were actually sun spots and recommended a few products for me to use to clear those up to even out my skin tone. after three weeks of a red face, they are finally working and i am happy about it. my skin is on it's way to looking better than it has in years. i asked her about a chemical peel and she gave me a firm no. i like a doctor that is going to be honest with me and not give me a procedure i don't need. and not to mention everyone in her office has great skin and is very nice and knows what they are talking about. looking forward to my next visit."
"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."
"Dr. Welsh = God in my world. Seriously.If you want to try botox or restylane or something like that, she is your go to person. Chemical peel? No problem. She's expensive, but worth it. You can't put a price on beauty."
"I normally don't Yelp right away, but I just saw Dr. Welsh this morning and was so happy with my appointment that I wanted to write a glowing review. I haven't had great luck with dermatologists over the years, so I searched yelp and decided to give her office a try. They did not disappoint! Everyone was super friendly and the office is very nice. Dr. Welsh came in and actually took time to talk to me and answered my questions. She was really knowledgeable and made me feel totally comfortable. Of course she recommended some of their products (which were pricey), but they weren't pushy at all. They gave me good-sized samples and offered advice for cheaper over the counter stuff. This was appreciated since they don't take insurance. Small downside is that the waiting list is kinda long for new patients, but if you can wait a month or two...it's worth it!"
"I love, love Dr. Welsh! I go to visit her probably about quarterly and I leave there feeling like a superstar. All the upkeep and products that she's recommended have been great."
"I finally decided to see a dermatologist, surprising given that I am particular about the facial creams, or type of SPF I use on my face, and the fact that I consume huge amounts of water on a daily basis. So I searched for dermatologists on yelp and decided to check out Dr. Kathleen Welsh. When it comes to dermatologists I set the bar really high. Even though I'm only interested in basic services, I'd like to know that the doctor is highly competent. That way if I do end up spending $$$$ I would feel better knowing it was worth the sacrifice. Back when I was insured w/Kaiser, I took advantage and scheduled regular visits w/dermatologists. I felt slightly irritated by the doctor's vague answers to my specific questions. My appointments with Kaiser were sometimes a waste of time and money. So I wanted to avoid this the second time around by doing some research. First step was going to her website: weloveskin.com (very fitting title that might as well be their company motto). Here's what I learned: Dr. Welsh earned her medical degree from Harvard, finished a specialty training at Stanford, and completed her residency at UCSF. Very competent indeed. The staff all have glowing, flawless skin. It's like a preview of what type of results I can expect. And on top of that the staff were helpful and friendly. My appointment went very well, I was left completely satisfied with the answers to my questions, and I was given a few samples to try at home. I should say that they do not accept insurance, which was a big deal for me. But they do bill your insurance provider, as an option for payment on some treaatments. They also take american express. The entire appointment cost me $130, which means I will be living off salads and more water for a week. This also means I probably can only afford to see her once a month. But in my opinion she is worth the cost."
"Be advised: Dr. Welsh does not accept insurace of any kind. I guess she has an "exclusive" clientele . . . although that MAY be an unfair generalization."
"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!"
"Caring dermatologist - Dr. Welsh is great. She treated me for a facial scar, and was really wonderful and caring. Highly recommend!"
"Caring dermatologist – Dr. Welsh is great. She treated me for a facial scar, and was really wonderful and caring. Highly recommend!"
"When each member of Dr. Welsh's staff has perfectly flawless complexions, they become a walking advertisement and reassurance for her practice. Her consultations are friendly, honest and practical. In fact, she has no problem using her radiant-skinned assistants to demonstrate the effectiveness of one treatment or another. Restalyne, for example.Now, being that I'm not a Hollywood celebrity, I can shamelessly admit to receiving my first treatment of the wonder-wrinkle-remover. Quick, painless and instantly noticeable results. If beauty is only skin-deep, then make sure to trust your skin to Dr. Welsh."
"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."
"Dr. Welsh is absolutely great. I was so nervous about my tattoo removal, but she totally calmed my fears, and also provided me with anesthetic to ease the pain. I've had 4 visits with her so far, and I have been more and more impressed on each visit.I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a cosmetic or just a regular old dermatologist.""
"Excellent efficient dermatogist - she completely cleared up my skin four years ago and for that I am forever grateful (my skin looked awful and I had been to countless different doctors and spent thousands on various treatments). She is amazing and her staff is friendly and always upbeat and cheerful."
"Dr. Welsh is the very best! - I have been a patient of Dr. Welsh for about one year and I've had the very best results from her treatment. She has a vast amount of experience and knowledge and puts you at ease instantly with her straight forward answers and great advise. She really looks forward into long-term care and I have the upmost faith in her with any and all my needs as I age (gracefully) and slowly!"
"Dr. Welsh is the very best! – I have been a patient of Dr. Welsh for about one year and I've had the very best results from her treatment. She has a vast amount of experience and knowledge and puts you at ease instantly with her straight forward answers and great advise. She really looks forward into long-term care and I have the upmost faith in her with any and all my needs as I age (gracefully) and slowly!"