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 RHA® Procedures in San Francisco, CA
"I've been patient almost ten years now they're the best.Dr. Andrea Austin is the best.❤️❤️❤️With Botox and fillers, I always maintain a natural look. It’s so hard to find a doctor who does the procedures well, but not once has my face ever looked unnatural.I'm so happy thank youMina. ."
"I had another fantastic appointment with Dr. Austin today. Every time I’m in her chair I feel completely at ease and well taken care of. Her knowledge and technique of injectables is amazing. Dr. Austin and her staff are truly the best!!"
"Dr. Welsh and her staff are wonderful.Today I saw her to remove fillers another Dermatologist did. She removed the fillers.And did an excellent job."
"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 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!!"
"Had a great experience with Dr. Austin! She clarified where my product regimen was lacking, prescribed a medication to mitigate this dry patch that always shows up in the same spot on my chin. She did 2 different fillers for different parts of my face. It’s looks great! I have an appointment in 3 months for some laser & a chemical peel. Can’t wait! Thank you so much Dr. Austin."
"Dr. Austin is, without a doubt, the most talented doctor I've ever had the pleasure of consulting. Her knowledge extends far beyond traditional dermatology - in her words, it's her job "to not just know about the skin, but everything going on underneath it." If you're looking for someone who truly cares, look no further. I bounced through dermatologists and medspas for decades, until I found Dr. Austin seven years ago. I came to her with the goal of "feeling confident without makeup." She's helped me achieve that, and so much more. I now live outside of the Bay Area, and drive a couple hours each way to see her. Totally worth it. I'd take a cross-country flight to see her (and you should, too). She's constantly reading new research papers, and gathering more information for her ever-expanding arsenal. She's done extensive research specifically to support my needs better - as she does for every single client. She's more informed than any doctor I've ever been to, and I seek out her opinion on every medical issue I face. Her work IS the cutting edge of medicine. My dandruff is gone. My keratosis pilaris is gone. My eczema is gone. My dark circles are gone, and my hair is thick again. My dry skin is finally manageable, after decades of struggle. I can go foundation-free if I want. My botox and fillers are flawless and understated, and my face is beautifully symmetrical. I'm aging gracefully (and look much younger than my peers, thanks to her!). I genuinely trust her advice more than the advice of my friends and family, and wish I had found her sooner. She's encouraged me to pursue the diagnosis and treatment of multiple autoimmune conditions that were affecting my whole-body health, including Hashimoto's, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Where some doctors lack in understanding, she excels. She's suggested more effective workouts, simple routine changes, and medical-grade products that have saved me thousands of dollars. At this point, I give her a budget and let her do whatever she wants. She carefully respects my financial constraints, and addresses my needs without judgement. Her office isn't cheap, but I find that every single treatment is far more effective than any other office I've been to. The lasers available at her office are some of the most advanced in the country. She administers injectables artfully, and does more with less. Everything is heavily based in science - and it really, really works. I have no doubt that Dr. Austin will continue to receive well-deserved accolades and recognition. I know I'm seeing one of the best dermatologists in the world, and I am so grateful. I can't sing her praises enough. I'm honored to be in her care, and consider myself blessed to have gained a wonderful friend in the process. It makes me a little emotional to write this review, because she's truly changed my life so much. Thank you, Doctor Austin! I can't wait to see you next!"
"I began noticing signs of aging in my late 30s. Being a dermatologist myself, I was aware that lost volume could be restored with fillers. It’s crucial to entrust your face to a professional whose results consistently deliver a natural look aligned with your goals.About six years ago, Dr. Hui administered fillers to my cheeks, and the effects endured for many years. Recently, I realized that I needed some enhancements, so I traveled from New York to California to see Dr. Austin. This time, we added a few more syringes to my temples and chin, significantly improving my facial harmony. Even when I showed up at work tired after an overnight flight, I received numerous compliments about my rejuvenated appearance!!!Dr. Austin’s expertise in facial anatomy, artistic proportions, and the quality of different fillers is unparalleled. Moreover, her advice on skincare, prevention, and maintaining youthful skin is invaluable. Plus, she is a pleasure to be around, that makes the experience both enjoyable and informative."
"Dr Austin is an absolute expert in cosmetic dermatology….. the best! Her skills with fillers are amazing…. It’s definitely an art and she’s the artist! She is such a beautiful and kind person as well! Love her."
"Staff very professional and attentive. Appreciated that Dr. He thoroughly explained what was causing the puffiness and dark circles under my eyes and then gave me several options for treatment.I was told what to expect with my treatment of choice and what to do post treatment. All in all, I enjoyed the care I received."
"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."
"As an Asian, I know that I have the genetic advantage of looking young for my age. That can be negated by baking in the sun. I decided to stay out of the sun since my late 20s when I finally stopped going to the tanning salon (!!!). I also decided rather late in life to finally take care of my skin.I *almost* didn’t want to write this review about Dr. He, fearful that he will get so busy I’ll have to book appointments with him at least a month in advance! Yes, I know that’s selfish of me but I am a little bit proprietary when it comes to good doctors - if I find a doctor who not only has an amazing and compassionate manner AND super knowledgeable in his/her field, I’m a patient for life. I originally went to Dr. He for filler. When I first met him, I couldn’t stop staring at his skin. I wanted my skin to look like his! He told me what he could do for me and not only did he end up educating me about different fillers but suggested different treatments I could get.Because Dr. He is such a good educator about skin, I have gotten various treatments for my rosacea and other issues and have been very happy with everything he suggested."
"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!"
"Dr. Hui is a master at what she does. I’ve sent friends and family to her for years and all of them have been happy with the results of her recommendations and treatments (fillers, botox, laser treatments, surgery). She has an incredible eye and a gentle hand. In addition, she has been nothing short of professional, personable and truly caring towards her patients. She has the ability to make you feel completely taken care of and for that reason, she’s my go to dermatologist."
"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!"
"Wow, what I can say?! I love Dr. Hui because Dr. Hui made me love my skin again. I don’t frown at myself in the mirror the first thing in the morning anymore. I see an overall improvement in my skin tone and texture and got compliments from coworkers and friends who noticed a difference in a few weeks.I looked up Dr. Hui on yelp and decided to give her a try. My skin before I saw Dr. Hui was very sensitive, dry and sun damaged; my skin was also thinning due to aging so I lost volume around my eyes, cheeks and especially around my smiley line area. I met with Dr. Hui, who quickly identified my skin issues, and took time to ask me what my goals are with my skin, made some recommendations on daily home skin care and answered my questions. Dr. Hui stressed that the majority of improvement to my skin can be done at home if I follow my regime and stay out of sun. Our goal for me is to have beautiful skin that doesn’t need any makeup to cover up.We settled on a home care regime that I thought was agreeable, decided to get fillers that day and photo facials in a few weeks. Dr. Hui performed the injections of the fillers her self, she was fast and gentle and I didn’t get any bruise at all. After I went home, I started using the products she recommended and following the home care regime we agreed upon. My skin has improved significantly over the past few weeks. The products Dr. Hui recommend for me to use as part of my home care skin routine were reasonably priced compared to skin care products at Sephora, SAKs or Neiman. The best part that made me have more confidence in purchasing skin care products based on Dr. Hui’s recommendations is that her recommendations are based on my skin, what need to be improved and what need to be corrected, very personal and there is no guessing game.I went back to see Dr. Hui after 4 weeks of following my home care regime for our scheduled photo facial. Once again, Dr. Hui performed the photo facial herself, she was fast and gentle but took care to make sure she didn’t miss any spots. During the procedure she asked and made sure I was comfortable. She also explained to me what to expect after the photo facial and stressed about staying out the sun while the skin is healing. Dr. Hui also shared her stories of how to keep UV damage low while she was vacationing at the Galapogos, which I thought was very personable and really shows she practices what she preaches. I’m really looking forward to my results after my second photo facial in a few weeks. It’s always pleasant to see Dr. Hui knowing I’m in good hands and my skin as well."
"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!"
"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 :-)))"
"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 :-)))"
"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!"
"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-Star Long 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."