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.
"I’ve been attending Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatologist for many years. All providers and their support staff are highly professional and supportive in their care. More recently, I’ve been seeing Steven He. M.D. and I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking an outstanding dermatologist who takes pride in his work."
"Dr. He is the best! He answers all my questions patiently, is so personable and knowledgeable, and has the lightest touch. He’s not ever pushy on procedures or products and he comes up with a game plan for me. I always feel like I’m in good hands with him!"
"I have been seeing Dr. He and the staff at BACD for over a year now and it has been a very pleasant experience. I will continue to come back and likely have my husband sign up as a patient soon as well to address some of his skin needs. After all of the things I put my skin through, I am so grateful to work with someone so warm and thoughtful! He is the last person to try to sell you services and listens intently to your needs. He’s also highly knowledgeable and excellent at getting to the root cause of your issues, which I really appreciate — I am very fortunate to have a simple effective skin care routine thanks to him which is aligned with my lifestyle and needs."
"Dr. He and the entire team, from front desk to the nurses, are extremely helpful. They explain the process in detail, step by step. I highly recommend this place."
"I've been looking for an amazing dermatologist, and Dr. He is so him! Dr. He removed red spots from my face, and he also removed a really bad looking big growth on my back. Somehow this magician did it all in a flash and without leaving any scaring at all. I know a little bit about the industry--I managed Tenaya Med Spa for years. I sometimes have former clients ask me who I now recommend, and up until I visited Dr. He and Dr. Welsh, I didn't know what to say. But wow, I sure do now--to experience is to believe. Dr. He's no-rush kindness and skill level is the best of the best. Even better than the best! It's so comforting to know that such elite dermatology exists in San Francisco, and especially from such a nice person like Dr. He."
"Dr. He has been a tremendous help over the couple years I’ve gone to him. So thankful for all the progress we’ve made and the care he’s given. There’s nowhere else I would go now!"
"Dr. He is a very skilled cosmetic dermatologist! For several years I have been trying to decrease the natural signs of aging on my face-without success. Until I started to see Dr. He. He accurately pinpointed the simple steps he could take that would achieve the most gratifying results and then expertly followed thru! Thank you Dr. He!"
"My experiences with Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology over the past several year have been of consistent professionalism; deep knowledge and their current services as well as future technologies."
"Mary is always wonderful and so helpful! Very warm and friendly- she makes the whole experience easier and more enjoyable. I appreciate her expertise and her treatments are always very effective!"
"The Staff are very friendly and professional. The real superstars are the doctors themselves. They explain everything and make you feel well cared for. It was a very pleasant experience despite the needles. Diane Howard"
"I always have the best experience when visiting Bay Area cosmetics. All of the staff and practitioners are knowledgeable and I always walk away feeling great about my services."
"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 Austin took my decent mid-50's skin and flagging self-esteem and made them really, really great. She flawlessly filled old acne scars, removed pre-cancer bits and rosacea, smoothed wrinkles, snatched up my jawline and explained how anatomy and biochem work during my visits. She's made a long-term plan for me and all her patients that seem like the minimum of highly effective things, so we all look startlingly better but still believable and healthy. Dr Austin is gentle, rational and super trustworthy. She's like a wizard. Her team is awesome, too."
"This was my first appointment. All staff welcoming. Cynthia reviewed a very thorough treatment plan, and took into account my specific needs. I scheduled treatments . I cannot wait to get started!"
"Katy Leonard provided me with vbeam yesterday, she is very kind and knowledgable - she did a fantastic, thorough job. Really friendly. Just fantastic service. The whole team at this office has always been great, it's why I keep going back."
"I'm a regular patient here, and always impressed with the friendliness and efficiency of the staff, nurses and doctors. Cannot recommend this place highly enough!!"
"I HIGHLY recommend this dermatology practice. Yes, it is pricey but it is worth it in terms of Dr. Austin’s skill and attention to detail, as well as most importantly, THE RESULTS. My skin was fine (in fact, pretty good/nothing to complain about) before going to see Dr. Austin, but after a few treatments and visits, I feel like I have the best skin of my life! Clear, fewer lines, just overall texture has been improved!Ok, so some basic tips if you are like me (a person who normally goes to see a doctor and pays a $20 copay to fix a problem or get a checkup versus trying to improve something about my body):1. Research and prepare yourself BEFORE the visit! The doctors will tell you about various procedures that you can do, and it may feel overwhelming at the moment. I personally found it better to go slowly - lasers and creams, fine, other stuff, no for now, etc. It is also better to have a sense of what various things will cost because there can be sticker shock at the end (e.g., $1,000+ per visit). 2. Better to speak up and communicate directly with the doctor. Every relationship takes time, and the doctor can’t read your mind. Back to point one, if you are a newbie like me, it is totally fine to say no to a procedure and start slowly. Moreover, if you encounter issues (or feel like there is a miscommunication), it’s better to reach out directly to the practice. This happened to me where I misunderstood something Dr Austin said - I reached out to the practice, and she called me back right away, which I really appreciated. 3. It is a medical practice but also a business. At first I thought the quick checkout was jarring especially with sticker shock, but now, I love it! It is very efficient because I’ve been to the practice a few times and understand the rhythm. Thank you BACD!!!"
"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."
"Another excellent experience with Dr Austin. So attentive to every question and everything she has recommended has worked. I’m so grateful to have found her and plan to be a regular customer for many years to come for twice annual visits."
"Excellent service especially Ms Cynthia Chaghouri! Her smile and the way she explained the process and talked through it and made sure I was always comfortable, made this a very pleasant and relaxing experience! Highly recommended"
"Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology is an office I trust to have the equipment, skills and experience to take care of all of my medical and aesthetic dermatological needs. They stay up to date with the most current technologies and techniques, so I know I’m getting the best treatment the medical profession has, to help address everything from acne to sun damage and the effects of aging on my delicate skin. I’ve been a patient of this office for decades, and regularly have people comment on how youthful and healthy my face looks (has a bit to do with genetics but much more to do with the care I get from BACS). I *strongly* recommend you schedule a visit to BACS for top-notch medical care that will keep your skin healthy, and will help you maintain a highly natural youthful aesthetic."
"I have been to many dermatologists in the Bay Area and only since under Dr. Austin’s care have I had incredible results. She has been able to effectively treat my post pregnancy case of severe rosacea (5 other derms could not!), accumulated sun damage and sun cancer prevention. I am so grateful. If you are struggling with any skin condition, I know Dr. Austin and team will be able to help. They are amazing!!"
"I can’t say enough great things about BACD. I always have a great experience when I visit. I recently went in for a Sofwave treatment administered by Stacey Baenen, who is a fantastic practitioner, both in terms of skill and "bedside manner". She always puts me at ease and gives great advice. Dr. Austin also popped in for a few minutes to say hello and offer some advice - she always goes the extra mile, which shows how invested she is in her patients. I am really impressed with everyone at BACD - everyone is friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this practice."
"I can't say enough great things about BACD. I always have a great experience when I visit. Today I went in for a Sofwave treatment administered by Stacey Baenen, who is a fantastic practitioner, both in terms of skill and "bedside manner". She always puts me at ease and gives great advice. Dr. Austin also popped in for a few minutes to say hello and offer some advice - she always goes the extra mile, which shows how invested she is in her patients. I am really impressed with everyone at BACD - everyone is friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this practice."
"Dr Austin has the right touch. A true professional with a charming personality to match. A few minutes with her and its years of facial aging wiped away."
"Amazing service every time! All of the staff are professional, friendly, and super knowledgeable. My skin looks and feels great after my facial, and all of the product recommendations I got were tailored to my specific skincare needs."
"As usual, my experience was professional and warm. The gal who handled my many phone calls to get registered for tele visits, Katrina and the PA, Cinthia were very pleasant to work with. I was especially happy that I was able to take care of my needs through a tele visit! Thanks Bay Area Cosmetics. You never disappoint!!"
"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. Austin is awesome. She is extremely competent, skilled, knowledgable, and an expert in her field. I trust her completely. She is also warm, kind, generous and caring. She is the absolute best! She has done wonders with my skin. I often get compliments and I feel more confident. I actually look forward to my appointments. I always feel welcome and supported by BACD’s entire staff. Everyone is helpful, friendly and pleasant. Thank you!"
"Every time I see Cynthia I walk away feeling like a million bucks. I always feel heard and that she has a solution to a problem. It is rare that someone in her position is as calm and that she will make you feel like she doesn’t have a full plate in her day. All I ask when I come in to see someone about my skin is that they listen and have a solution and I walk away knowing I have a plan and a follow up and that is what she is best at. I am so happy with how she is professionally and personally. I really am happy with seeing her"
"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."
"BACD is a lovely and relaxing environment. Dr Austin is exceptional in her knowledge and care. She is personable with abilities beyond her years. A beautiful person inside & out!"
"If you’re ready to have the best skin and face of your life, Dr austin and her staff are the go-tos! Can’t say enough good things, bacd is life changing!"
"Dr. He is absolutely wonderful along with the staff at BACD. He really takes the time to address any questions or concerns you may have and is extremely knowledgeable, kind and understanding. I feel he truly wants the best for his patients. I’m so glad to have found Dr. He as he is a gem! While I may have to travel far to see him, I don’t mind, as I know I’m in good hands."
"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 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."
"Love love Dr Austin! She is so knowledgeable and provides the best care. I come out looking refreshed and with the knowledge to keep looking my best."
"Dr and staff very helpful. Had to wait a bit to be seen. They did make time to add in an additional procedure in this visit which was much more convenient. Good visit overall"
"I want to give an amazing shout out to Cynthia! She is hands-down, the best Botox administrator I have ever worked with. She is professional, on point, and truly listens to her patients. I wouldn’t go see anyone else. Cynthia rocks!"
"I love your office. I always look forward to my visits with Dr Austin and everyone who works there. She provides excellent consultation and recommendations on a consistent basis and the treatments always work and are effective. She has completely transformed my skin and improved my confidence and beauty. I’m so grateful to have found Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology and it’s clear others have found out about this practice recognizing the growth the office has had since I started coming to see Dr Austin around 2017-2018."
"I have been going to BACD regularly for many years and have never been disappointed. The staff are, without exception, kind and helpful. All of the providers that I have had contact with are incredibly knowledgeable, technically superior, and just genuinely nice. I know that Dr. Austin (the dermatologist I see there) has many other patients yet she always makes me feel like I am the most important person there. She takes the time to answer all my questions and then explains what she’s doing and why. If you are looking for a dermatology practice please believe me when I say that you will not be disappointed with the care you receive at BACD."
"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."
"Dr. Austin is an absolute star when it comes to skincare for many skin types and ailments. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the human body, and I always feel at ease when she treats me. I’ve been going to see Dr. Austin since 2016 and the BACD team has always been incredibly kind and thorough. I’d give extra stars if I could!"
"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. Austin and the wonderful team at BACD changed my life. I have always had eczema, but it was manageable. During the pandemic, I had a severe flare that covered my whole body and was so painful. It would not go away, and persisted for over a year. My old treatments did not work. I went to see Dr. Austin who took action, made a plan, and supported me throughout the treatment. Within 6 weeks, my skin was clear and has stayed that way. I am pain free. Now, she is helping me look and feel my best. BACD puts patients first. They support you with medical expertise and true care. Highly recommend!"
"I have been going to BACD since 1997 the staff and care I receive has been consist top notch. I highly recommend Dr Austin - if you are looking for a leading edge practitioner in dermatology she is the doctor to go to! I’ve been seeing her for 3 years now, and at the onset we built a personalized plan that met my lifestyle, budget and goals. It consists of in office treatments and an at home regime that has delivered amazing results. A Big thanks to Dr Austin for your commitment to excellence and the high standard of care you bring to me and each of your patients."
"The BACD team is top notch. Bringing leading preventative care solutions in office and personalized at home care routines. I know when I leave I have the exact program I need to maintain my skin health!"
"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."
"I come here and see Mary Krempa for a pretty large tattoo removal on my neck! Mary is super knowledgable and kind and was able to numb the entire area so I didnt feel a thing. She uses up to date techniques and a few different lasers and is super up front and honest about what to expect from the process. Ill be coming in every 4 weeks and im excited to get this process done. Glad i chose to go with bay area dermatology and not lazer away. Thanks Mary! 10/10"
"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."
"Katie and Bianca were great! I was a bit apprehensive about having Fraxel, but the prep was excellent (I was very numb), and there was very little pain. They answered all of my questions, and sent me home with detailed aftercare instructions. I look forward to seeing great results as the healing unfolds over the next few weeks, revealing my new, fresh face. Thanks, BACD!"
"Dr. Hui is amazing. A true expert in her craft with a passion for her work that shows through RESULTS that most promise but cannot attain. Technical brilliance and a genuine kind beside manner. Rare find."
"I have been seeing Dr. Austin for 4 years now. I initially saw her when I was experiencing some difficult to treat acne in my early 20s. She listened to my concerns and really educated me on proper skin care. Since then she has continued to help provide new products/recommendations based on my needs at that time. I have also been seeing her for filler and botox treatments for the past two years. She has always listened to what I wanted and given me incredible results. She keeps things natural and really has an amazing eye for the face and facial structure. Beyond her work, she is a really incredible doctor. Her bedside manner is unparalleled and she is always evidence based in her practice. She is a beautiful person who works hard to help others feel beautiful. 11/10 would recommend."
"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."
"The nurse who did my treatment, Mary, was so knowledgeable, smart and kind -- and also fun to talk to! She made sure that I was doing OK with the level of pain from the laser and took time to answer all my questions about follow-up care, future treatments, etc. I recommend her wholeheartedly!"
"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!"
"Dr Steven He is the best of the best. He is a top notch doctor and a perfectionist --exactly what I want in someone treating my face. He has helped me achieve my skin goals expertly. And, the best part is -- he is a sincerely kind person who is a pleasure to get to see. Thank you Dr He! (Also this office is run very professionally and I really appreciate their excellent customer service from the receptionists to the nurses!)"
"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."
"This is my first time seeing a cosmetic dermatologist at 26 yrs old for acne scarring on my cheeks, jawline and some on my temples that I’ve had for well over 8 yrs. I’ve always been super self conscious about it and I think have stopped myself from doing things that I enjoy due to it. I was able to book an appt with Dr. He and he was very reassuring. I might’ve been too comfortable to the point I didn’t ask all the questions I now have as someone hesitant to move forward with any kind of treatment, due to the trauma of previous non cosmetic dermatologist. As a mixed (Asian & black) individual, I’ve always been skeptical about how my skin would be treated since I don’t solely have genes of one particular race (which I’m uncertain if it’s even a factor). With that in mind, I really like that he went over treatment options that would be most beneficial for my skin with minimal to no side effects.I plan to move forward with subcision to get the ball rolling for my scars. I was prescribed products that were pretty pricy. $700 in total with the consultation fee. I also asked about the pricing of each treatment that may be best for me. I don’t think I’m desperate enough to cash out on anything for the sake of my skin without extensive research and consultation but I feel, and from previous reviews I’ve read, Dr. He is highly knowledgeable, takes his patients into consideration and i don’t think this will be for naught. If I know I’m in good hands I will be sure to return. I’m very anxious but very excited to finally give my skin the healing it deserves. So far Dr. He gets 5 stars from me and I’m looking forward to being under his care in the near future. I’ll follow up with this review then :)."
"When looking to regain my pre baby glow, I knew I had to seek out assistance from the one and only Dr. Austin. Not only were we pregnant around the same time so could relate to everything I was going through, she did so with the most empathy and personalized attention I could have ever imagined. Despite me not being local to the bay area, Dr. Austin continues to check in with me addressing any concerns I may have remotely. I seriously could not ask for more (other than to live a little closer). Thank you for all that you do and continue to do!"
"When looking to regain my pre baby glow, I knew I had to seek out assistance from the one and only Dr. Austin. Not only were we pregnant around the same time so could relate to everything I was going through, she did so with the most empathy and personalized attention I could have ever imagined. Despite me not being local to the bay area, Dr. Austin continues to check in with me addressing any concerns I may have remotely. I seriously could not ask for more (other than to live a little closer). Thank you for all that you do and continue to do!"
"Great work. I have my son’s wedding coming and as mother of the groom, I wanted my son to be proud of how I look. Cynthia, the Nurse Practitioner along with her assistant Bridget, have really done some nice work. After decades of being in the sun, my skin looks so much than it did. The redness is much paler and the tone is much more even. I had noticed that because of aging, my lips were so much thinner. Not anymore! It’s all been great, and I can’t wait for the wedding!"
"This review is long overdue! Dr. Austin is incredible at treating rosacea!! Dr. Austin has been life changing for me and my skin. I found her online from searching frantically for someone for years in the Bay who had experience working with rosacea. Rosacea started for me in my early 30s, what felt like out of no where during grad school. After trying many other things, including strictly cutting out foods that were irritating I was still having intense rosacea breakouts. Dr. Austin took pictures, explained what was happening and we went over my skin routine. I learned how there are different types of rosacea, she explained what can irritate it (which can include natural oils!) and then she gave me a very specific skin care routine with products. I saw results almost immediately after using sticking to the topical routine. I recently saw her after 3 years of sticking to my regimen and my skin has greatly improved. I flare maybe a few times a year with stress but it will usually go away that day with combo ointment meant for rosacea. I have even seen lines on my forehead go away with one of the topicals, an added bonus! She is also very encouraging, has a warm bedside manner. If you have been dealing with skin issues and the confidence behind that look no further, Dr. Austin is worth it!"
"When I turned 40, I decided to find the best cosmetic dermatology office in San Francisco for guidance and treatment. I praise the skin gods that I met Dr. Austin. She quite literally changed my skin… for the better. She’s listened to me, heard my goals and gave me a skin plan that I followed to a T. Two years in, my skin is balanced, bright, and healthy - dare I say youthful :-) if you want the best, don’t look any further."
"This review is long overdue... I have been seeing Dr. Andrea Hui Austin for the past seven years and she is the BEST! I’m a perfectionist and she addresses all of my skin concerns with skill and compassion. I don’t even mind driving up from Los Angeles to see her because she is the only person I trust with my face. She has treated me for and practically erased all of my acne, fine lines and melasma. Thank you, Dr. Austin and all of the sweet staff at BACD!"
"I started seeing Dr. Welsh in my early 30’s for adult acne. She taught me proper skincare and set me up with the best products. I am checking in yearly to keep products on point with current skin changes. As I age, I need to choose to come in Every 4-6 months for botox & filler. Plus an occasional photo facial and laser hair removal treatments. It is now 20 years later I honestly could pass for ten years younger than I am. Dr. Welch is magical, in my opinion. If you ask her a question, you are going to get an honest, educated answer. I would not trust anyone else."
"I’ve gone here for at least two years and have been a patient of Dr. Austin’s and recently switched over to Dr. He after reading some of his reviews. I am so grateful and in awe of his attention to detail and how much he made me feel at ease immediately, not to mention his recommendations that have already improved my skin dramatically. Thank you Dr. He and BACD for having amazing doctors like him."
5.0
Review from
N.B.
Source:
Office Visit
Oct 01 2021
"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."
"This review is for Dr. Austin and her amazing staff! As a skincare professional I am very careful who I see for aesthetic procedures, and who I refer clients to. Dr. Austin is really the best of the best. She has an extremely good eye for detail and is very modest and intentional with her approach. Her treatment plan, from botox, to filler, RXs and lasers over the years has been spot on. She even knew to check my thyroid when I was experiencing hair loss. She really has my heart and I can’t say enough good things about her. Plus, her staff is so so kind, efficient and caring. I always look forward to coming to BACD for treatments, and feeling confident in the quality of care here."