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 Staff Dr. Steven Y. He
"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 love Dr. He! He is kind, courteous, professional and knows his stuff!"
"Dr. He is simply the best. I might have to move back to SF just to see him!"
"Patient welcome staff are amazing. And I saw my doctor ON TIME which is probably a first for me. Treatment was quick and Dr He was great."
"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 the best ! Smartest ! Kind ! Helpful !"
"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!"
"Outstanding service, knowledge, and care. Dr. Steven is very thorough and listened very well to my skin issues I was looking to get resolved."
"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."
"Dr. Austin is an artist. She has a plethora of tools for rejuvenation and enhancing beauty. Her bedside manner is wonderful as well."
"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."
"Dr. Welsh and her staff are fabulous."
"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 was wonderful! Very attentive and thorough, super friendly. I hope to see her again for any future laser treatments! Thank you, Katy!"
"Fantastic recommendation made by Dr. Welsh, who switched something around for me. I will be returning in future!"
"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."
"You are my favorite thing to do!!!!!! I feel great every time I’m there. The nicest people, the best technology and the best technicians."
"Dr. Stephen He is the best. Very good at diagnosing my problem and helped with rash on my face. 6 Stars!!!"
"Ari did a fantastic job treating my acne scars. She is so highly skilled and kind to boot."
"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!"
"The most wonderful experience - always. Everyone is so nice and professional. Dr. Watkins is a gem. Sophia is the best!"
"Dr Austin and team were awesome. Answered all questions and put the the whole visit at ease."
"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!!"
"Always top notch service from Dr Welch and her fine staff"
"Best team in the business. The most thoughtful and patient group of professionals that I feel lucky to work with!!"
"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!"
"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 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."
"Dr Austin is lovely. She explained options for me, including pricing, based on my wants."
"Dr He is amazing. So thorough"
"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 and staff are amazing. She is super transparent about all the treatments and pricing. Highly recommend her"
"Dr Austin is my hero! She exceeds my expectations every time I see her and I cannot recommend her enough."
"Dr. Austin is amazing and her office staff are professional, attentive and warm."
"Dr. Austin was wonderful at educating me and I so look forward to the end result of what she designed specifically for me!"
"My fave Dr Austin. Been seeing her for years. My skin has never looked better. Great friendly staff too."
"Dr Austin explained her approach and what results would happen. I am very happy with the results. Thank you Dr Austin and team !!"
"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"
"Stacey is a pro! I completely trust her and she always works to come up with a great plan for my skin!"
"👍 My highest recommendation ! 🙌"
"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!"
"I've been coming to BACD since 2019. Dr. Austin and her staff are amazing!"
"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!"
"Love coming here Dr.Austin and team is amazing"
"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."
"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!"
"Top notch each and every visit! Very attentive to patients needs - known or unknown needs! The best!"
"Dr. Austin is kind, thoughtful and thorough.She always keeps my budget in mind for the best possible results. I trust her implicitly!"
"Mary is amazing!! She is so friendly and kind. She eases any anxiety you might have about the treatment. She is such a gem!"
"Dr Welsh is the best."
"excellent. The team is very professional,and friendly. Happy with the results. thank you De. Austin"
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"Love Dr.He!! He is amazing, listens and is so knowledgeable"
"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 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."
"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"
"Dr Welsh and her team are the best in the business. So grateful I can trust my face to them! 🙏"
"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!"
"My visit with Dr. He was educational, I learned a lot. I’m so happy that the products he provided is helping my Melasma . Thank you, Dr. He!"
"Love the doctors and staff but had to wait 45 minutes"
"Katy's expertise is quite evident with her trustworthy, professional demeanor!"
"Dr. He is the most knowledgeable and thorough dermatologist I have ever encountered. So grateful to have found his practice!"
"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!"
"My MD is kind, intelligent, knowledgeable, and very Staff supportive, kind, helpful."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"Dr. Andrea Austin removed some severe sun spots using an alexandrite laser treatment. I was advised to expect up to three treatments to remove all the damage, but the first application yielded such dramatic results, I did not need any additional ones. After the initial application, I looked like I had chicken pox, but after the scabs healed, my skin looked radiant! I would definitely trust Dr. Austin. She understands Asian skin (she is Asian herself) and is very experienced. KZF"
"I’ve been seeing Mary Krempa since I think 2013 and she is the Master of botox! I have a slight facial deformation that I was born with where my right eyebrow is lower than my left eye brow, it drops some what to the point that it looks obvious in pictures. Mary lifts my right brow just slightly to the point that it matches my left eye and the skin that was sagging over my lid also lifts I have large eyes and a lot of eye lid and love putting on eyeshadows and that extra skin over my eyelid was starting to bother me. Mary strategically targets the right muscles to address this issue and allow my face to look harmonized and rest in a natural state. I love it so much it looks like something you would need surgery to correct but Mary can do this magic with her syringe! It’s pretty amazing and a miracle for me. I feel so fortunate to have found Mary. And the fact that she can create this natural look for me without causing me to acquire that " surprised " look is highly appreciated and impressive to me as this is a technique that needs to be acquired with so much knowledge and practice which Mary is the only one I trust to have! I have made a mistake some years ago where I had gone to someone else who was local to where I live just to save time, and that nurse injected me in a way that my right brow dropped to the extreme. It was very saddening to say the least, but I learned my lesson at that moment. Having to wait months for it to resolve on its own. So be very careful when trying to save time or money as you wont find another nurse with Mary’s talent and experience. Every session lasts me from 5 to 6 months!"
"Dr. Austin and team have worked with me on my rosacea and severe keloid scarring for several years. These are skin and body issues that other doctors cannot and will not treat. This clinic specializes in full service patient care. Meaning your medical issue will be addressed as well as the problem that may be causing it. And they work towards restorative care after the treatment. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my skin needs. If you need basic, cosmetic, or restorative skin care - this is where you need to be! I am leaving this review because people suffering from severe skin issues will need guidance on where to go. And we need this kind of expertise and medical care in the Bay Area."
"I’ve been going to Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology for a few years now and have had the most positive experience. Honestly working with Mary has been such a delight, she has the best attitude and bedside manner of any medical professional i’ve ever been around. She delivers superior service and puts an incredible amount of care and attention into treatments and makes you feel comfortable instantly. She’s a gem. All of the other experiences with the scheduling, front office and everything else has been stellar as well. Highly highly recommend!!!"
"I have been seeing Dr. Austin for almost 3 years now for acne scars treatment and my skin is totally transformed. People think I look at least 10 years younger than my age. I would say that my acne scars have been improved by 80% after multiple sessions of tca cross and laser genesis. Most of my ice pick scars have filled in. Recently I also had Fraxel laser to improve the shallow scars , black spots, and overall skin texture. Dr. Austin is amazing and she cares about her patient. She would call me after the procedure to make sure that I was doing fine. She also responded very quickly on all my questions related to post-procedure. Now my skin has been improved further after fraxel laser. I will continue to see Dr. Austin for other treatments to keep my skin young and heathy so I don’t age. Thank you Dr. Austin and her team. I also wanted to express my appreciation for Mary Krempa who has been doing my laser hair removal for. Now that my skin is so soft. I am happy with the results."
"I am not exaggerating when I say that Dr. Andrea Hui Austin is a LIFE CHANGER. I’ve been seeing her for almost two years now for treatment of my rosacea and acne and skin is clearer than it’s ever been, clearer than I ever hoped it would be. I first started seeing Dr. Austin in 2019, a few months after I turned 31. I’d been diagnosed with rosacea in middle school and had otherwise had fairly clear skin until I reached college. In college, I started breaking out more and more frequently until my acne was basically chronic. Some people in my family had late-bloomer acne, so I told myself it would probably just clear up as I got older, and I tried to take the best care of my skin that I could in the meantime. I tried every OTC treatment under the sun, went on different diets, and saw a series of dermatologists who put me on a range of topical medications and oral antibiotics. Nothing made much of a difference and by my late 20s I’d was so close to giving up and resigning myself to having bad skin for the rest of my life, although it made me feel miserable.That’s when I realized that the one thing I hadn’t tried was seeing a dermatologist who specializes in treating rosacea. I did some googling and Dr. Austin’s name came up again and again, so I scheduled a consult. My expectations weren’t high, given how little luck I’d had before. But Dr. Austin completely blew me away in the consult. Not only was she able to explain why my rosacea was causing these breakouts, but I was blown away by her empathy; she started the appointment by asking me to tell her about my history of rosacea and acne and after I went through the litany of things I’d tried she said, "I’m so sorry you had to go through that." It made me tear up to feel like someone cared and understood how much having bad skin can take a toll on self-esteem.She started me on a routine of oral medication and new topical skincare products, and did an excellent job of answering all my questions and explaining how each product or medication worked and why it was necessary. I noticed a difference in my skin within weeks, and once the breakouts were more under control we began a series of laser treatments to help tame the rosacea. As my skin continued to heal and improve, the treatments became less frequent, and I’m now at the point where I only have them a few times a year. My skin has healed enough that she’s also able to address the scarring I have from acne and, honestly, that’s a milestone I never thought I’d reach until I started working with her. She’s continued to be a thoughtful and kind person, celebrating the milestones with me as my skin healed, remembering details about my personal life, and engaging me in conversation during the treatments; I feel like she really cares.As a bonus, the whole BACD staff is competent, professional, and friendly. They keep things running smoothly, call/email back quickly, and have a very flexible auto-ship program that sends my topical products to me four times a year. BACD has done a sterling job of adapting to the pandemic--they’ve put up signage, spaced out appointments, created physical distance in the waiting room, and changed their payment process so you pay in the treatment room. I’ve noticed some other places get lax with these types of measures as the pandemic has gone on, but BACD has been incredibly consistent, which I appreciate.If you have rosacea and acne, Dr. Austin is your gal. She’s truly and completely changed my skin in a way I never thought possible. I highly, highly recommend her!(The photos I’ve included from her office are from before the acne scarring treatment; the personal photos I included are after one acne scarring treatment. No digital filters, no makeup or concealer in any of these photos!)"
"What an incredibly professional and heart felt office. I have to say that my visit was like no other Dermatology office I have been to. I worked in the Dermatology field for over 13 years and have worked with many Dermatologist. Dr. Andrea Hui Austin is like no other. Her professionalism and exceptional knowledge is astonishing. She takes the time to get to know you which in my opinion really helps her as a provider get to know what will work best for her patients. my treatments with Dr. Andrea Hui Austin are spot on, she has brought my skin back to life. Lets not forget the staff and how they make a patient feel cared for from check in to check out.Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.Five stars all the way!"
"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."
"Dr. Austin has changed my life. My skin has significantly cleared up since I started seeing her, I RARELY get any pimples now and thanks to treatments like the Vbeam laser and TCA cross my scarring is very limited. All the staff and Dr. Austin are friendly and kind, it’s always a good experience going in. Dr. Austin remembers details about my life even when I don’t see her for months at a time. I recommend her to any of my friends who ask for skincare advice. My only complaint is that I didn’t start coming here sooner; I didn’t realize what a big difference having a dermatologist approved skincare routine would make!!"
"Mary Krempa is the white stuff in an Oreo. Do you know what I mean?A found umbrella on an unexpected rainy day.A spare tire when you have a flat. The butter on your movie popcorn.The match point game winning kill against your arch rival.The oat milk in your latte.The crouton in your otherwise healthy salad. The protected green arrow when you have to turn.The butter on your toast.The hat found in your car for an impromptu beach trip.A wedge heel at a lawn wedding.The banana peel your ex girlfriend slips on.The cancelled Zoom meeting scheduled for 4PM on a Friday.The butter on your warm yam.The airplane movie you happen to have been dying to see. Your newborn’s first giggle.The butter on your corn.The $100 bill you found in your winter coat.The free Costco sample you snuck two of. The wind beneath your sails. The Elaine Benes to Jerry Seinfeld."
"Dr. Steven Y. He is absolutely amazing! I have visited several dermatology offices around the country and Dr. He is the first to really make a difference and listen to my concerns no matter how big or small. If you have Rosacea (honestly any skin concern run to Dr. He!) I have had 3 vbeam laser treatments by him and always feel at ease under his care. I appreciate his vast knowledge, and attention to detail. I ask many questions and I never feel rushed. He takes his time and really cares about his patients. Just recently he even noticed a mole I had never noticed while he was doing treatments and cares not only about the cosmetic side of dermatology but the true health and safety of your skin. I notice a huge difference in my rosacea and can’t wait to continue more treatments under his care. He has a less is more approach, and patience which I appreciate. Thank you Dr. He for helping my skin glow and making me feel my best without any makeup!"
"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 visited Dr. Austin for a skin consultation after receiving a recommendation from one of my friends who sees Dr. Austin for Botox (Xeomin) injections and to review & remove any suspicious moles/freckles and review skin damage on my neck. Her office staff are very friendly & helpful. After washing my face (they provide makeup pad removers, facial wash & a hair band), photos were taken including one with a camera to determine sun damage. Dr. Austin has a very positive, glowing energy about her & was very easy to speak with about my skin concerns. After a full review of my skin & my skincare regimen, I got 20 units of Xeomin in my forehead & removal of a mole that was progressively getting larger on my upper lip. Thankfully the lab report indicated that it was benign. I visited again about 10 days later for additional freckle removal & treatment for sun damage on my neck, as well as a check in for my Botox injections to see how it settled in. The Botox looked great & my skin was smooth. I’ve healed up from my 2nd visit & my skin looks great.Her strongest recommendations is to always wear sunblock (I wear 2-3 layers on my face but I forgot to apply on weekdays to my neck when I was living in Hawaii which resulted in 15 years of sun damage while driving )."
"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 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 highly recommend Dr. Steven He. I have had melasma and Nevi of Ota from on my cheeks and temples for the past 15 years. I’ve tried treatments from other dermatologists, including hydroxychloroquine cream, with no improvement. I’ve also met with other laser treatment centers, who presented cookie cutter treatments. However, I’ve seen friends and family get rebound hyperpigmentation on their face from aggressive dose of laser therapy. For Asian skin, sometimes the dose of laser and strength of chemical peels have to be adjusted due to skin sensitivity. As an Asian female physician, I was cautious about who to trust. I chose Dr. He because I heard he has lots of experience with Asian American patients. I started seeing him a few months ago, and I am extremely confident in his skills. He is thoughtful about his approach and tailors his treatment plan to the individual patient. I have had 5 treatments, starting with chemical peels to remove superficial melasma, and now transitioned to laser treatments for the darker spots. The spots have significantly lightened. I recently saw my family, who had been hounding me for years about my spots, and they could not even notice the spots! I am extremely satisfied with Dr. He’s care. He is a knowledgeable, conscientious, effective physician."
"Love this place! I actually found Dr. He for my husband who was having some pretty significant skin issues, which Dr. He was able to resolve. I was so impressed that I started seeing him. One of other reviewers said he is a "dermatology prodigy" and that is spot on- Dr. He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about all areas of skin care and loves to share his knowledge (I always ask a ton of questions!). My skin has never looked better and I’m so thankful to him! I now know exactly what products and procedures work best for my skin type and why. I also like how he is always looking out for the health of my skin and not just appearance. Not to mention he’s a super cool person in general- very personable and you can tell he enjoys his job and cares about his patients- can’t recommend him enough :)"
"BACD is the absolute best. Has completely transformed my skin. Seeing Dr. He yesterday for my rosacea and melasma has already helped with my concerns. It means the world to be able to trust them."
"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 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."
"A miracle in San Francisco!! I moved from the East Coast, and so was fairly spoiled with some of the best cosmetic dermatologists in the U.S. However, now my concern is what on earth I will do WITHOUT Dr. He if he ever leaves the Bay Area. I can't say enough how lucky we are to have someone with that kind of natural artistry with filler here. He both incredibly knowledgeable and patient-focused, tailoring treatments and regimens to fit needs/budget and responding to last-minute skin care "emergencies" or concerns. If you are considering Botox, Filler, laser treatments, or peels and are in the Bay Area, I would DEFINITELY give BACD a call."
"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!"