Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology — Attraction in San Francisco

I originally came to Bay Area Dermatology to treat my cystic acne that I’ve been struggling with since I was a teenager. I made an appointment with Dr. Hui and when I visited I was escorted to a room and was seen by Dr. He. He recommended that I tackle my acne with a round of accutane and then treat my acne scars with the treatments listed in the image I provided. It was a perfunctory, detached appointment, but I felt like he understood what I was trying to do to get my skin back on track.

They booked me in the next day to start a Microneedling and Subcision treatment - even though I had a large amount of active cystic acne across my face. (You can see even in the photo that it was miscommunicated by Doctor He to his assistant.) Dr. He said that we shouldn’t start any treatment until I finished my complete round of accutane.In the post appointment rush, I assumed I would be coming in the next day for my accutane prescription and management. When I got home and I saw the appointment name I was confused and wanted to call the office for clarity. Unfortunately, the office was already closed and at that point I made a plan to call first thing in the morning.

When I called the office (right at open) - I requested to talk to Dr. He about my treatment plan and if the Microneedling Session was actually the next step (contrary to what we discussed during the initial appointment). I also asked if Dr. He had looked at his schedule today because he would be the one doing the treatment and that he had seen me the previous day and might realize the mistake in the treatment plan. I was told by the front desk that Dr. He was busy seeing patients already and that if I wanted to cancel my appointment I would have to pay the ~$200 cancellation fee. I asked if it was normal procedure to do microneedling on active acne and they said no - then I asked why I would be asked to shoulder the fee if the appointment was made as a mistake on their end. The front desk agreed and told me that they would graciously not apply the cancellation fee and our conversation ended there.

Dr. He called afterward to confirm the treatment plan, but I didn’t feel good after that initial level of disorganization. I didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars of treatment on a practice that didn’t treat me as an individual. It’s a shame, because I heard from multiple people that they’re the best in the Bay. Maybe I just had a bad experience, but I am sad that I spent $265 dollars on a 15 minute consultation with someone who didn’t care about me.

For transparency my visit was in 2022 and I wrote this review then - didn’t post it, but found it in my docs and figured it was worth posting.

Edit: In response to the reply - At the time, I was trying to see if I was being unreasonable in my feelings and let the matter pass. Reading through my old notes reminded me how shitty I felt leaving the office and the resulting care. I had to fight for the "cancellation fee" that was going to be incurred even though the mistake was on the office side. The response kind of solidifies why I never followed up. If there's any confusion or "puzzlement" at how a lifelong insecurity and crippling anxiety has a longstanding affect on a person when they're not handled with care...then any potential client should deserve a warning and hopefully avoid how shitty that I felt. =) I'm sure the office has changed, but I still felt my experience was...

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...

Venturing into the world of cosmetic dermatology in the Bay Area, one name consistently echoes with unparalleled excellence: Dr. Welsh and her remarkable clinic. From the moment you step into their facility, the atmosphere radiates a blend of professionalism, warmth, and state-of-the-art care that immediately sets you at ease. Dr. Welsh, the founder, stands at the forefront of cosmetic dermatology not just as a physician but as a visionary who has meticulously crafted an oasis for those seeking transformative dermatological services.

Her clinic is a testament to her dedication, offering a wide array of treatments that incorporate the latest advancements in skincare technology. Each procedure is tailored to meet the individual needs of the clients, ensuring outcomes that are not only effective but also harmoniously aligned with their natural beauty. Dr. Welsh’s expertise is evident in the precision of her work and the glowing testimonials of her patients, who consistently praise not only the visible improvements in their skin but also the boost in confidence and well-being they experience.

What sets Dr. Welsh and her clinic apart is the holistic approach to dermatology. It’s not just about cosmetic enhancements; it’s about nurturing skin health and empowering individuals through education and personalized care. The staff mirrors Dr. Welsh’s passion and commitment, providing a nurturing environment where every client is treated with the utmost respect and attentiveness.

For those in the Bay Area seeking a sanctuary for cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Welsh’s clinic is a beacon of excellence. It’s a place where science and artistry converge, creating outcomes that are as remarkable as the individuals who walk through their doors. Dr. Welsh is not just a dermatologist; she is a catalyst for positive change, enhancing the beauty that lies within each patient with an amazing blend of compassion, expertise, and...