Kathleen M. Welsh, MD
Category: Dermatologists [Edit]
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights2299 Post St
Ste 312
(between Divisadero St & Scott St)
San Francisco, CA 94115 (415) 292-6350
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - By Appointment Only: Yes
40 Reviews for Kathleen M. Welsh, MD
One of Kathleen M. Welsh, MD's Favorite Reviews
I love Dr. Welsh and her staff. Her staff is who you have contact with the most, and although they are beautiful, they are not in the least bit conceited, snooty, obnoxious, etc. I think it's because many of them had "bad" skin before they started working there, so they understand. There are before and after pictures of them... I think it was either online that I saw it or at the office. Anyway, they make you feel comfortable and at home, and the setup of the office is warm and inviting.
My skin is not horrible, but I did have a scar that has been taken care of since I've been to Dr. Welsh's, and I do have redness and little tiny acne on the cheeks a bit that they are taking care of now. Dr. Welsh and her staff never try to sell you things you don't need, and they really genuinely seem like they are looking out for your best interest.
I have to go try out their microdermabrasions and facials soon. The best thing about this place is that they're affordable. Parking is not so bad depending on when you go during the day, but you can also park in the parking lot and it's like $3 tops.
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Goodby the scar on my knee! I had a knee surgery when I was a kid. I was skiing with my parents, and a big rock, much bigger than I was, just jumped in front of me.. That messed up my knee. I got operated on by a doctor in Munich who did a fine job, but left me with a scar that I always hated. Now that scar is gone! Thank you Dr Welsh.
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Based off of the reviews this was what I expected for my appointment:
Hassle with parking, show up, wait about an hour, meet with Dr. Welsh for about five minutes, get pushed some product, pay a gajillion dollars, leave.
That was exactly what happened so I wasn't too shocked. But, I still give them 3 stars because everyone there DID have amazing skin. Dr. Welsh DID seem knowledgable, and the product's before and after pics were pretty miraculous seeming.
I also was a little miffed that I had to pay 100+ dollars (on top of the expensive Obagi creams!) just to sit there and get pushed product. Honestly, she sold me product... not sure she should be charging so very very much for a few minutes.
I will update my rating based off of how well Obagi works. It could go either way... stay tuned.
UPDATE!!! I've been back for my follow up. These are free because it is with the esthetician, not Dr. Welsh. A/w - she was super helpful and informative! I'm kinda freaking out because Obagi is making my skin red and flaky so I had a ton of questions. She was patient and very knowledgeable. For this, I have given them one more star... (still expensive as hell to see the doctor).
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I was completely disappointed with this service provider. I was a new patient - had to tell the receptionist that so that perhaps I should be filling out a form? Found her staff to be snotty! Waited 30 mins in waiting room then another 30mins in the exam room and still no Dr. So I left. In leaving, encoutered 5 office staff standing in the hall chatting. They never asked where I was going, why was I leaving, nothing. If I can't be treated with simple respect then I won't patronize.
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I've been having a major problem with Dr. Welsh and her staff and feel I must warn others. After a brief visit I was set up to receive shipments of propecia pills via mail every few months with my credit card set up for an automatic payment. Well, I was moving out of state and proactively called to cancel my shipments and all future charges. Sure enough, my card was billed three months later despite my call. When I called and talked to the receptionist I was assured the charge to my card would be reversed and I wouldn't be receiving anymore shipments or charges in the future. Lo and behold, a few months later my credit card was charged AGAIN for my propecia shipment. After calling again...for a third time....I was told this situation would finally be rectified. So that made three calls to simply cancel my subscription and yet Dr. Welsh and her staff couldn't handle my request. If it was just one call, I can chalk something like this up to a miscommunication. I may even show a little leeway if it only took two calls. But the fact it's taken three calls leads me to believe Dr. Welsh and her staff are either A) extremely incompetent or B) delibertately charging my card to see what they can get away with. Either way this isn't a group you want with sensitive information such as your credit card number. There are plenty of dermotologists in the SF area, don't waste your time with Dr. Welsh and her staff.
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I have a strongly emotional, very high opinion of Dr. Welsh. If I had gone to her ten years earlier, I would have such better skin now. I had moderate but persistent acne my entire life and saw a million dermatologists. They all did strange ice treatments, gave me Retin-A and sent me on my way - all to absolutely no avail, except that I got dry red skin still populated with blemishes.
Then I started getting mega pimples at age 30, just months before my wedding. Enter Dr. Welsh. By the time of my wedding, I had perfect skin, and my skin is still pretty much acne-free more than two years later. Now I am going to see her for spots and lines - I wouldn't dream of seeing anyone else.
Yes, it's expensive. Yes, it's crowded. But it's popular for a reason and you get what you pay for. She saved my skin, and again, how I wish I had seen her years earlier. What a lot of heartache it would have saved! They love skin - my skin loves Dr. Welsh!
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Good medical treatment, not so good human treatment.
I don't doubt that Dr. Welsh knows what she's doing. She's a fantastic doctor and has a great reputation among doctors. After a 2 month wait, I went in for my appointment. I had a slight hyper pigmentation on my cheek from too many years of playing in the sun carelessly. I honestly thought that it could be taken care of with a simple hydroquinone prescription, but I was sold a full Obagi system. That stuff's bank, for a working girl!
She was helpful to point out that sunless tanning is a great substitute for damaging UV rays. I also learned that both UVA and UVB are not good for you. I knew about UVB, but I thought the new UVA booths were supposed to be ok. Apparently not.
If you get an appointment, just make sure you stick within your means. Dr. Welsh's office definitely has the skills and credentials, but I felt a little like I was being pushed unnecessary products.
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I was reading all of the negative reviews about them pushing product ... I went in & said that I really couldn't afford the whole obaji system & they gave me some great over the counter recomendations - with no attitude. I did get 2 of the obaji products, but was told of "substitute" things I could buy at Walgreens for the other items.
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Dr. Welsh is a great dermatologist. I'm a little surprised at some of the bad reviews-It seems more people have entitlement issues rather than issues about her competence as a doctor. First of all, shes a doctor. Doctors are expensive-especially cosmetic dermatologists. Dont look for a bargain..for doctors, surgeons, tattoo artists, etc...Go to the best one you can find. Her staff is very friendly-and Dr. Welsh is sweet . She is also very busy..like most doctors, dont expect her to spend an hour with you talking about your wrinkles. Does your gp do that? probably not. Pushing products? Whats the alternative? She knows what shes talking about. Obaggi is expensive, but just tell her you want something cheaper. Mark ups? Come on, people..tell me where you shop that doesnt have huge mark ups. Please. I went to her about 8 years ago..I recently came back and she was still totally cool, even with her big staff (with the most covetable skin EVER) and her swanky new office space. Quit your spoiled-brat complaining..go to see her or just go to walgreens and buy some clearasil.
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I've only seen Dr. Wesh once, but I was impressed, and will continue to see her. She is professional but very personable. She is nice to her staff. The staff was nice to me. She gave me the service I asked for & suggested other procedures. I didn't think her fees were outrageous. A doctors office is the LAST place where I look for a bargain.
For those who complain about her fees or her policy re insurance, consider HER costs: years of pricey education, malpractice insurance, office space, staff & benefits, $100,000 pieces of equipment, on & on.
Think about what you pay your hairdresser. Their training isn't nearly as rigorous or expensive, no malpractice insurance, cheap equipment, etc. There's a good chance your hairstylist makes more $ than your GYN. Hello.
++ And no, I don't work for Dr. Welsh. I'm a wrinkled splotchy regular person who went to tanning salons in the 80's. I was young and stupid. Now they make spray on. Damn. Words to the Wise: Sunscreen & Hats.
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I love this place! I've had both cosmetic and non-cosmetic skin treatments in this office, and it's been far and away the best experience I've had with any dermatologist or skin care specialist. Her staff is super efficient, friendly, and very professional. I've seen several dermatologists in my life, and I've been to a number of top spas for skin treatments. A lot of places can make a guy feel sort of weird or self-conscious about seeking advice or treatment for skin issues, like you've busted in on the ladies who lunch club, and you're not really welcome. Not here. My skin has improved tremendously since I've been visiting this office, and I'm going to keep going. And nobody has tried to sell me anything, although I'm sure the products she carries are top of the line. Parking is pretty easy, too.
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Hey Folks -
Apparently I wrote a true but negative review of this office, the practices of the staff (overcharging for a missed appointment - to the tune of $500.00) and guess what??? Soemone flagged me and of course, her negative review removed.
Smart marketing? I don't think so!! I'll just keep posting and posting and posting some more.. And to think -- all of this negativity could have been avoided had the Doctor simply replied to my email, returned my call or better yet -- saw that charging patients $500.00 for a missed appointment is nothing short of greed.
And to boot - apparently a gal I know went in for a regular appontment - and came out hysterical as Dr. Welsch told her she looked 'unwell' and needed to see her OBGYN ASAP.. Absurd. Turned out -- nothing wrong with the gal, thank goodness. But what DEMATOLOGIST goes around telling patients that they 'look unwell?"
Then, I bump into a medical sales rep who deals with her office and we get to talking. She tells me that Dr. Welsh gets a significant discount on products above and beyond (thus her markup is above and beyond) and that several of the medical reps don't want to deal with her office staff, but they have to.
Goodness... Something is very wrong here.
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My first appointment...
1) At times it was standing room only in the waiting room (very popular doctor)
2) Phone inquiries were met with 'I can make an appointment for you in August.' Yep, it took me 2 months to get in!
3) Waited 1 hour and a few minutes for my appointment (apparently not rare, there was another woman commenting on how they overbook her - but hell - I didn't see her huffin out the door!)
4) The staff is like a sorority - lots of chatter & laughter (shows you that the doctor is easy going)
My name gets called and I get sweaty palms -
Then, the door slides open and SHE appears......
She smiles warmly and apologizes for the wait. She asks me about my skin care issues and within seconds of turning on the BIG light, she tells me that I had a mild skin condition which is easily treated with a prescription. I coulda had Angelina Jolie plastic surgery by now with all the money I spent on that worthless cosmetic counter CRAP! She gave me some suggestions for skin care and was kind enough to make alternate recommendations based on my financial situation! (SHIT -WHO DOES THAT?) Although it was quick foks, it was meaningful - I just wish I had a pen and paper to write it all down! Lucky for me, she called in one of her assistants and she wrote the basics down for me. The assistant was very sweet.
So that very night I use the prescription and WHAMMO the next morning my skin was already significantly better. MAGIC? Hell no- it's called MAD SKILLZ!
Dr. Welsh is a consummate master of SKIN and a warm human being to boot! I can't wait till the next appointment to see how my skin has changed and what else she thinks would help me.
NO MORE COSMETIC COUNTERS! F#@$ YOU!
***** I would have given 5 stars, but I have to say - Michelle (staff member) is incredibly rude. While in the waiting room, I saw her usher a client into the procedure area by saying 'I need to get this girl in the room'. Clearly, there's a better way to address a client. Then I noticed that she was the one who receives your payment. Yet another opportunity for great service - yet no smile, no Thank You, no nothing. She puts the bill down on the counter with your products and proceeds to do other things. Not even a goodbye!
WOW - Can you say CUSTOMER SERVICE???!
Michelle, don't hate on the clients - WE PAY YOUR SALARY!
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Disclaimer: my rating is not based on medical care provided by Dr. Welsh.
I just tried booking an appointment with this doctor, and found out she no longer takes insurance--of any kind. That nixes it for me but it sounds like she's done well by other peeps. Still, a patent rejection of insurance reeks of a "I only want to serve rich folks" vibe.
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If i could give 10 stars i would. Damn, I didn't think anyone could ever fix my skin problems, but she did it. I was hesitant to go in because I've already been to so many dermatologists and none of them helped, but I did anyway because of all the great reviews and let me just say "thank GODDD I found her!!!"
I've taken pills, used creams, used retinA, and even gone to acupuncture and had to drink that nasty herbal shit to get rid of 1. the pimples on my face and 2. the scar on my lower right chin!!! it's not like my face is loaded with zits or anything, but I do have lots of tiny little bumps, some of which tend to get red. When I wear makeup, it's not that noticeable, and I've heard people even tell me "I love that your skin is so clear"... but if you're a girl, and I guess if you're a guy, we all know that once the makeup comes off, sometimes you don't always look the same.
Anyway, long story way short... my face has gotten SO MUCH BETTER!!!! And when skin looks good, it does a lot for a person's self-confidence. It was a bit costly, but hey... gotta put something in to get something out right? Or here's another one for you... you get what you pay for!!!
Oh and p.s. it did take a few months for the results to set in, so I was disappointed in the beginning, but now I'm far from it.
And p.p.s. everyone there is SO nice, and the girls there all get treatment from Dr. Welsh, too, and they look fantastic!!!!!
I finally decided to see a dermatologist, surprising given that I am particular about the facial creams, or type of SPF I use on my face, and the fact that I consume huge amounts of water on a daily basis. So I searched for dermatologists on yelp and decided to check out Dr. Kathleen Welsh. When it comes to dermatologists I set the bar really high. Even though I'm only interested in basic services, I'd like to know that the doctor is highly competent. That way if I do end up spending $$$$ I would feel better knowing it was worth the sacrifice. Back when I was insured w/Kaiser, I took advantage and scheduled regular visits w/dermatologists. I felt slightly irritated by the doctor's vague answers to my specific questions. My appointments with Kaiser were sometimes a waste of time and money. So I wanted to avoid this the second time around by doing some research.
First step was going to her website: www.weloveskin.com (very fitting title that might as well be their company motto). Here's what I learned: Dr. Welsh earned her medical degree from Harvard, finished a specialty training at Stanford, and completed her residency at UCSF. Very competent indeed.
The staff all have glowing, flawless skin. It's like a preview of what type of results I can expect. And on top of that the staff were helpful and friendly. My appointment went very well, I was left completely satisfied with the answers to my questions, and I was given a few samples to try at home. I should say that they do not accept insurance, which was a big deal for me. But they do bill your insurance provider, as an option for payment on some treaatments. They also take american express. The entire appointment cost me $130, which means I will be living off salads and more water for a week. This also means I probably can only afford to see her once a month. But in my opinion she is worth the cost.
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Competent staff. Doctor Kathleen Welsh is great and very professional. She has a natural healthy look and does not encourage her patients to go outside their comfort zone. I believe she is ethical.
I normally don't Yelp right away, but I just saw Dr. Welsh this morning and was so happy with my appointment that I wanted to write a glowing review. I haven't had great luck with dermatologists over the years, so I searched yelp and decided to give her office a try. They did not disappoint! Everyone was super friendly and the office is very nice. Dr. Welsh came in and actually took time to talk to me and answered my questions. She was really knowledgeable and made me feel totally comfortable. Of course she recommended some of their products (which were pricey), but they weren't pushy at all. They gave me good-sized samples and offered advice for cheaper over the counter stuff. This was appreciated since they don't take insurance. Small downside is that the waiting list is kinda long for new patients, but if you can wait a month or two...it's worth it!
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Dr. Welsh is probably the most knowledgeable cosmetic dermatologist in SF. I feel Dr. Welsh offers the best services available in a professional and caring manner.
Dr. Welsh = God in my world. Seriously.
If you want to try botox or restylane or something like that, she is your go to person. Chemical peel? No problem.
She's expensive, but worth it. You can't put a price on beauty.
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She's a great doctor. She knows what she's doing, she's great at it and it shows on her charges, but if you think about it, she's messing w/ your face and you would rather pay a bit more for someone competent right?
I know there are reviews that says that this office is pushy on their products, but I'm using their creme and it does work. Most of the name brands out there are expensive as well, but it doesn't work for everyone. This is the same thing. Their products don't necessary work for everyone, but it works for me!
And it's true that they do not take insurance, but they really do take good care of you.
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When I first saw Dr. Welsh I thought I had finally found a fantastic dermatologist to treat my rosacea. Unfortunately she simply kept me on the same treatment plan I'd been using for years which didn't work. She charged me a ton of money for chemical peels which didn't help at all. When I asked about other treatments that might work, she ignored me. I also got laser hair removal done which is a very painful procedure. She went through it really really quickly without offering me any numbing cream or giving me a break to catch my breath. The last time I was there when I went to pay for the visit, I had to call my credit card company because they thought it had been stolen since I had been traveling a lot. The office assistants were incredibly rude and acted like I was some sort of deadbeat, and forever after it was impossible for me to make an appointment there. Such incredibly snobby people.
My mother also went to see her about some specific issues and treatments. Rather than actually do any of the treatments discussed, Dr. Welsh convinced my mother to buy a bunch of expensive cosmetic products which only made her problems worse!
Since then I found a different doctor in Southern California who charges less, bills my insurance, has been willing to explore other treatments which have been far more successful, and always makes sure to use numbing cream and that I'm comfortable when doing laser hair removal.
My advice: save your money and go someplace where the doctor actually listens to you and cares about the patients. This office is way too concerned with making money as opposed to actually treating patients.
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I love Dr. Welsh. I love the Obagi line they recommended for me. Yes, it is pricey, but it lasts a LONG time and your skin will thank you. And I love the Jane Iredale pressed powder. It is mineral-based, lasts FOREVER and makes your skin look awesome. If you care about your skin, go visit her, it is so so so worth it. If you are a Lever 2000-on-the-face-kind-of-a-girl, you probably won't appreciate what she dishes out.
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I'm a patient there since 2003 I believed. But, I only go there like once a year for cortizone shot when I have cystic acne. The first time I went there was to get a salicylic chemical peel. I can't remember the nurse name who did it on me. She's friendly and doesn't look #itchy like the rest of the nurses there. Too bad, the 2nd time I went back there, she already moved to other place. Anyway, from all my experiences at Dr Welsh, her nurses look intimidating. Yes, they all have that glowy skin, of course when U can get free peels on regular basis probably and free consultations. LOL. There's one nurse and I'm sure she's been working there for a while. She has dark hair, very #itchy look, looks like she gets lots of botox, etc too. She's kinda rude, snobby and all that. Probably like other reviewer said, she might be Michelle. (Ohh, just looked up at their web, she's the one in the 1st PIC). Did she get lips injection, too this time? The other nurses not bad, friendly but not in a genuine way I would say. I don't know why they all have that attitude. Probably since Dr Welsh is from Harvard and expensive. The thing that I don't like is the waiting time, it could take for one hour. Hellooo!!! We are busy ppl, too. 2nd Dr Welsh only sees me for 5 min, just recommend me, ok get this glycolic pad and she passes it on her nurse to take care of me. That's not service that I paid for. My skin problem never gotten better. That's why I only go there if it's really emergency. But nowadays, I won't go back there. I'm going to find other dermatologist who will comfort and give me more details consultation. I never knew what I'm doing wrong on my skincare regime, which products, yada yada. The first nurse who did my peel, she's very helpful and taught me diff things how to wash my face, which products, etc. Oh well, she's not there anymore. Everytime I go there, most of her patients have sun damaged skin or botox/restylane kind of looks. U know that rich #itchy women looks ala Real Housewife Orange County and mostly whites. So, I feel kinda weird or it's a racial thing or something. I really don't like that brunette nurse, no cust service at all, yep no smile, nada. She just stares at you when U're in the waiting room. Never say How r U, NOTHING. Hard to get parking and hours not that convenient. Some ppl only free on Sat and Sun.
I love Dr. Welsh and the only reason I won't give her a five is she somehow convinces me to spend an inordinate amount of money with her several times a year. But that being said, her work is great, she is totally charming and I feel like everything she does is natural and appropriate for me. Her assistants are all terribly perfect which is a tad frightening and intimidating, but she is not. She is just great. If you just want to go in and see what she says about different things you have been thinking about, that is totally cool with her too. I have been very happy with the results of every visit. You can buy refills and stuff on her website www.weloveskin.com too.
Dr. Welsh is a master! She's the only dr. I see on a super regular basis - and I look forward to my appointments. She has given me blemish free, freckle free, perfect skin. I've seen her for skin care, laser and mole removal - she has done a great job on all of it. She and her staff are super friendly. Dr. Welsh has treated 5 of my friends - they all are thrilled with their results.
**Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. But for things like mole removal, they will bill your insurance...and you pay whatever insurance doesn't cover.
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When each member of Dr. Welsh's staff has perfectly flawless complexions, they become a walking advertisement and reassurance for her practice. Her consultations are friendly, honest and practical. In fact, she has no problem using her radiant-skinned assistants to demonstrate the effectiveness of one treatment or another. Restalyne, for example.
Now, being that I'm not a Hollywood celebrity, I can shamelessly admit to receiving my first treatment of the wonder-wrinkle-remover. Quick, painless and instantly noticeable results. If beauty is only skin-deep, then make sure to trust your skin to Dr. Welsh.
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Dr. Welsh offers an array of services and does a super job. She has a lovely manner too. Her staff, well complected, are not always the most hospitable. I thought my visit would be super private, but be aware that while you're sitting there with clothes off the doors could fly open at any moment. Really, that's just a personal preference, not so much a reason for one star down. I'd give 5 stars if the prices we not through the roof. But hey, people pay for beauty.
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I think Dr Welsh is very sweet, had great "bedside" manner. She is sympathetic to your issues, and I feel very satisfied that I am in good hands. I had some problems getting my prescription of generic Accutane filled (as many people do at first, there are many requirements and laws concerning it), and the office helped me get a pre-authorization from my insurance, which I realize is a pain in the ass, especially since this is a "cosmetic" dermatology office and they're not really supposed to have to deal with insurance too much. Plus I know they are very busy, so I really appreciated the help. If you've ever talked to anyone about Accutane, you've heard what a pain it is- You have to first go on birth control for 1 month before the law allows you to get Accutane. Then you have to get blood tests and a lab pregnancy test, log on to a program called iPledge, answer questions about taking the drug and not getting pregnant (because it causes birth defects where the baby literally has a cone-head and heart problems and a lot of other things), wait for your doctor to log in ans say you did all the right things, then show the pharmacist your id number and THEY log on and make sure you've done everything, all within a week of the prescription date. It is a royal pain in the ass, but it's not the doctor's fault, it's the law. Holy Shit! But Dr Kathy Welsh is very sympathetic and helpful.
Update- I'm done with Accutane and continue to go for occasional light chemical peels and laser hair removal. Neither hurts much, unlike what one person on here has said- and that's saying a lot since my skin is pretty sensitive. I am always able to go right to work and my face doesn't look red or puffy at all- the chemical peels just help keep away any chance of breakout and also are supposed to help with fading scars. All I know is the first time I had one my skin was beautiful!
All of the doctors and nurse practitioners are very very nice and I always leave with more info on skin care that I didn't know before.
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I love, love Dr. Welsh!
I go to visit her probably about quarterly and I leave there feeling like a superstar. All the upkeep and products that she's recommended have been great.
Excellent efficient dermatogist - she completely cleared up my skin four years ago and for that I am forever grateful (my skin looked awful and I had been to countless different doctors and spent thousands on various treatments). She is amazing and her staff is friendly and always upbeat and cheerful.
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I see Dr. Welsh for IPL (FotoFacials) and it has really made a difference in my rosacea. My skin is more even with less redness and my brown freckly spots have faded. I have recommended her to a number of curious friends, male, female and trans, One gave up because the new patient waiting list was pretty long (but for good cause!), and if you find yourself in this position, please wait; it's so worth it! She could do her job blindfolded and sleep-deprived and not miss a beat. I love this woman! Competent beyond most, Dr. Welsh is also caring, funny and not just in it for the money. "We Love Skin" isn't just a slogan around this exceptional cosmetic dermatologist's office!
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Dr. Welsh is absolutely great. I was so nervous about my tattoo removal, but she totally calmed my fears, and also provided me with anesthetic to ease the pain. I've had 4 visits with her so far, and I have been more and more impressed on each visit.
I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a cosmetic or just a regular old dermatologist."
I had Fraxel done at her office nearly 4 months ago which left my skin red ever since. It was explained to me that I may be red up to 5-14 days, so of course after 2 months I emailed her office expressing my concern. She had me come in her office so she could take a look and then agreed my skin was red and that if it persisted for another month that there "were things they could do about the redness, but that it was temporary". After another month and 1/2 had passed, I decided to check back with her as this persisting reddness did not seem normal. She seemed upset that I was not pleased and told me that I "did not have the personality for this treatment". Why? because I don't like being constantly red in the face for 4 months (especially after I was told redness would fade within 7-14 days)? I'm trying to impress a boy, but I'm not looking or feeling cute being this red. I was going to her to improve my looks, not add more problems. This was at least a $1,200.00 procedure! Believe me, I would love to have loved my results, but I didn't/don't. I left her office feeling I was being blame for the unsatisfactory results. I paid a lot of money for the treatment and it seemed like I was possibly burned/ the setting may have been too aggressive for my skin. Which is not so much a big deal for me if it is temporary and I felt she was trying to work with me on fixing the added problem as quickly as possible. The couple of other corrective office treatments for my redness did nothing for me. She then gave me prescriptive creams to help with the reddness. When I checked this cream out online (because I didn't trust what I was being told in the office) I found out a large number of patients that used this cream experienced more reddness.
I have to say this experience has really left a bad taste in my mouth.
UPDATE: Was recommended Dr. Tsai to correct the redness from Dr. Welsh's visits, and have seen wonderful results with just one visit/treatment! Why didn't Dr. Welsh just do this simple corrective treatment for me the first time?
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The 5-star, rave reviews about this doctor do not lie. I've been looking for a great dermatologist pretty much since I've been a teen and I've finally found her! Previously I've been to some of the "best," most well-reputed derms in the Bay Area and was never totally happy -- some were just OK; one gave me a laser treatment that literally fried (and scarred?) my face and then was completely blase/dismissive about the result.
Visiting Dr. Welsh is truly worth every penny. Yes, you pay out-of-pocket for "cosmetic" advice/procedures, but I've paid more for mediocre facials that had no lasting results.
Factor in parking time -- the recommended lot was full and I had to circle the block for street parking. Her staff is wonderful: it turns out I was an hour late for the appointment (my computer's calendar did not sync up with the early daylight savings time change this year), but her assistant still fit me in with almost no delay.
Best, Dr. Welsh gave the kind of assessment and advice I was looking for: straightforward, efficient, reasonable. She alerted me to some new treatments for skin like mine and even did one procedure on the spot. I couldn't be happier.
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I'm a doctor and so when I needed a cosmetic dermatologist, I asked where my colleagues went. Guess what? They go to Dr. Welsh. She is absolutely the best dermatologist I have seen. She does a thorough, but quick evaluation and her treatments work. Yes, it takes many weeks to see her and yes, she is expensive. However, she is worth it! So, plan ahead and break open the wallet if you want outstanding cosmetic dermatology.
I went to Dr Welsh based on the reviews written on yelp - thanks yelpers! and found the reviews very accurate. She is very good, took one look at my face and was able to tell me when the changes in my appearance started taking place - and she was spot on. The one thing I didn't like was that the consultation was VERY rushed, she speaks at 100 miles an hour and didn't give me a chance to ask questions. For a $150 consultation fee I felt that I should have the 4 questions I had about my skin answered, however she was more interested in leaving the room than spending time with patients. I was however able to have my questions answered by one of her staff members who wasn't so eager to leave the room and actually took the time to answer my questions. However, I would have preferred the doctor's opinion. I have no doubt that Dr Welsh is very competent, I just wish she would take more time with her patients. 5 stars for competency; 2 stars for bed side manner.
after years of trying to find a good dermatologist in san francisco, i finally have. dr. welsh knows what she's doing. the first thing she asked me was if i used birth control and what type was it. i quickly learned that was causing probably 70-80 percent of my recent bad skin, ie acne. i couldn't believe it. less than a year before i saw one of the city's most well known dermatologists, he even treats the stars, and he NEVER asked me once about the pill. i always thought all birth control was good for the skin. turns out the nuva ring causes acne in many patients. dr. welsh was also quick to point out that my cute little freckles of which i have sooooo many were actually sun spots and recommended a few products for me to use to clear those up to even out my skin tone. after three weeks of a red face, they are finally working and i am happy about it. my skin is on it's way to looking better than it has in years. i asked her about a chemical peel and she gave me a firm no. i like a doctor that is going to be honest with me and not give me a procedure i don't need. and not to mention everyone in her office has great skin and is very nice and knows what they are talking about. looking forward to my next visit.
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