I had a terrible experience with Dr. Emily Sarah Charlson. I was referred to her by my primary care doctor because I had a stye that wasn’t going away, and I wanted to have it checked. When I arrived, a nurse took me in and was very nice, but I was left waiting for a long time before Dr. Charlson finally came in. She briefly examined my eye after I explained my concerns and immediately told me that my meibomian glands naturally produce more oil due to genetics and aging, meaning I would continue getting styes in the future. She strongly pushed for surgery to drain the stye in my eye, using scare tactics to make it seem like the only option—claiming my stye wouldn’t go away on its own, that it was filled with scar tissue, and that even if drained, the bump wouldn’t fully disappear. She also insisted on prescribing steroids, saying she doesn’t usually recommend them for her patients but thought I needed them for some reason. The whole time, I didn’t trust her. She was throwing a ton of information at me and pressuring me to make an immediate decision. When I asked where and when I would sign up for the procedure, she said, “Right now,” and just sat there staring at me, waiting for me to agree. I told her I wanted to call my partner first, and she rudely responded, “Okay, but we need to do this now, make it quick,” before walking out of the room. What kind of doctor says something like that?! She was late to the appointment, barely spent any time with me, and then tried to rush me into a decision about surgery. I left feeling uncomfortable and called my primary care doctor immediately to tell them about my experience. They completely understood and even apologized, agreeing that it was unacceptable. I also advised them that they should reconsider referring patients to her. Later that day, I went to see another ophthalmologist, and what a breath of fresh air. She actually took the time to examine my eye and told me I did not produce more oil in my meibomian glands than average—it was normal and not a concern. She also said I didn’t need surgery because my stye would drain on its own soon. Sure enough, the next day, my eye started draining just like she said, and the stye is now practically gone. To anyone reading this, I highly recommend getting a second opinion before agreeing to surgery, especially with Dr. Charlson. It felt like she was pushing for the procedure just to make money rather than actually caring about what was best for me. You should never feel pressured into surgery, and if a doctor gives you bad vibes, acts entitled, or doesn’t take the time to listen, find someone else. There are doctors out there who will actually care about your health instead of rushing you into unnecessary procedures.

Sara Moss

July 30, 2024

Unfortunately, I didn't check her Yelp reviews prior. I hope to be changing this review, but echoing some others similar sentiments: I went in for a stye and was hoping to get it drained. The doctor insisted that a steroid injection and cream would be the best course of action, without sharing any potential consequences upfront. When I asked her about the possibility of discoloration at the injection site, she assured me it wouldn't be an issue. I also expressed concerns about using steroids as we're trying to conceive this fall, and another ophthalmologist had advised caution. Without ever having met me, she bluntly stated, "Oh, we use steroids on pregnant women all the time! Have you thought of using IVF?" Who says that? This is out of her scope of practice and unethical. It's been weeks, and I have full discoloration at the injection site, which is super disappointing right before my wedding. Dermatologist confirmed it was doctors error and the hypopigmentation isn't going anywhere. The swelling looks the same as it did when I came in. I was NOT sent home with any written care instructions and have not been able to get a response from her or her office regarding after-care or this latest concern. Find somewhere else. I explained multiple times that I didn't feel comfortable with steroids and should have listened to my gut. She fear-mongered me into getting a shot by saying I could have scarring and that today was the best time to do it. She also reminded me she's a plastic surgeon and does this stuff all the time. The moral here is: don't feel pressured into making any decisions with her. Get a second opinion or reschedule if you have to. I deeply regret not doing that.

Kimmy Carter

November 9, 2023

Absolutely beautiful kind perfectionist. Exactly who you want as a surgeon. I highly recommend!!!!

Stacey Michaels

January 19, 2023

DO NOT GO TO the dr.charlson. she is a THIEF and will WAY OVERCHARGE You for filler. AVOID THIS thief at all costs.

Hannah Landsberg

November 13, 2022

I’m going to have to give Dr Charlson and her office one star. The reason I don’t give it zero stars is because I am praying that she did the procedure on my eye well - which would give her a 5 star rating for that important 60 seconds. Sadly everything else regarding my experience at her office gets a zero. I am still healing and will know how this all turns out medically later but I am not returning to this office for follow up. If you expect respectful and prompt communication and care - this is NOT the office for you. I have felt neglected, dismissed and outright treated rudely by the office and Dr Charlson indirectly. 1) Day of procedure, I left office without proper discharge instructions (I was discombobulated with a bleeding eye so I didn’t think about “after care”). Later, same day, as I was driving home, I called 3 times in afternoon when I had severe pain, and was each time told Dr would call me right away. I called 3 times because business hours were drawing to an end and I hadn’t heard from her or her medical assistant. I never did hear from Dr Charlson. I had to reach the after hours doctor for assistance. 2) The medicine Dr Charlson prescribed was not available - we called numerous asking if there’s an alternate over the next several days - no response from Dr Charlson or her team. 3) Post cash payment of appointment and the procedure itself as we went outside of insurance, I was billed for 2 “labs” totaling $2000 - neither billing nor the “medical manager” who is shockingly rude for that matter - was able to help me understand why there are 2 bills and not one for the labs. On a side note, I did ask Dr Charlson whether these labs would cost “thousands” (as these particular labs were recommended but not completely necessary) and she said “no, not thousands”. Yet they are thousands. 4) Also, I received bills first and had to call several days later and request results - Dr Charlson did call at that point after I left yet another message. 5) Again left message for Dr Charlson about 3 weeks after procedure regarding continued eye discomfort as well as billing - crickets. A special sub-zero star goes to the office manager. I was referred to him once - to ask why the doctor wasn’t responding to my queries regarding post-procedure care and medication and he rudely told me that he can’t help me and I need to ask the doctor. I was sadly referred to him a second time - billing asked me to call him in regards to the lab invoices that I didn’t understand, and again he said he can’t help me AT ALL and to never call his cell phone again (the lady in billing told me to call that number it! I didn’t know it was a cell phone!!) This is all about my precious eye - I have 3 children who need a mother who ideally can see and function. I feel disrespected and neglected which is a yucky feeling as I had high hopes going to Dr Charlson based on the other reviews.

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Revision Rhinoplasty in San Francisco by Emily Sarah Charlson M.D., Ph.D.

Emily Sarah Charlson M.D., Ph.D.

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