Emily Sarah Charlson, M.D., Ph.D.
San Francisco Ophthalmologist
Emily Sarah Charlson is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in oculofacial, orbital, and aesthetic plastic surgery. As an elite physician holding both a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in medical science, Dr. Charlson specializes in eyelid reconstruction, cosmetics, and preserving eye health.
Dr. Charlson earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology, graduating summa cum laude from the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, in 2007. Her MD and PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology were with the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Following her university education, Dr. Charlson pursued a three-year residency in Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine’s Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. She then completed a competitive two-year fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Orbital Oncology at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University. At Stanford, she honed her skills with intensive specialized training in eyelid plastic surgery, cosmetics and facial rejuvenation.
Dr. Charlson is one of only 700 physicians in the United States certified by the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). As an ophthalmology-trained eyelid and orbital specialist, she performs cosmetic and reconstruction procedures for facial rejuvenation with a prioritization of eye health and protection above all else. Natural results and preserved vision/health of the eye are her primary goals.
Dr. Emily Sarah Charlson is Stanford-trained on the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques, including transconjunctival (inside of the eyelid) blepharoplasty with fat preservation/re-draping, endoscopic small incision brow lifts/recontouring, and vertical facelifts for optimal cosmetic outcomes. Further facial rejuvenation can be enhanced when desired with injectables (Botox/Filler) and in office skin resurfacing (laser/chemical peel).
Dr. Charlson also specializes in eyelid based dry eye therapies including thermal pulsation technology (Lipiflow) and intense puled light therapy (IPL, Optilight) for dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction. Treating pre-existing dry eye prior to eyelid surgery is an important consideration to ensure optimal eye health and function after eyelid enhancement.
Outside of medicine, she loves running/swimming/cycling as a triathlete, taking her two Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies to the beach, and volunteering within her local community.
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