Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Leif Rogers.
Dr. Leif, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Westchester County, New York, attended public school, and later went off to college. According to my mother, my path was sealed at age nine when I watched a documentary about a woman undergoing cosmetic surgery to look like Cleopatra. Apparently, I sat there, mouth agape, and when it ended, turned to her and said, “I’m going to do that one day.” She never let me forget it.
At the University of Rochester, I initially explored architecture and engineering, but ultimately gravitated toward biology and medicine. After college, I attended Columbia Medical School in New York, knowing I wanted to go into surgery — torn between orthopedics and plastic surgery. But the more orthopedics I saw, the more I realized it lacked the creative element I craved, and that solidified my decision to pursue plastic surgery.
I completed general surgery research at Columbia, then moved to Pittsburgh for my plastic surgery training. While there, I also conducted research at Carnegie Mellon. After that, I returned to New York for a cosmetic surgery fellowship at Lenox Hill and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital.
Once my training was complete, I headed west to California, where I hung out my shingle and began building my practice. Since then, I’ve focused on cosmetic plastic surgery and breast reconstruction, with a growing emphasis on transgender surgery. I developed several procedures to reframe skeletal proportions in a more traditionally feminine way, and that work has taken off.
A few years ago, I launched a healing center focused on wellness and longevity — something that benefits not only my post-op patients, but anyone looking to optimize their health and performance. I’m fortunate to have John Paul DeJoria — the visionary behind Paul Mitchell and Patrón — as my partner in that venture.
I’ve never been one to sit still. I’m always developing something, building something, creating something new. There’s more to come, and I’m excited for what’s next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If someone tells you the road has been smooth, they’re either extremely lucky — or not pushing hard enough.
Life has its twists and turns, and most of them are unexpected. The key is resilience: either you find a creative solution, or you fall apart. I’m fortunate that my wife, Robin, and I are wired similarly in that regard — we’re natural problem-solvers.
One of my earliest major setbacks happened just after I started my plastic surgery training at Columbia. For political reasons, the program was abruptly shut down while I was still an intern. I had no clear path forward. Fortunately, I was able to secure a position in Pittsburgh and continue my training. Experiences like that teach you a lot — they force you to rise to the occasion or disappear. I’ve never been one to hide.
As you know, we’re big fans of LRMD. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m incredibly proud of the practice I’ve built over the past 20 years. It’s been shaped by a philosophy rooted in how I would want to be treated as a patient — with thoughtfulness, transparency, and a commitment to excellence at every stage of care.
One thing that sets my practice apart is the breadth of procedures I perform. I enjoy the variety — not just because it keeps me intellectually engaged, but because it allows me to see each patient as a whole person, rather than just a specific body part or concern. There’s a lot of crossover in surgical techniques, and I believe this integrated mindset helps me deliver better, more customized outcomes.
Another point of distinction is the holistic nature of our approach. Traditionally, the surgical journey has been fragmented — you might have surgery in one place, recovery in another, and follow-up care somewhere else entirely. That didn’t sit right with me. Over the past few years, I’ve been able to bring all aspects of care under one roof.
When you come to my practice, not only do you have access to advanced surgical procedures, but also to non-invasive treatments, an on-site accredited surgery center, and a full post-operative healing and recovery center — CORR, the Center for Optimal Repair and Recovery. It’s designed to help patients heal faster and more comfortably, whether they’ve had surgery or are simply seeking improved wellness and performance.
I believe this comprehensive, patient-centered model sets a new standard in plastic surgery. It’s not just about the surgery itself — it’s about supporting the full arc of the patient experience with integrity, innovation, and care. That’s what I’m most proud of.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m happiest when I have something to solve — a creative challenge, a puzzle, a new idea to bring to life. I also deeply value quiet time to myself and with my family. As much as I love my patients and the work I do, constantly interacting with people can be draining.
Having time to pursue personal projects, cook, or take care of our (too many) animals keeps me balanced. One of my ultimate dreams is to one day retire to a ranch — a place to unwind, create, and live a bit more off the grid. Maybe that’s the next chapter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leifrogersmd.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drleifrogers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeifRogersMD/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drleifrogers
