Innovating Compassion: How Dr. Leif Rogers Redefines Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Leif Rogers, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a distinguished plastic surgeon respected for his expertise in both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. With practices in Pasadena and Beverly Hills, Dr. Rogers offers cutting-edge care in advanced microsurgical reconstruction and facial rejuvenation. He is particularly dedicated to breast reconstruction for cancer patients, combining compassionate care with innovative techniques to restore confidence and well-being. A Columbia University graduate, Dr. Rogers refined his surgical skills during rigorous residencies at New York Presbyterian and the University of Pittsburgh. 

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Rogers is a passionate humanitarian and educator. As a volunteer with HELPs International, he provides vital medical care to underserved communities in Mexico and Guatemala. Locally, he supports charitable organizations such as the Living Beauty Cancer Foundation, which uplifts women affected by cancer. He balances his professional achievements with quality time and new adventures with his children. With his blend of surgical precision, innovation, and philanthropy, Dr. Leif Rogers exemplifies the highest standards of medical excellence and compassion.

How did you get into the field of plastic surgery? What initially drew you to this area of medicine?

I have always been an artistic person, drawn to creativity and beauty even from a young age. For me, the world has always felt like a series of intricate puzzles waiting to be solved—each one unique, requiring both vision and precision to piece together. Additionally, I have a passion for helping people and making a positive impact on their lives. 

I believe that when you can combine creativity with compassion and purpose, the results can be truly transformative. Plastic surgery is the perfect blend of these elements. It allows me to bring artistry and problem-solving together while making a real difference in the lives of my patients. In many ways, I feel I was destined to be a plastic surgeon—it aligns so naturally with who I am and what I love to do."

How would you best describe your approach to breast reconstruction? How do you ensure the best outcomes for your patients?

A significant portion of my practice—about a third—is dedicated to reconstructive breast surgery. What sets my approach apart from many of my colleagues is the way I view each patient as an individual project, a unique opportunity to achieve the most refined and natural results possible. 

My ultimate goal is to give patients breasts that are as aesthetically pleasing—or if possible, even better—than what nature originally provided. To achieve this, I utilize techniques that differ from the traditional approaches many others rely on. 

For instance, I focus heavily on autologous fat grafting. This method allows me to create extremely natural-looking and feeling breasts, often without the need for implants, but it also opens up reconstructive options for patients facing particularly challenging situations, such as those with a history of radiation therapy or failed previous reconstructions. By tailoring my techniques to each patient’s unique circumstances, I strive to deliver outcomes that restore both physical form and emotional confidence.

How has your educational background at Columbia University and your training at New York Presbyterian and the University of Pittsburgh contributed to your success?

My training at New York Presbyterian and the University of Pittsburgh instilled in me some of the most important principles that guide my work to this day: to work hard, never complain, and always take responsibility. Each program had its own unique focus—New York Presbyterian being primarily centered on general surgery and Pittsburgh specializing in plastic surgery—but both shared a relentless commitment to excellence. 

What truly stood out in both experiences was the understanding that excellence is never handed to you. It is something earned through consistent effort, dedication, and a refusal to settle for anything less than your best. One lesson that has always stayed with me comes from Dr. William Futrell, the chief of the plastic surgery program in Pittsburgh during my time there. He often reminded us that, 'Good enough isn't!' That mindset continues to inspire me to strive for perfection in every aspect of my practice.

What are some invaluable skills you have gained from working in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Performing both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery on a regular basis in my professional career has given me experience that is unique in many ways. The two worlds are typically quite divergent, both technically and culturally.

Having one foot in each has trained me to be more critical of both the cosmetic results of my reconstruction as well as the validity of the cosmetic technique that I use. There are also many crossover skills between the two worlds that have made me a significantly better surgeon than I would have otherwise been.

What is a unique aspect of your practice that sets it apart from others in your field?

What makes my practice truly unique is not only the breadth of my surgical expertise but also the comprehensive range of services we provide. Beyond offering exceptional surgical care, my practice is deeply committed to wellness and longevity at an advanced level. 

The concept of integrating wellness and longevity services into a surgical practice is not new to me—it actually predates the current trend of wellness spas and longevity centers that have emerged in recent years. 

Over the past decade, I have dedicated significant time and effort to researching and implementing cutting-edge protocols and therapies that have only recently gained mainstream attention. By combining this knowledge with state-of-the-art surgical techniques, I’m proud to offer a practice that is truly full service, addressing both the aesthetic and overall health needs of my patients in a way that feels seamless and forward-thinking."

What are the most important principles you uphold in your practice as a medical professional, and what do you envision for the future of your practice?

The principle that I hold in the highest regard for my practice in medicine is to always do what is best for my patients. I realize that medicine has become very big business in the past few decades and that the trust in institutions is waning due to the popular belief that the primary objective is the almighty dollar and not the health and well-being of the people. I believe that the ideal situation for doctors, and really any of us humans, is to do well while doing good, if possible, but primarily to do good.

The future of plastic surgery and medicine as a whole is changing. Regenerative technologies are going to displace many of the therapies and techniques we use today. It's already happening. Stem cell therapies, gene therapies, and manipulation of the aging process will become more and more effective.

New weight loss therapies have already caused a reduction in the number of liposuction cases performed around the world. Surgeries to look younger will eventually be a thing of the past. But until that day comes, the best procedures and therapies available today can offer some impressive results.