Leif Rogers

Identity Meets Innovation at Leif Rogers, MD

Our board-certified surgeons, Dr. Leif Rogers and Dr. Walter J. Joseph, lead one of the nation’s most advanced transgender surgery programs, integrating medical excellence with affirming care. With specialized training in gender-affirming surgery and a deep commitment to inclusivity, we provide a comprehensive experience in one private, luxurious setting. Here, your transition is honored, your identity respected, and your vision beautifully realized.

What Is Gender-Affirming Surgery?

Gender-affirming surgery is a transformative set of procedures that help individuals align their external appearance with their internal sense of self. Whether focused on the face, chest, or body, these surgeries are rooted in both reconstructive precision and aesthetic artistry. At their core, they are not simply about altering anatomy but about affirming identity and empowering authenticity. Each procedure draws upon advanced surgical science to modify gender-signifying features while preserving natural harmony and balance, including:

  • Bone reshaping
  • Soft tissue refinement
  • Implant-based enhancement
  • Fat redistribution

Why Some Choose Gender Affirmation

Gender-affirming surgery done correctly and under an experienced medical practitioner and seasoned surgeon can:

  • Align physical appearance with gender identity
  • Reduce gender dysphoria and emotional distress
  • Improve self-esteem and confidence
  • Enhance comfort in clothing and social settings
  • Support mental wellness and authentic self-expression
  • Provide long-term, natural-looking results
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Is Gender Affirmation Right For You?

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Identify as transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse
  • Are in good general health, with stable vital signs and no uncontrolled chronic conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension)
  • Are at or near a stable, healthy body weight to reduce surgical risks and support healing
  • Are you a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking for an appropriate period before and after surgery
  • Have adequate mental health support and are emotionally prepared for the changes that surgery entails
  • Have realistic expectations and clear, self-driven goals for your transition
  • Are you seeking physical changes that align your external appearance with your gender identity

Our surgeons may require a signed letter from a licensed mental health professional before performing gender-affirming surgery, especially for procedures considered irreversible or major (such as top surgery or facial surgery). This requirement follows the WPATH Standards of Care (Version 7 and 8), which recommend at least one letter of support from a qualified mental health provider confirming:

  • Persistent, well-documented gender dysphoria
  • Capacity to make a fully informed decision and consent to treatment
  • That any significant mental health concerns are reasonably well controlled
  • A desire for surgery that is not solely based on external pressure

Keep the following in mind:

  • California law protects access to gender-affirming care, but the therapist letter is still a clinical requirement, not a legal one
  • Some insurers (especially for patients using insurance coverage) may also require one or two letters for authorization
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Why Choose Leif Rogers, MD?

Our team is led by two of California’s most accomplished plastic surgeons:

  • Dr. Leif Rogers is an Ivy League-educated, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over two decades of experience. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, he is internationally recognized for his work in advanced microsurgery, aesthetic innovation, and full-spectrum gender-affirming procedures. His career includes postdoctoral research in tissue engineering and training at top institutions, including Columbia University and UPMC.
  • Dr. Walter J. Joseph is a board-eligible aesthetic fellowship–trained plastic surgeon who trained at the University of Pittsburgh—the nation’s leading plastic surgery residency program—before completing an elite aesthetic fellowship in Beverly Hills. He brings deep specialization in facial surgery, top surgery, and revisionary procedures, along with a background in behavioral neuroscience and research at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

It All Starts With a Consultation

We begin with a one-on-one consultation at our Beverly Hills or Pasadena office. Our comprehensive, whole-person approach ensures that every aspect of your care is thoughtful, affirming, and safe.

During your consultation, we will:

  • Review your complete medical history, including current medications and any prior surgeries
  • Discuss your goals, transition journey, and gender identity in a respectful, supportive environment
  • Evaluate your anatomy and hormone therapy status (if applicable)
  • Recommend surgical or non-surgical procedures aligned with your goals
  • Create a personalized surgical plan with clear steps and expectations
  • Provide transparent pricing and discuss financing or insurance requirements, including letters of support if needed
  • Because each surgical journey is uniquely yours, costs vary depending on your chosen procedures. We’ll provide a detailed, personalized estimate after your consultation so you can plan confidently and without surprises.
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What to Expect From Gender-Affirming Procedures

The surgical experience is fully customized depending on your goals. You will:

  • Arrive at our accredited surgical center
  • Undergo the procedures outlined in your personalized plan
  • Receive general anesthesia for your comfort
  • Recover in our private aftercare facility, if desired

Whether your surgery includes facial contouring, chest reshaping, or body sculpting, our team ensures comfort, safety, and exquisite attention to detail throughout the process.

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Recovery and Results Timeline

Recovery depends on the procedures performed, but you can generally expect:

  • Initial healing within 1–2 weeks
  • Return to light activity in 10–14 days
  • Swelling and bruising to resolve gradually over 4–8 weeks
  • Final results are visible in 3–6 months

You’ll attend scheduled follow-ups so we can monitor your progress and support your healing journey every step of the way.

Alternative or Related Procedures

We offer a full spectrum of gender-affirming procedures, including:

  • Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS): Forehead contouring, brow lift, rhinoplasty, jaw/chin reshaping, and more.
  • Facial Masculinization Surgery (FMS): Chin/jaw augmentation, forehead lengthening, Adam’s apple enhancement.
  • Top Surgery: Breast augmentation or mastectomy with nipple/areola refinement.
  • Body Contouring: Liposuction, fat grafting, hip/gluteal/pectoral implants, rib remodeling, clavicle or scapula reshaping.
  • Non-Surgical Enhancements: BOTOX, fillers, hair restoration, laser skin treatments.

In addition to surgical care, we offer regenerative and aesthetic services to support your wellness, including:

  • Scar revision with CO2 and Clear + Brilliant lasers
  • Celluma red light therapy
  • Hormone-sensitive hair restoration
  • Personalized skincare plans

These services can be part of a long-term self-care strategy that complements your gender affirmation.

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Your Journey Deserves Artistry, Integrity, and Respect. We’re Here to Offer All Three.

At Leif Rogers, MD, we honor identity through surgical expertise, aesthetic innovation, and deeply personalized care. Drs. Rogers and Joseph bring a rare combination of advanced microsurgical skill, elite academic training, and inclusive, patient-led transformation. Each detail of your care is thoughtfully designed to reflect your goals—from the precision of your procedure to the privacy of your recovery. Our approach blends technical mastery with emotional intelligence, creating a sanctuary for healing and self-expression. This is where expertise meets empathy. This is where transformation becomes empowerment. Schedule your private consultation today in Beverly Hills or Pasadena.

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Schedule a ConsultationLive a Life of Total Confidence

You deserve a look that you love. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your initial consultation.

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