Meet Roger Tsai, M.D.

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Roger Tsai, M.D. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Roger , thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout

Balance truly is the key to life. In a world that constantly pushes us to go faster, do more, and achieve endlessly, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind. But the truth is, the harder you work, the more essential it becomes to intentionally create space for rest, recovery, and joy. Without that balance, burnout creeps in—and both your physical and mental health start to take a hit.

For me, the gym is more than just a place to work out—it’s a sanctuary. It’s where I go to release stress, reset mentally, and reconnect with myself. The physical benefits are amazing, sure, but it’s the mental clarity and rush of endorphins that really keep me coming back. There’s something powerful about pushing your limits, sweating it out, and walking out feeling stronger in every way.

Equally important is stillness. That’s where meditation comes in. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness each day can make a huge difference. It quiets the noise, helps me process thoughts with more clarity, and creates a sense of peace that carries into everything else I do. It’s like giving your mind a deep breath—something we all need more often than we realize.

Beyond that, I truly believe in the importance of joy—doing things just because they make you happy. Life isn’t meant to be all work and no play. Personally, I find that joy in the outdoors: hiking through nature, walking along the beach, discovering new trails. I love trying out new restaurants, exploring different cultures through food, and going to events that spark inspiration or simply make me smile. These hobbies recharge me in ways nothing else can.

At the end of the day, living a balanced life isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being intentional. It’s about knowing when to push forward and when to pull back. When you take care of your body, your mind, and your spirit, everything else falls into place more naturally.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, my work is centered around helping people feel more confident, empowered, and comfortable in their own skin. Whether it’s through aesthetic enhancements, reconstructive procedures, or non-surgical treatments, every aspect of what I do is deeply personal and tailored to each individual’s unique goals and needs.

What I find most exciting—and truly special—about plastic surgery is its ability to blend art and science. It’s not just about technique; it’s about vision, precision, and understanding the nuances of beauty, proportion, and individuality. Every procedure is an opportunity to positively impact someone’s life, often in ways that go far beyond the surface. Seeing a patient light up with renewed confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

My practice is grounded in a philosophy of natural-looking results, safety, and open, honest communication. I believe that great outcomes come from great partnerships with my patients—and that starts with trust, education, and a shared vision.

We’re currently expanding our offerings to include some exciting new non-surgical treatments and technologies, giving patients even more options for rejuvenation with minimal downtime.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself—refreshed, confident, and authentically you.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, there are three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a plastic surgeon: precision, empathy, and resilience. These aren’t just important in surgery—they’re essential to building a meaningful, long-lasting career in this field.

Precision is at the heart of what we do. In plastic surgery, every millimeter matters. Honing surgical skills and having an eye for detail is something that takes time, repetition, and a genuine passion for anatomy and aesthetics. For those just starting out, I encourage you to be a student of both the science and the art—study form, study movement, and constantly seek feedback from mentors who push you to refine your technique.

Empathy is what makes you not just a skilled surgeon, but a trusted one. Every patient comes in with a story, often with deep emotions tied to their appearance or self-image. Being able to listen, understand, and guide someone through a vulnerable experience with compassion is just as important as what happens in the OR. My advice? Practice presence. Learn to really hear people. Clinical excellence is critical, but connection builds trust—and trust is everything.

Resilience is the thread that carries you through the challenges. The road to becoming a plastic surgeon is long, demanding, and often humbling. There will be setbacks, long nights, and moments of doubt. What kept me going was remembering my “why”—and surrounding myself with people who inspired me to keep growing. For those early in the journey: stay focused, stay curious, and be patient with yourself. Mastery takes time, but the journey is absolutely worth it.

Above all, never lose sight of the fact that this is a field where you get to restore, transform, and empower. That privilege is what makes the hard work worthwhile.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s important to find a balance between leveraging your strengths and working on areas you’re less confident in. Early in my career, I focused on perfecting my surgical skills because that’s where my passion lay, and those strengths are the foundation of my practice. However, over time, I realized that being well-rounded is just as important. Medicine and technology are constantly evolving, and in order to offer the best care, it’s essential to stay open to learning new techniques and expanding your knowledge—whether it’s non-surgical treatments or advancements in patient care.

My advice to those early in their careers is to lean into your strengths but also embrace continuous learning. Success comes from not only mastering what you do best but also staying adaptable and open to growth in other areas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.drtsaiplasticsurgery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrogertsai
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Dr-Roger-Tsai-Plastic-Surgery-100063770241002/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-tsai-md-58a650a8
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRogerTsai
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/roger-tsai-md-west-hollywood
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrogertsai