I have rated Dr. Leis the highest rating possible because my experience under her care has been simply outstanding. After two years of enduring pain in my right wrist, making it difficult to write or perform any kind of task without severe discomfort, I began a search for a Hand Specialist to diagnose the source of pain and propose a treatment. I met Dr. Leis when I sought her counsel for a second opinion (the first coming from an orthopedist). Multiple professors at UC Irvine urged me to contact Amber because her reputation on that campus is outstanding. Amber pinpointed the source of the pain within 15 min. of examination. She first proposed a non-surgical solution (steroid injection) as both a test of whether her diagnosis was correct, and to test whether the injections would be sufficient to take care of the pain. I very much liked this thorough, methodical approach. The steroid injection helped, but did not eliminate the pain, indicating that Dr. Leis had most definitely identified the source of the pain (the first doctor had missed this entirely); but the test also established that a surgical option should be considered. Dr. Leis' bedside manner is not pushy; she is respectful and considerate, and patiently addressed all my questions/opinions/concerns. I chose the surgery. Dr. Leis' team was efficient and professional in prepping me for the procedure. I am now two weeks out from surgery and it is incredible. There is minimal pain, including the longstanding wrist pain that was giving me so much trouble, and I have full finger, wrist and hand flexibility. Dr. Leis showed me through xray and other images that a small bone in the wrist was degraded and jagged because of osteoarthritis. The degraded bone was causing pain through irritation of surrounding tendons and because almost all the cartilage surrounding the bone was also degraded, there were painful bone-on-bone connections. So, her diagnosis was spot-on correct. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate Dr. Leis' surgical skill, her expert knowledge of hands, her powers of observation during examinations, and her respectful interactions with me. I recommend her very, very highly. read more

Hello, my name is April. I'm a breast cancer survivor, and a breast reconstruction patient of Doctor Amber Leis. I know firsthand the challenges of finding a trustworthy doctor with the ability to identify your needs, and a good bedside manner. Doctor Leis has an impeccable bedside manner! She is kind, compassionate, supportive, accomplished and warm. I asked a lot of questions. Unlike so many other surgeons I met before her, she smiled as she answered each one for us (me and my husband). She understands that surgery is scary and uncomfortable. She listened to me and my concerns. She took into consideration previous bad experiences and did what she could to make my experience as good as possible under the circumstances. She never minimized my concerns, rolled her eyes or spoke to me in a condescending tone. She was honest about what I could expect after surgery and honest about what she could or could not do. One of the things in particular that I appreciate about my experience with Dr. Leis--in addition to the outcome and her great personality--is that rather than ask me to fill out Pre-op paperwork just before being rolled into the operating room, Dr. Leis scheduled a separate appointment to do this. Doing so allowed me to ask any questions that might come up and allowed me the opportunity to understand what I was sighted. This prevented me from being bombarded with paperwork at the height of my anxiety. I think it's the BEST WAY to handle the paperwork. You'll find Dr. Leis and her team to be very organized in their approach to patient care. Side note: Dr. Leis is also a pediatric and microsurgeon. This is important because I think it speaks volumes about her patience, endurance and skill. Save yourself the headache and drama of meeting with the rest, and go straight for the best (see what I did there ) It'll only take one appointment for you to see how wonderful she is! read more

See all

Dr. Amber Leis has gathered a first rate of care-givers in her Orange, CA office. I had two operations on my hands, and both went extremely well--I am now living pain free after many years. There is such an atmosphere of caring, concern, and support at this office, and Dr. Leis' has a wonderfully warm and compassionate manner, accompanied with the highest level of professionalism. I am grateful that I connected with this extraordinary team of health care professionals. Susan Gilbey read more

I was referred to Dr. Leis for trigger finger. I had been seen by two separate hand specialists prior to going to her. I was in her office for about 10 minutes, a cheap aluminum splint was placed and I received a bill for $4800. First off, after consulting the other specialists, her recommendation of splinting for 3 months falls below the standard of care, and if I had done so could have caused permanent disability and or arthritis in my joint for the continuation of my life. All I can say is, don't trust her, and seek a more qualified practitioner. And hopefully one that is more honest with their CPT coding, as I believe she is greedy, dishonest, and immoral. If you have gone to her, double check your billing codes. She is committing billing fraud. read more

Can I just say THANK YOU to the folks at UCI Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery, most specifically, Dr. Amber Leis and her fine staff! I feel so blessed to have found such a compassionate and skilled medical support team! My goodness how far we have come from 30 years ago when I heard these words, over a telephone conversation from my surgeon, "I'm sorry. You have cancer." Primary on my mind was survival, for I had my 2 year old "treasure", my son, whom I had to fight for my life and live for! But you know us survivors rarely take time to stop and contemplate on all of the ramifications of this disease. We just kick into gear and go! I was told in 1990 to go ahead and get the breast reconstruction. The bedside manners of my surgeons and limited scope of technology and protocol were so very limited back then. Goodness, internet was just a burgeoning thing! So with each passing year, following bilateral mastectomies and 6 grueling months of chemotherapy, I eventually overcame significant milestones of remission, thanks be to God! But recently, I took a long, hard look at my misshapen and somewhat deformed and asymmetrical breasts. I thought if I was able to survive the fears and anxiety of my original diagnosis of breast cancer, survive all the surgeries and treatments, survive the birth of a second child (my "miracle" baby conceived after my last round of chemo), survive the shame and pain of being told my scars were "HIDEOUS" and emerge from all this as a VICTOR rather than a VICTIM, then why not start researching about what I could do now to enhance my TOTAL SENSE OF WELL-BEING and feeling of complete wholeness- mind, body and soul? So fast forward, I came to meet and soon became friends with Dr. Amber Leis, UCI Dept. of Plastic Surgery Asst. Clinical Professor and Board Certified Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon. Dr. Leis is equipped with such a wealth of intelligence and skill coupled with that rare quality of humility often missing from such expertise. I was so impressed with the skills, competence and knowledge that Dr. Leis possessed and embraces with gracious humility and com + passion for her chosen profession! I feel so blessed that while I got to stay in a private suite at UCI Douglas Hospital, (because that's how they're set up there!), just knowing that UCI Health plastic surgeons are nationally regarded experts in the latest techniques, including free tissue transfer which is part of the procedure I had done during my 8 hour surgery. My journey of hope and recovery over the course of my 63 years has been about DIGNITY, AWARENESS, EDUCATION, INFORMATION and INDIVIDUAL CHOICES! All of these were provided to me by Dr. Leis and her staff. When you are coping with the diagnosis of that "C" word, not only are you faced with the emotional, physical and mental ramifications of this disease, but now you must also arm yourself with a strong, capable and supportive medical team to help you through your battle for quality of life. It is not an easy task to find the right doctor who empathizes with your plight and also has the skills to help you feel "whole" again. I am so happy and satisfied with the outcome of my second reconstructive surgery! My self-esteem and confidence has been boosted over the top and I no longer hide in shame, but walk and stand proudly as a 31 year breast cancer survivor who proactively made intelligent choices and acted as the biggest advocate for herself!! To all cancer survivors -- I salute you, my favrite, all-time warriors and survivors who continually inspire me with your inner strength, grace, beauty and spirit!!! read more

On December 2019, Dr. Leis did a fantastic job performing a surgery on my right hand palm to remove a growing blood bobble which apparently resulted as an injury to my hand and was bothering me a lot. Dr. Leis appeared to me knowledgeable, professional, patient caring, charming and friendly. I felt obligated to share my good experience with others who may seek her expertise. Bo Ghorban read more

It's been a few years since my last surgery with Dr. Leis but my experience was so good that when i stumbled across her again online through an unrelated search for a dr i felt like i had to write a review. I originally contacted Dr Leis solely to remove glass pieces from my arm from a prior motorcycle accident. I also had large skin grafts on both my arms from the same incident but thats not why i made the visit. She saw them and made the comment that she could reduce the size of them. NOT ONE doctor i encountered during my hospital ordeal and after ever told me about this possibility, and i saw a LOT of doctors. She had her staff run my insurance and we booked the first surgery. Fast forward a year and Dr Leis took me through 5 surgeries. She is incredibly kind, and after interacting with her for only a few minutes its easy to discern her passion and SKILL. People used to stare at my arms and then quickly look away awkwardly if i gazed their way. Now, I wear short sleeves and literally one person every six months is keen enough to be able to notice scars on my arms. I cant think of any words that do anywhere close to justice for the praise she deserves as a doctor and person read more

Dedicated, well-trained and comforting bedside manner. You are in the best of hands with Dr. Leis.

I have been going to Dr. Leis for Dysport (like Botox) for 2 years and just had an upper blepharoplasty procedure with her about three weeks ago and I am extremely happy with the results. I actually have eye lids again! She also gave me some filler to my temples, cheeks and lips which has had dramatic results. I don't look so gaunt anymore. I look refreshed, vibrant and not 'plumped'. As many others have stated here, Dr. Leis is a highly skilled surgeon and has such a special and kind quality about her. She made me feel very calm and confident to go through with the procedure. I love her staff too. I'm sticking with her as I go through this darned aging process and I know she will keep me looking fabulous. read more

Dr. Amber Leis is a gifted plastic, hand and aesthetic/cosmetic surgeon. She has incredible technical abilities, explains what is happening every step of the way and is caring and compassionate. She is the ultimate package as a surgeon who will help you identify the solution that best fits your needs, while providing the wisdom to guide you and experience to carry out that plan at the highest level. She has my strongest recommendation! read more

My experience and continuing care with Dr Leis is nothing short of extraordinary. She is a perfectionist with the kindness of an angel. My wife is a physician as well so I am constantly in the company of medical professionals but Dr. Leis is special, very special. read more

I saw Dr. Leis for reconstruction following breast cancer. She is one of the loveliest people I've met, much less one of the loveliest doctors! My breast surgeon said she is one of the only plastic surgeons she is willing to work with. She gave me options, answered my questions and my husband's, made sure I was comfortable, and encouraged a second opinion. I never had a long wait in her office, and her nurse practitioner is just as nice. read more

Our son had a severe accident to four digits on his left hand and we could not have been more blessed that Dr Leis was on-call the evening he required surgery. She, and her team, have been absolutely amazing from through surgery and our healing process. She has amazing bedside manner and is clear and realistic in our days following surgery. Thank you!!! Thank you!! read more

Dr. Leis has performed two operations on my right arm, both to remove tumors growing along the nerve. Dr. Leis has a gentle and relaxing bedside manner that put my wife and I at ease immediately. Her skills as a surgeon are evident in the outcome - she has excised multiple tumors from my forearm with no peripheral damage to my nerves or arm/hand function. Dr. Leis is truly gifted and I am lucky to have met her and to have her as my surgeon. I highly recommend Dr. Leis. read more

I had replacement breast implant surgery with Dr. Leis. I had a procedure a month prior (with a different doctor) to remove a cyst, and my current implant was damaged. Dr. Leis and her staff were very comforting and helpful during a difficult and stressful time. Dr. Leis has a way about her that is soothing and patient. She answered all my questions and gave her recommendations for my best outcome. I am pleased with my results and I highly recommend her. read more

I met Dr. Leis in April 2016 just days after my breast cancer diagnosis and upon meeting her I immediately felt at ease. It seemed like I already had a connection with her, as there was a reassurance, a caring comfort, and I knew that I would be in good hands. As it turns out, amazing hands. After 3 major surgeries and countless office visits. She is not only an extremely skilled surgeon, as everyone who sees her work agrees, she is also one of the most compassionate and thoughtful people I have known. She devotes so much time to listening to the needs and reassuring the concerns of her patients, and is dedicated to planning the best reconstruction outcome so that she can make us as perfect as we can be and feel comfortable with our bodies again. Without a doubt I could not have found a more talented surgeon, I am so grateful that this cancer journey brought Dr. Leis into my life and she will always be a part of it. read more

Dr Leis treated my 2 year old son's severed tendon following a freak scissors accident. My husband & I were immediately put at ease the moment we spoke with Dr Leis (which is not easy when your baby is about to be wheeled off to emergency surgery). She was very knowledgeable, experienced, and comforting. She met with us immediately following the surgery and gave us a full breakdown of the injury, what she did, & what to expect. She answered all of our questions & even shared pictures with me (I gave prior consent & requested her to photograph the injury). It has been less than 3 months since the accident & our sons finger is healed. He can bend it, use it, control it, grab with it, hold objects, etc. We are very lucky & fortunate to have had Dr Leis treat our son. She's amazing! read more

Highly thoughtful and intelligent surgeon who is also incredibly compassionate. The perfect package. Highly recommend!

Dr. Leis is amazing. She is talented, kind, caring and compassionate. She never recommends procedures which may have negative side effects, never does anything extreme and when asked, makes recommendations for products and or procedures which will gently turn back the hands of time. It is always a special treat to go see Dr. Leis and I would absolutely recommend her for surgical procedures fillers and/or facial chemical peels. The office staff in the Costa Mesa office are also very kind and caring. read more

I saw Dr. Leis for a facial chemical peel and was so impressed with her and the staff. She spent a great deal of time with me to make me feel comfortable and make sure I understood my aftercare. She was caring, gentle and answered all my questions and concerns. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Leis to my family and friends. Her credentials are impressive and it definitely shows in her work and patient care. read more