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Dr. Wai-Yee Li, MD

Dr. Wai-Yee Li, MD

Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery*
25+ years of experience

Dr. Wai-Yee Li, MD is a plastic surgeon in Duarte, CA and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Li has extensive experience in Breast Surgery. She graduated from University of Birmingham in 1996. She is affiliated with medical facilities such as USC Arcadia Hospital and City of Hope Helford Clinical Research Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.

5 Star Rating
Based on 84 reviews 5 Star Rating (84 reviews)

Wai-Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D.

1500 Duarte Rd Duarte, CA 91010
Telehealth available

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Dr. Li's Reviews

Likelihood to recommend Dr. Li

5.0
84 ratings, 84 with a written review
5 star
99%
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4 star
0%
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3 star
0%
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2 star
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1 star
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Best-in-Class and Right Here in LA
I have had a wonderful experience and results with Dr. Wai-Yee Li. I used Dr. Li for a breast reduction and she listened carefully to understand my preference for size. She explained my options, and how the procedure would be carried out, called me afterward, to make sure things were going well and performed follow-ups to ensure my healing was on track. My breasts turned out exactly as I wanted! My nipples were perfectly placed with no scarring, and I healed up quickly and with minimal pain. I have also used Dr. Li for cosmetic procedures, including fillers and injectables, and they look natural and beautiful. I can’t say enough about Dr. Li’s talent, her care and consideration for her patients. Feel so lucky to have Dr. Li and her all-woman team in LA!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Vicki J. – Apr 06, 2025
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My experience ice
I saw Dr. Li for a facial consult after getting cancer and radiation in my right cheek last year. She was very helpful and took the time to explain all my surgical options I could understand. She has wonderful bedside manner and I can tell she is very passionate about caring for her patients. Her new office is also very nice and clean and everyone was so welcoming. I would recommend Dr. Li to anyone looking for a plastic surgeon.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
2 others found this helpful
Helpful
Hong Gao – Jan 23, 2025
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BEST FEMALE PLASTIC SURGEON HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Telehealth
Dr Li is the BEST female plastic surgeon. I saw her back in July 2023 for a 2nd opinion on previous plastic surgeon that left my reconstructive breasts, after breast cancer, not symmetrical. Dr Li thoroughly explained process of corrective reconstruction. Excellent surgical skills she performed even cleaned up scar incision lines that were much finer and not as visible as previous surgery. She removed lower abdominal step down bump from previous surgery, removed excessive scar tissue build up, and cleaned up entire abdominal incision line to a much smoother incision line from before. Her knowledge and excellent surgical skills is why “I can feel comfortable in my own body again after enduring my devastating breast cancer journey”. I absolutely love her for her bedside manners and all that she has done for me. Would give her a “10 star review” and highly recommend. Dr Li is a blessing in my life! Thank you so much!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
TS – Nov 26, 2024
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Super breast reconstruction plastic surgeon
Telehealth
Thank you so much, My friend had surgery with Dr. Wai yee li. My friend surgery was so beautiful. I found the courage to have surgery with her. I had a previous plastic surgery that went wrong and they can not reconstuction. But Dr. Li saw my breast necrosis and she explained what’s wrong and how to reconstruction step by step. Other five place plastic surgeons give up my cases. By only Dr.Li her amazing surgery skill . Wow I am so satisfied. No other plastic surgeon can do it. I admire her artistic surgical skill. Dr. Wai yee li Thank you.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Kato – Oct 25, 2024
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Best plastic surgeon.
Telehealth
Dr. Li is the best micro plastic surgeon. I always appreciate Dr. Li. I had double mastectomy now I have beautiful breasts. She made it so beautiful artistic plastic surgery. Very very smart and caring. Thank you
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Kato – Oct 25, 2024
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Dr. WAI YEE LI Star Best Plastic surgeon.
Telehealth
Dr. Wai yee li is world top class plastic surgeon. I follow her YouTube at DrWaiYeeLiPlastic I will any follow up with her. Because she is my life saver. City of hope lets me choose random any surgeon. It’s very bad to me. I don’t know who are they . because i had bad experience other surgeons. So I try to find out Dr. Wai yee li . I will send a message to her website. Dr. Li website is drwaiyeeli.com I will always appreciate to her. I get the best surgery from Dr. Wai yee li. Female doctors are better at breast augmentation. Male doctors don’t understand us, and im so grateful find Dr. Wai yee li. I was hurt so much by my ex male surgeons very rude. Dr. Wai yee li is very attentive and very smart. Surgeries skill are top class. Dr. Li special skills and experience . Im so grateful to her . I saw from her YouTube video that smoking can ruin the surgery. I am so grateful to see your face on your youtube. She is the best doctor. She is a gift .
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Cate – Oct 25, 2024
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Breast cancer reconstruction
I found out about Dr. Li about four years ago from my oncologist doctor. She reconstructed my horrible scar I had from a previous plastic surgeon. She has done such an amazing job that you can’t even see my scars. I would recommend her a million times to anyone that is looking to get a reconstruction, breast reduction or any procedure that has to do with breast. I have had the best experience with her and will never go back to another.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Vanessa Bonito – Sep 05, 2024
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Breast Reconstruction.
Dr. Li has been absolutely amazing in every aspect of my care. From great bedside manner, to amazing post surgery results. I couldn’t have asked for a better provider.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Heather P. – Aug 07, 2024
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Knowledgeable
From the very beginning up to the after care process for breast implants, Dr. Li was very knowledgeable and caring. Her staff of nurses and attendees were gentle and well-trained, adding to the safe and high quality environment.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Aug 01, 2024
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Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Li is one of the most amazing doctors I have ever been to. She truly cares about her patients and made sure at every appointment that I had all the answers I needed. That she takes with her patients is above and beyond what would be expected. I am truly grateful for her dedication to her patients. the outcome of my reconstruction was far beyond my expectations.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Danielle – Jul 31, 2024
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Best Experience You Could Hope For
I had to have reconstruction after a double mastectomy and I’m still quite young. I really enjoyed my chest prior to the operation and asked her to make them look proportional and as identical to my before pictures as possible. She did and my scars are almost nonexistent. She was funny and honest and her staff make me smile every time I see them for a check up. Teresa in particular is lovely. Just looking at me dressed or undressed for that matter you would never know I had to have major work done and I am so grateful. I look just like I did before (although she insisted they be even and I was slightly uneven before) and I go months forgetting they are fake. Unless you are a trained professional you would never know and I think the only give away is how symmetrical they are. She was lovely and made a very difficult experience feel so much more manageable.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
JBT – Jul 25, 2024
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Best Of the Best!
Dr Li display genuine compassion when I met her for the first time. I felt instantly she was the right choice for my Brest reconstruction. Dr Li is very thorough and she answers your questions no matter how many you have and she answers them in a direct manner and I appreciate her truth and her candor. I told her my past and present habits that I normally do not share with anyone, especially a doctor. She should me respect and never judged me. I felt I could be 100% honest with her and i felt better for it.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jodi Petta – Jul 19, 2024
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A comforting experience
Dr. Li did a double mastectomy with reconstruction under the muscle. She fixed my first double mastectomy which was causing me pain everyday. She did an amazing job and she also made me lose some cancer weight before she hand crafted me. That let me know she is very dedicated with her craft and not just scheduling to do it right away. I lost the weight and we proceeded with the surgery. As a cancer patient we tend to lose who we are in every aspect. Dr. Li was able to bring back a sense of who I am. And for that, hats off to her!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Jaclyn Gallegos – Jul 16, 2024
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Amazing Surgeon
I met Dr. Li in 2023. I came to her with a very swollen right breast. There was a lot of fluid around my breast(ALCL Scare). Dr. Li assured me that everything would be OK and she would take care of my breast (which she did) . I had surgery, and she was able to get everything out. She reconstructed my breast and I have to say, she did such an amazing job that My new implants looks supernatural. I was tested for ALCL and everything came back negative. Dr. Li bedside manner Is awesome. you can tell she’s a very loving and caring person who cares about her patients. I felt extremely comfortable around her. I would definitely recommend her to everybody.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Shalone Javier – Jul 04, 2024
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Breast Recon Surgery
After my double mastectomy at 29 years old, Dr.Li changed my life once again but in a way I didn’t even see possible. I could cry writing this review but she transformed my chest with two very intense recon surgeries and made it the smoothest most perfect less stressful process on earth. Dr.Li is thee best Plastic Surgeon Breast Surgeon I could have ever asked for.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
lc – Jun 27, 2024
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Dr. Wai Li was so very good to me.
Telehealth
Dr. Li was honest and easy to ask questions to. She explained the different options available and how each would work. Although the drive was far from home, having her was worth ever mile driven. I would recommend her to all women in my condition. Her relationship with Dr. Player truly built confidence in my future time. And a future 3D tattoo. Super fantastic.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
Nani Johnson – Jun 27, 2024
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5 Star Surgeon
Dr. Li was a part of my surgical team during my breast cancer treatment. I had a large tumor removed and I was concerned that the surgery would result in the need for additional procedures to make the breast look 'normal'. Thankfully, Dr. Li did an outstanding job and no additional procedures were necessary. The breast healed nicely and although there was a fairly long scar, it healed quickly and I'm extremely pleased with the final result.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
Helpful
J. Linfield – Jun 26, 2024
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Excellent Doctor
Dr. Li is caring and compassionate. She asks questions and, most importantly, she listens. The results of my breast reduction and reconstruction are more than I could have asked. My breast's are now symmetrical after being asymmetrical for many years. I would highly recommend her.
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
May 26, 2024
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Excellence, compassion and great skill.
I couldn’t be more grateful to Dr. Li for the care, attention and skill she brought to my aesthetic flat surgery as part of my double mastectomy. She spent a long time with me to talk through all of the options in great detail, very clearly outlining all the pros and cons and sharing photos and examples, and encouraging as many questions as I wanted to ask. Once I had decided on the aesthetic flat option, she coordinated with my breast surgeon. The result is amazing – she managed to do a great job of dealing with the extra skin and flesh and making it a clean scar and flat chest. All of the medical practitioners who have seen it, are in awe. She was attentive to follow-up and she and her team together couldn’t have been kinder and more sensitive. Going through all of this is a stressful and emotionally draining process. She understands and acknowledges this, and brought clarity, common sense, compassion and brilliant knowledge that made me feel very well cared for.
What went well
No results
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Paula Morris – May 04, 2024
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Dr. Li changed my life!
I came to Dr. Li with 2 ruptured breast implants. They were misshaped and deformed. She was so pleasant and made me feel at ease. She was my biggest advocate when it came to insurance and my out of pocket cost. She listened to my concerns and even my cries. She truly performed a miracle on my breasts. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. She released me from her care today. She is a wonderful doctor and will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart!
What went well
  • I felt respected
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Listened & answered questions
  • Explained conditions well
  • Staff friendliness
  • Appointment wasn't rushed
  • Trusted the provider's decisions
  • Wait times
What could be improved
No results
1 other person found this helpful
Helpful
Brandy Bandringa – Apr 11, 2024
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About Me

care philosophy

Wai-Yee Li, MD, Ph.D., is a plastic surgeon specializing in breast and skin cancer reconstruction and lymphedema.

biography

Wai-Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D., is a plastic surgeon specializing in breast and skin cancer reconstruction and lymphedema.
  • Cosmetic, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

  • Surgical Oncology

*Healthgrades does not verify qualifications for medical specialties. Please verify your provider's specialty and qualifications directly with your provider and applicable medical board.

  • Board Certified With American Board Of Plastic Surgery

    2016
  • University Of British Columbia

    Fellowship Hospital, 2015
  • University Of Southern California Keck School Of Medicine

    Residency Hospital, 2014
  • La County And Usc Medical Center

    Internship Hospital, 2009
  • University Of Birmingham

    Medical School, 1996
  • University Of Birmingham, England

    Undergraduate School, 1994
American Board of Medical Specialties®
American Board of Plastic Surgery®
Plastic Surgery
For detailed information about any of the below board actions, please search for the provider's records on the linked state licensing board or the Federation of State Medical Boards. To learn more about the difference between these sources, please refer to our FAQs.
Healthgrades has not received any data indicating a board action exists for this provider.
  • English

  • Cantonese

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Locations

Wai-Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Wai-Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D.1500 Duarte Rd Duarte, CA 91010
1

Wai-Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Wai-Yee Li, M.D., Ph.D.301 W Huntington Dr Ste 400 Arcadia, CA 91007
2

Affiliated Hospitals

  • USC Arcadia Hospital

    300 W Huntington Dr
    Arcadia, CA 91007
    Recipient of 8
    hospital awards

    Surgical Care Excellence Award™ (2025, 2024)

    Superior clinical outcomes in surgical care across 15 of the most common in-hospital surgical procedures including cardiac, vascular, joint replacement, prostate, spine, and gastrointestinal surgeries

    View all awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    82%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home

    2% lower than the national average

    73%
    Patients said that doctors always listened to them and explained things well

    3% lower than the national average

    View all patient feedback
  • City of Hope Helford Clinical Research Hospital

    1500 Duarte Rd
    Duarte, CA 91010
  • Huntington Hospital

    100 W California Blvd
    Pasadena, CA 91105
    Recipient of 10
    hospital awards

    How patients felt about the care they received at this hospital.

    84%
    Patients said they were given information about recovering at home
    77%
    Patients would recommend the hospital to friends and family

    12% higher than the national average

    View all patient feedback
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