At our practice, our priority is to deliver quality dermatological care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. We believe that informed patients are better prepared to make decisions regarding their health and well being. That's why we've included information on this website covering topics associated with dermatology. We strive to make our office as efficient and convenient as possible. Included in these web pages is information about our location including maps, directions to our office, hours, insurance policies and appointment scheduling.
Services
From routine checkups to acne, we are equipped to handle all your dermatological needs. Acne is the most frequent skin condition seen by medical professionals. It consists of pimples that appear on the face, back and chest. About 80% of adolescents have some form of acne and about 5% of adults experience acne.
The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff's training, professional credentials and work experience. Dr. Gary Lee graduated from the University of California-Irvine College of Medicine in 1994. He completed a residency in Dermatology at UC Irvine in 1998. He is a member of the Orange County Medical Association, and was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UC-Irvine.
Your first visit to our office involves a few special steps so that we can get to know you. You'll find all the practical information you need, such as a map and directions to our office, practice hours, payment policies and more. We recommend you save some time by printing out and completing the patient forms in advance of your appointment. Our practice is working together to realize a shared vision of uncompromising excellence in dermatology.
Our team of specialists and staff believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics, which can be found on the side of each page. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.
Reviews (27)
Crystal E.
May 06, 2022
Ali R.
Feb 17, 2022
I was sent to Dr. Lee by urgent care due to a change in my insurance and could no longer go to my usual Dermatologist, who I loved. I have had severe eczema my whole life, going through cream after cream to try and subdue a disease that only has management options. I have always known it's going to be something I live with for the rest of my life but creams haven't been working for me.
My mom also has eczema and is still able to go to my previous dermatologist who recommended an injectable, that was recently released, to manage the itching/pain and it has changed her life for the better. Knowing that the disease is genetic and this was such an amazing fix for her, I was going in to the appt knowing I was going to ask to be considered for the injectable.
From the very beginning Dr. Lee dismissed me. Said my skin "wasn't that bad" when I have to take Benadryl nightly just to take the itch away to be able to sleep. As if he knew the pain that I was feeling daily. He then continues to tell me to take better care of my skin thinking that I already didn't. I've had to deal with this my whole life, this isn't new to where I don't know how to try and manage the pain.
I felt completely defeated and he made me feel as if I had wasted his time for my skin "not being that bad". I would upload photos. but the post would probably be taken down. I am now going back to my favorite dermatologist but having to pay out of pocket, but it's worth it to be taken care of. Avoid this office if you can.
My mom also has eczema and is still able to go to my previous dermatologist who recommended an injectable, that was recently released, to manage the itching/pain and it has changed her life for the better. Knowing that the disease is genetic and this was such an amazing fix for her, I was going in to the appt knowing I was going to ask to be considered for the injectable.
From the very beginning Dr. Lee dismissed me. Said my skin "wasn't that bad" when I have to take Benadryl nightly just to take the itch away to be able to sleep. As if he knew the pain that I was feeling daily. He then continues to tell me to take better care of my skin thinking that I already didn't. I've had to deal with this my whole life, this isn't new to where I don't know how to try and manage the pain.
I felt completely defeated and he made me feel as if I had wasted his time for my skin "not being that bad". I would upload photos. but the post would probably be taken down. I am now going back to my favorite dermatologist but having to pay out of pocket, but it's worth it to be taken care of. Avoid this office if you can.
Ron C.
Feb 10, 2022
If there is a lower star rating, Dr. Lee deserves it. I had the same dermatologist for 25 years but my primary physician changed to HMO and I was referred to Dr. Gary Lee. Dr. Lee is complete fraudster. I am reporting him to the AMA. He should not be allowed to practice medicine. I should have read all the reviews before I went. Obviously his bedside manner is bad, but I can deal with that.
If you look at his reviews, you see how many people said he did unneeded surgeries. The first clue was when he did a biopsy on my upper leg. A small pimple had just appeared the day before and it was obviously not an issue but Dr. Lee did a biopsy and said he needed surgery. BS! Then 2 months ago he did 7 biopsies and said there are 3 places on your back that need surgeries.
Once again I was very suspicious but did the first surgery. So I went to see the dermatologist I have used for 25 years (5 stars) and he said there were no surgeries needed. Maybe some scraping but nothing else. Do not trust this crook.
If you look at his reviews, you see how many people said he did unneeded surgeries. The first clue was when he did a biopsy on my upper leg. A small pimple had just appeared the day before and it was obviously not an issue but Dr. Lee did a biopsy and said he needed surgery. BS! Then 2 months ago he did 7 biopsies and said there are 3 places on your back that need surgeries.
Once again I was very suspicious but did the first surgery. So I went to see the dermatologist I have used for 25 years (5 stars) and he said there were no surgeries needed. Maybe some scraping but nothing else. Do not trust this crook.
Barbara S.
Jan 31, 2022
Melody H.
Aug 30, 2021
I saw Dr. Lee in the beginning of the summer after I had gone on vacation and had petechiae all over my body and face due to being in the sun. I was really concerned about the rash and decided to go see a dermatologist about it since the urgent care doctors told me to see a specialist about it. Dr. Lee was initially very nice. I voiced my concerns about the rash on my face and all he said was he could get ride of the acne I had on my face.
I didn't care about the acne when I went to see him, I did not even voice that as a concern. I was worried about the rash taking over my body. When I tried to ask him about the rash he said oh that will go away soon, and just prescribed me some acne meds to make me go away. I insisted that I though the rash could be a symptom of something else since the sun made me feel fatigued and weak and I told him of my other symptoms.
He dismissed everything I said and only cared about the 3 pimples I had on my chin. I left dismayed, feeling unheard and dismissed. Fast forward a couple months later- a team of doctors formally diagnosed me with lupus. The other doctors could not believe that Dr. Lee missed this, since the rash I presented was an obvious symptom of lupus. I suffered for months with the rash and other symptoms because Dr. Lee dismissed my concerns.
If he would have diagnosed me earlier, or at least referred that I went to see another doctor about it, it would have saved me from permanent damage to my body. If you have a legitimate skin concern, I don't recommend seeing Dr. Lee. It seems all he cares about is acne and doesn't have basic knowledge of obvious signs of common diseases.
I didn't care about the acne when I went to see him, I did not even voice that as a concern. I was worried about the rash taking over my body. When I tried to ask him about the rash he said oh that will go away soon, and just prescribed me some acne meds to make me go away. I insisted that I though the rash could be a symptom of something else since the sun made me feel fatigued and weak and I told him of my other symptoms.
He dismissed everything I said and only cared about the 3 pimples I had on my chin. I left dismayed, feeling unheard and dismissed. Fast forward a couple months later- a team of doctors formally diagnosed me with lupus. The other doctors could not believe that Dr. Lee missed this, since the rash I presented was an obvious symptom of lupus. I suffered for months with the rash and other symptoms because Dr. Lee dismissed my concerns.
If he would have diagnosed me earlier, or at least referred that I went to see another doctor about it, it would have saved me from permanent damage to my body. If you have a legitimate skin concern, I don't recommend seeing Dr. Lee. It seems all he cares about is acne and doesn't have basic knowledge of obvious signs of common diseases.
Wendy R.
May 06, 2021
Patient and thorough doctor. I took my dad to see Dr. Lee for a second opinion because the first review by a Dermatology Medical Group recommended my dad laser treatment without trying to figure out the reason for the skin issue. Anyways, my dad went to see Dr. Lee to see how he can prevent the skin issue he was experiencing to avoid future onsets and to find methods to relieve the current episode. Dr. Lee was extremely patient in listening to my father's concern (which could be repetitious at times) and also explained how he was to use the oil (prescribed by the first Dermatology Medical Group but no detailed instructions were given except for "apply twice a day"). Dr. Lee also requested lab results from the first Dermatology Medical Group (who never followed up with my dad on the results) to see if there were any underlying causes. We are just grateful to have found Dr. Lee because it is evident that he is concerned about skin issues and not about the money making part of dermatology/cosmetic changes.
Ming C.
Feb 09, 2021
OMG, Dr. Lee is exceptionally enjoyable for me as a patient to visit! When my family doctor referred him to take care my skin issues, I was a little skeptical due to some very harsh reviews I read, this is a good lesson to learn not to trust open forums resource without solid proof. Dr. Lee is highly knowledgeable and professional, he listened to my concerns with patient, took care my skin problems skillfully without any discomfort to me. He will be my dermatologist from now on and I'll be happy to refer him to my friends and family members without hesitation.
Dec 11, 2020
They cancelled my appoimtment for the treament last december because Dr Lee was on vacation. This year, they said they won't accept my insurance plan anymore. Why did I visit his office last december for initial check up? They didn't let me know they will change the insurance company this year. I have to visit another clinic for initial evaluation again and I have to pay for the copayment for initial evaluation twice.
Amy L.
Jul 22, 2020
Sam Y.
Dec 11, 2019
Sheldon T.
Sep 30, 2019
Jennifer P.
Sep 07, 2019
After reading these reviews, my expectations were low, however I had a great experience. I called exactly once to make an appt and the office staff were friendly and helpful. When I arrived, I was greeted, offered paperwork. I chatted with the office staff who were friendly and efficient in entering my info. I went to sit in the very nice waiting room and was barely there for 2 mins before being called back to the patient room.
I figured this is where I'd end up waiting for the doctor, but nope! He came in right away, offered me his hand, was very friendly. We got down to business and discussed my concerns. He did a procedure with his assistant's help and all was well. Everyone was so nice and efficient, I have no qualms about returning to Dr Lee and his staff in the future.
I figured this is where I'd end up waiting for the doctor, but nope! He came in right away, offered me his hand, was very friendly. We got down to business and discussed my concerns. He did a procedure with his assistant's help and all was well. Everyone was so nice and efficient, I have no qualms about returning to Dr Lee and his staff in the future.
Caitlin M.
Jun 29, 2019
Judy L.
May 21, 2019
Elangovan S.
Apr 23, 2019
Kelly W.
Mar 19, 2019
Greg Charles
Feb 26, 2019
In my initial visit the doctor took plenty of time with me. First he looked at my areas of concern, then he continued with a full body inspection. Of my two areas of concern, he told me that the first one was nothing (and he was quite correct), but he took a biopsy of the second area (which turned out to be nothing as well). In addition, the doctor spotted an anomaly on my cheek that looked like nothing to me, but he took a biopsy (and thank God that he did).
The additional spot was cancerous and was just the tip of the iceberg. The tiny spot on my face was Squamous Carcinoma - and it had progressed past Level 2. Luckily Dr Lee was able to completely remove all of the cancerous margins and leave a minimal scar. My surgery was only six days ago and I'm looking forward to getting my stitches out in 2 days.
I don't know what the other comments are referring to, as I had a 100% excellent experience. I wish that everyone could have had the terrific experience that I had. I'm very sorry to hear that some folks had poor experienes. It sounds to me like Dr Lee has cleaned-up his inefficiencies and put better procedures in place. I feel extremely fortunate to have Dr. Lee as my dermatologist. With Best Wishes to All, Greg Charles, Ph. D
The additional spot was cancerous and was just the tip of the iceberg. The tiny spot on my face was Squamous Carcinoma - and it had progressed past Level 2. Luckily Dr Lee was able to completely remove all of the cancerous margins and leave a minimal scar. My surgery was only six days ago and I'm looking forward to getting my stitches out in 2 days.
I don't know what the other comments are referring to, as I had a 100% excellent experience. I wish that everyone could have had the terrific experience that I had. I'm very sorry to hear that some folks had poor experienes. It sounds to me like Dr Lee has cleaned-up his inefficiencies and put better procedures in place. I feel extremely fortunate to have Dr. Lee as my dermatologist. With Best Wishes to All, Greg Charles, Ph. D
Katherine N.
Feb 09, 2019
Not sure if it was because Dr Lee reminded me of my dad; but there was definitely something special about him when we met. He's very intelligent and sincere. I have had two procedures and happy with the results. I can't wait to return for another treatment. Thank you, Dr Gary for making something that was so scary in my head, not so scary after all.
Mary Segerstrom
Jan 04, 2019
Vortex Wolf
Dec 31, 2018
Dave S.
Nov 16, 2018
I needed a prescription refilled. It was required by Dr. Lee's office that I needed to go in for an additional consultation. The prescription sat at the pharmacy for over a week, as they said that they had not heard back from Dr. Lee's office. No one communicated anything with me. I then was forced to make and unnecessary appointment in my view, to go back in so that I could get the prescription refilled.
I ask the front desk girl on the phone how much that would cost. Her response was, why do you need to know that? That was in my view, unprofessional. The doctor did not examine me or anything he just automatically approved the prescription. Obviously that proves that the consultation was completely unnecessary and a waste of my time. I told the doctor what happened, and his response was he cannot do everything. He said they have a business manager that handles that type of thing. Just put a bad taste in my mouth. I won't be going back.
I ask the front desk girl on the phone how much that would cost. Her response was, why do you need to know that? That was in my view, unprofessional. The doctor did not examine me or anything he just automatically approved the prescription. Obviously that proves that the consultation was completely unnecessary and a waste of my time. I told the doctor what happened, and his response was he cannot do everything. He said they have a business manager that handles that type of thing. Just put a bad taste in my mouth. I won't be going back.
A. M.
Apr 03, 2018
Dr. Lee is an absolute genius! I had a severe scalp issue that had been dragging on for months because I didn't want to deal with it. Consequently I had lost a large patch of hair and was very distraught when I first saw D. Lee. He diagnosed me immediately, and within 3 days my problem cleared up. On the follow up visit I asked him about what I thought was a permanent skin mark, and with his prescription, 3 weeks later it is gone! He is the best! Don't hesitate to see him.
Smita B.
Feb 18, 2018
Dr. Gary Lee has bad "bedside manner." He's condescending and rude. But more than that, he didn't even look at my skin. He was in and out without looking at my face! Also, the front office is horrible. They took FOREVER and were unprepared with my referral paperwork (even though they had it at my first appointment). My voicemails have gone unanswered (still haven't heard back after 3 voicemails). Lastly, they never answer the phones. The "out to lunch" voicemail is on at all hours. I will never go back to this office.
Romi P.
Feb 14, 2018
Chriselda Roberts
May 07, 2017
Tom S.
Apr 09, 2015
After reading all these one-star reviews I was wondering if we were talking about the same doctor. He has always answered all my questions without feeling rushed or condescended to. I have always felt comfortable with his diagnoses and never felt the need to get a second opinion. I appreciate his no nonsense style and mostly attribute that to a cultural difference.
His front office staff have always been friendly and efficient. I highly recommend Dr Lee. Just don't expect to receive a lot of warm fuzzies. That's just not his style.
His front office staff have always been friendly and efficient. I highly recommend Dr Lee. Just don't expect to receive a lot of warm fuzzies. That's just not his style.
James Kemp
Mar 24, 2015
If you are referred to this Dr. immediately request different referral. Very unhappy. Poor Care. Poor Service Bed side manor of an machine. Walks in the room, doesn't acknowledge you and only speaks directly with the techs and leaves. I had questions i expected to be able to ask and have answered but he had no time for that. I week later i get a call with telling me my issue was cancerous and needs to be removed. Robot Dr. Lee cuts me, stitches me and leaves.
I asked to be reviewed because i am concerned that specific instance might not be the only cancer risk on my body, and the tech was surprised as if it were a strange request and told me i would need to make another appointment for that. Obviously the future health of their patients is not something that they have ever considered before. I told them forget it, i wouldn't want to bother them to do their jobs.
The lack of bedside manor isn't the only issue i had. Dr. did not stitch my wound up adequately and i had to receive additional stitches a week later. Believe everything you read in these reviews. I had the exact same experience as everyone else. I am not returning here again ever.
I asked to be reviewed because i am concerned that specific instance might not be the only cancer risk on my body, and the tech was surprised as if it were a strange request and told me i would need to make another appointment for that. Obviously the future health of their patients is not something that they have ever considered before. I told them forget it, i wouldn't want to bother them to do their jobs.
The lack of bedside manor isn't the only issue i had. Dr. did not stitch my wound up adequately and i had to receive additional stitches a week later. Believe everything you read in these reviews. I had the exact same experience as everyone else. I am not returning here again ever.