Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Ronald Moy died on June 23 from complications related to neck surgery, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He was 68 years old.
Moy, a leading plastic surgeon with Moy, Fincher, Chipps Facial Plastics and Dermatology Group on North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, died in a hospital with his case listed as open by the medical examiner’s office. The death was ruled accidental.
The surgeon had an extensive and prestigious career in dermatology and plastic surgery. He served as president of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, and American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. Moy also held a position as professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Moy specialized in various cosmetic procedures including facelifts, liposuction, laser skin resurfacing, and eye lifts. He was particularly known for his expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery, a specialized procedure used to treat skin cancer lesions. During this methodical process, surgeons remove thin layers of skin one at a time, examining each layer under a microscope to determine if cancer remains until only cancer-free tissue is left.
At the time of his death, Moy had performed more than 30,000 Mohs micrographic surgical procedures. His academic contributions to the field were substantial, with more than 200 published articles on cosmetic and dermatologic surgery and treatments.
The surgeon built a significant social media presence through his practice, where he provided skincare tips and cosmetic advice to followers. His website described him as “one of the leading cosmetic and facial plastic surgeons in Los Angeles.”
Moy worked with high-profile clients throughout his career, providing treatments such as DNA facials to celebrities including Christina Aguilera and Lea Michele. His practice attracted a substantial following in the entertainment industry and beyond.
His daughter, Lauren Moy, (also known as Erin) worked alongside him at their practice. Together, they launched the skincare line Cellular MD in 2021. In a 2024 interview with Practical Dermatology, Moy expressed his satisfaction with watching his daughter flourish in dermatology and mentioned sharing an office space where they could discuss medical cases throughout the day. He also noted his enjoyment of seeing short videos of his grandson during lunchtime.
The Beverly Hills plastic surgery community has faced various challenges in recent years. The area has seen several incidents involving medical professionals, including cases of malpractice involving surgical procedures and patient safety. Moy’s death adds to concerns about surgical complications in the cosmetic surgery field. The medical examiner’s office continues to investigate Moy’s case, though the cause of death has been officially listed as complications from neck surgery.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has not released additional details about the specific circumstances surrounding the neck surgery that led to Moy’s death. The case remains open as investigators continue their review.
Moy’s practice, located on the prestigious North Rodeo Drive, was well-established in the Beverly Hills medical community.
Throughout his career, Moy maintained active involvement in professional organizations and continued his educational contributions to the field.
The surgeon’s death represents a significant loss to the Beverly Hills medical community and the broader field of dermatologic surgery. His extensive experience in Mohs surgery and cosmetic procedures, combined with his academic contributions, established him as a prominent figure in Los Angeles plastic surgery circles.
