Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Ronald Moy died on June 23 at age 68 from complications related to neck surgery, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. The death was ruled accidental, though the case remains open for investigation.
Moy was a leading plastic surgeon with Moy, Fincher, Chipps Facial Plastics and Dermatology Group on North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. He passed away during surgery at a hospital, with the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal surgery remaining unclear.
The physician had built a prestigious career in dermatology and plastic surgery, having 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 professorship at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and previously served as Co-Chief of the UCLA Division of Dermatology and Chief of Dermatologic Surgery.
Moy specialized in various cosmetic and facial plastic surgery procedures, including facelifts, liposuction, laser skin resurfacing, and eye lifts. He was particularly renowned for his expertise in Mohs micrographic surgery, a precise procedure used to treat skin cancer lesions. This methodical technique involves removing thin layers of skin one at a time and examining each layer under a microscope to determine if cancer remains, continuing until only cancer-free tissue remains.
Throughout his career, Moy had performed more than 30,000 Mohs micrographic surgical procedures and facial plastic surgery cases over 25 years of clinical practice. He published more than 200 scholarly articles on cosmetic and dermatologic surgery and treatments, establishing himself as a respected authority in the field.
Moy recently received the Samuel J. Stegman Award for Distinguished Service, recognizing his contributions to the field. He was a member of multiple professional organizations, including the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery.
The surgeon maintained an active presence on social media, where he shared skincare tips and cosmetic advice with a substantial following. His practice had grown a notable social media presence, with Moy providing educational content about various procedures and treatments. As recently as January 2025, he posted about the importance of Erbium laser treatment for targeting sun damage on the chest while eliminating precancerous cells to help prevent skin cancer.
Moy’s clientele reportedly included high-profile celebrities. He had worked with A-list stars such as Christina Aguilera and Lea Michele from “Glee,” providing treatments including DNA facials to these entertainment industry figures.
In 2021, Moy collaborated with his daughter Lauren Moy to launch the skincare line Cellular MD. Lauren also worked with him at their practice, creating a family partnership in the dermatology field. In a 2024 interview with Practical Dermatology, Moy expressed his pleasure at seeing his daughter flourish in dermatology, noting that they shared an office where they could “discuss medical cases throughout the day.”
The surgeon also mentioned in that interview how he enjoyed seeing short videos of his grandson during his lunchtime, highlighting the personal side of his professional life. This collaboration between father and daughter demonstrated the continuation of medical expertise within the family.
Moy’s practice locations included Beverly Hills, Encino, and Torrance, serving patients across the greater Los Angeles area. The practice, Moy Fincher Chipps Facial Plastics and Dermatology, was established as one of the leading cosmetic surgery centers in the region.
His medical background included completing his dermatology residency training at UCLA, where he later served as a professor. This academic connection reinforced his commitment to both practicing and teaching within the medical community.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office has not released additional details about the specific circumstances of the neck surgery that led to complications resulting in Moy’s death. The case remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the exact sequence of events.
Moy’s death represents a significant loss to the Beverly Hills medical community and the broader field of dermatology and plastic surgery. His extensive experience, academic contributions, and professional leadership had established him as a prominent figure in cosmetic medicine.
