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Dr. Stephen J. Ronan, board-certified plastic surgeon at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery
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Dr. Stephen J. Ronan with patients in medical facility setting

Dr. Stephen J. Ronan

Plastic Surgeon

Meet the founder of Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & Medspa, Dr. Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS, a board-certified member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and gifted plastic surgeon who’s been making waves in the field of aesthetic enhancement. With a passion for perfection and a commitment to excellence, Dr Ronan performs thousands of surgical procedures each year at the renowned Blackhawk Surgery Center.

Hailing from the vibrant California Bay Area, Dr. Ronan’s journey to becoming a doctor was sparked at a young age. After his tenure at St. Vincent High School in Petaluma, he pursued his love for science, earning a degree in Physiology from the University of California, Davis. While studying, he also worked as an EMT, earning recognition from Governor Pete Wilson for his outstanding fieldwork.

His journey continued at the Medical College of Virginia, where he not only graduated but was honored with the prestigious S. Dawson Theogaraj Scholarship for Excellence in Plastic Surgery. His passion for excellence led him through residency and fellowship, during which he served as the Chief Surgical House Officer at Columbia Hospitals. Dr. Ronan’s dedication and expertise in enhancement procedures shone through as he became the Chief Fellow in Plastic Surgery for two years and later served as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at San Joaquin General Hospital, nurturing the next generation of plastic surgeons.

Dr. Ronan’s pursuit of knowledge led him to memberships in various professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgery, The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons and The American College of Surgeons, among others. He’s not only a skilled surgeon but also a teacher, sharing his expertise with fellow doctors through training and education initiatives with renowned companies like Galderma Laboratories, Allergan, and Suneva Medical.

Beyond his thriving career, Dr. Ronan’s heart shines through his philanthropic efforts. As a board member of organizations like the International Surgical Support Mission and Operation Kids, he lends his surgical talents to repair cleft lips, palates, and other congenital deformities in children across Central America.

From gracing the pages of high-fashion magazines to sharing insights on national TV shows, Dr. Ronan’s influence extends across the industry. With licenses in California, Nevada, and Virginia, he operates primarily at the Blackhawk Surgery Center, a facility he founded with a commitment to excellence and safety.

Dr. Stephen J. Ronan isn’t just a skilled surgeon; he’s a visionary, a teacher, and a compassionate humanitarian who uses his talents to change lives.

The Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & Medspa founder is an award-winning plastic surgeon performing thousands of surgery procedures every year in the Blackhawk Surgery Center, Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS.

Dr. Ronan is a member of the Rhinoplasty Society, and has been named one of the Best Plastic Surgeons in America by the nation’s leading providers of information on doctors. He was also voted Best in The Bay, and one of the Top 3 Hair Restoration Surgeons in America 2015, by Aesthetic Everything Beauty Network, a panel of industry leaders and fellow surgeons.

Early life and career

Born and raised in the California Bay Area, Dr. Ronan knew from a young age that he wanted to be a doctor. After graduating with honors from St. Vincent High School in Petaluma he went on to earn a degree in Physiology at the University of California, Davis. While earning his undergraduate degree he also worked as an EMT and earned a Letter of Commendation from Governor Pete Wilson for his EMT fieldwork. He went on to graduate from the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University) in Richmond, Virginia where he was awarded the prestigious S. Dawson Theogaraj Scholarship for Excellence in Plastic Surgery. He then continued his training (residency and fellowship) in general and then plastic surgery at the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University).

During his residency and fellowship, Dr. Ronan served as the Chief Surgical House Officer at Columbia Hospitals (Chippenham, Johnston-Willis and John Randolph) for multiple years. He was also the Chief Fellow in Plastic Surgery for two years. Dr. Ronan went on to work as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at San Joaquin General Hospital where he taught reconstructive plastic surgery.

Certification

Dr. Ronan Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, scored in the 99th percentile on his Plastic Surgery In-service Exam. Dr. Ronan is a member of multiple professional organizations and is the founder of the American Society of Hair Restoration. He is also a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgery, The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, The American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery, The American College of Surgeons, The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society Education and Research Foundation, The Plastic Surgery Education Foundation, The American Society for Laser Medicine, The Heritage Society of the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, The American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine, and The Maliniac Circle (Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation). Additionally, he is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Burn Life Support and is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons.

Licenses

Dr. Ronan has medical licenses in California, Nevada and Virginia. He performs most of his surgery at the Blackhawk Surgery Center, which he founded. This is an accredited surgery center (AAAASF and Medicare), where he works with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist to ensure a safe procedure and recovery for all his patients.

Philanthropically, Dr. Ronan has always believed in using his reconstructive surgery skills to treat those most in need. He serves on the board of directors for the International Surgical Support Mission, Operation Kids, where he travels to Central America to repair cleft lips, palates, burns, and other congenital deformities in children.

Dr. Ronan is also very active in the local community. He has served as President of the Tri-Valley Rotary, Director of the 49ers Foundation, and Director of the Moment-by-Moment Foundation, which captures pictures of children with life threatening illnesses.

He also has a long history of coaching youth football and lacrosse in the Tri-Valley area.

Read Dr. Ronan’s full Curriculum Vitae.
Dr. Stephen J. Ronan with patients in medical facility setting
Dr. Stephen J. Ronan with two young athletes at a youth sports coaching event

Q&A with Stephen J. Ronan FACS, MD

What makes Blackhawk Plastic Surgery different from other plastic surgery centers in the area?

A number of things; first is our staff. Some of our team have been here for over a decade. We have very little turnover, which makes our practice extremely efficient and creates a nice atmosphere for our patients. Second is our surgery center. Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has one of the nicest accredited surgery centers in the Bay Area. There is a reason Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has been rated “Best in the Bay” for plastic surgery several years in a row. As a surgeon, I strive to give my patients the smallest incision possible, a shorter healing time, and results that look normal and natural. Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has very high customer retention and repeat business and when people come in for follow up appointments, they almost always have big smiles on their faces.

What are the most popular procedures at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery?

Breast Augmentations, Face Lifts, Tummy Tucks, Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) and Hair Transplantation, and of course, a variety of implants, all carried out with utmost attention to the recovery process.

What kind of advice would you give to someone considering plastic surgery and who makes the best candidate for surgery?

First and foremost, find a board-certified plastic surgeon that works in an accredited surgery center with a demonstrated track record for success. Also, make sure the surgeon specializes in the kind surgery you are looking for. A good surgery candidate would be relatively healthy and have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure.

When did you know you wanted to be a surgeon?

I’ve known I wanted to work in medicine since I was in grammar school. I decided to specialize in plastic surgery in my third year of medical school. I was attracted to plastic surgery because is it requires very sophisticated techniques and principles and there is a lot of problem solving. Overall, my patients are healthy and happy and I have fun going to work everyday.

To learn more about Dr. Stephen J. Ronan, set up an appointment at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and meet with him. We are proud to call ourselves Danville, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Dublin, Pleasanton, San Ramon & Livermore’s home for plastic surgery; our treatments include liposuction, hair restoration, breast augmentation. For more information about our practice feel free to visit our website or give us a call at (925) 736-5757.

Stephen J. Ronan, MD FACS CV

Office Location:

Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & Medspa
3600 Blackhawk Plaza Circle Danville, CA 94506
925.736.5757 Office
925.736.5763 Fax

Board Certification:

American Board of Plastic Surgery
9/14/02

Fellowship:

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Division of Plastic Surgery
Medical College of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
7/99 – 6/01

Residency:

General Surgery
Department of Surgery
Medical College of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
7/96 – 6/99

Internship:

General Surgery
Department of Surgery
Medical College of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
7/95 – 6/96

Medical School:

Medical College of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Degree: MD
8/91- 5/95

College:
University of California, at Davis
Davis, California
Degree: BS Physiology
8/86 – 6/91

Licensure:

Commonwealth of Virginia
July 1997 – Present

State of California
May 2000 – Present

State of Nevada
January 2014 – Present

Certification:

Advanced Burn Life Support
American Burn Association

Advanced Trauma Life Support
American College of Surgeons

Advanced Cardiac Life Support
American Heart Association’

Professional Association of Diving Instructors
Rescue Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver

National/Regional Presentations:

Body Contouring after Morbid Obesity Surgery
Complications and Revelations in 259 Consecutive Cases
Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgery
Orlando, Florida
June 2001

Minimally Invasive Approach to Familial Multiple Lipomatosis
American Society of Plastic Surgery
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 1999

Employment:

Blackhawk Plastic Surgery, A Medical Corporation, Inc.
Private Practice Plastic Surgery
President and Founder
Blackhawk, CA
March 2002 – Present

Blackhawk Surgery Center
Outpatient Surgical Center
Founder and Medical Director
Blackhawk, CA
2004 – Present

Cutera Clinic
Aesthetic Laser Research Center
President and Medical Director
Brisbane, CA
2012 – Present

Chief Surgical House Officer, Columbia Hospitals
Chippenham Medical Center
Johnston-Willis Medical Center
John Randolph Medical Center
Richmond, Virginia
August 1997 – June 2001

Professional Organizations

American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Active Member
2005 – Present

American Society of Plastic Surgery
Active Member
2003 – Present

American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery
Active Member
2003 – Present

American College of Surgeons
Fellow
2003 – Present

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
Active Member
2009 – Present

The Aesthetic Society Education and Research Foundation
Active member
2005 – Present

Plastic Surgery Education Foundation
Active member
2001 – Present

American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
Active Member
2003 – Present

California Medical Association
2001 – Present

American Medical Association
2001 – Present

Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association
2001 – Present

American College of Surgeons
Associate Fellow
2001 – 2003

American College of Surgeons
Candidate Fellow
1999 – 2001

American Medical Association
Resident Physician Section
1995 – 2001

American Medical Student Association
1991 – 1995

Honorary Societies:

Maliniac Circle
American Society of Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation
Life member as of 2001

Heritage Foundation
Medical College of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Life member as of 2001

Hospital Appointments:

Blackhawk Surgery Center
Danville, CA
2005 – Present

San Joaquin General Hospital
French Camp, CA
2001 – Present
Chief of Plastic Surgery, 2001 – 2008

ValleyCare Medical Center
Pleasanton, CA
2012 – Present

Honors, Awards:

“Presidential Champion Level” at Galderma (Highest Level)
2015-2017

“Presidential Champion Level” at Galderma (Highest Level)
2015

Aesthetics Everything
Voted Among the Top 3 Hair Restoration Surgeons in America
2015

Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation
In-service Exam 99th percentile
2002

Best of the Bay
Voted Best Plastic Surgeon
2010 and 2012

Best Doctors in East Bay
Best Plastic Surgeon
2012

Super Doctors San Francisco Bay Area
Selected for inclusion to the Super Doctors List
2012 and 2013

S Dawson Theogaraj Award
Plastic Surgery Scholastic Excellence
2000

Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation
In-service Exam 94th percentile
2000

Top 5 score on Medical National Board Exam, selected to represent MCV at
the American College of Physicians Conference,
March 1994

A.D. Williams Research Fellowship
Richmond, VA
1992

EMT, Yolo Ambulance, ‘89 – ‘91, full-time while in college,
received Letter of Commendation from the California Highway Patrol and
from California Governor Pete Wilson for field duty

Published In:

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic Surgical Forum
Annals of Surgical Oncology
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London
Journal of Comparative Physiology A

Bibliography:

Walfre F, Amogh K, Ronan SJ, Grekin RC, McCalmont, TH. Hyperthermic injury
to adipocyte cells by selective heating of subcutaneous fat with a novel
radiofrequency device: Feasibility studies
. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2010, vol 42, Issue 5, 361-370.

Mehrhof AI, Ronan SJ, Pozez AL. Body contouring and incisional herniorraphy
in 259 patients after morbid obesity surgery. Prepared for Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery.

Ronan SJ, Bandak AZ. The pedicled radial forearm ‘free flap.’
Submitted to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Ronan SJ, Broderick T. Minimally invasive approach to Familial Multiple
Lipomatosis. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2000, 106(4), 878 – 880.

Ronan SJ, Broderick T. Minimally invasive approach to Familial Multiple
Lipomatosis. Plastic Surgical Forum. 1999, 22, 365 – 367.

Lipshy KA, Ronan SJ, Lawrence W Jr., et al. Complications of mastectomy
and their relationship to biopsy technique. Annals of Surgical Oncology.
1996, 3(3), 290 – 294.

Sillman AJ, Ronan SJ, Loew ER. Scanning electron microscopy and microspectrophotometry
of the photoreceptors of the Ictalurid catfish. Journal of Comparative
Physiology A. 1993, 173, 801 –807.

Sillman AJ, Ronan SJ, Loew ER. Histology and microspectrophotometry of
the photoreceptor of a crocodilian, Alligator mississippienis. Proceedings
of the Royal Society of London. 1991, 273, 93 – 98.

Sub-InvestigatorTruSculpt Feasibility StudyThe objectives of this study
are to evaluate the safety and assess the optimal treatment parameters
of the Cutera RF system in the delivery of thermal energy to the skin.

Research Studies:

Protocol #

Role

Protocol Title

Study Objective:

C-11-TS02

Sub-Investigator

TruSculpt Feasibility Study

The objectives of this study are to evaluate the safety and assess the

optimal treatment parameters of the Cutera RF system in the delivery of

thermal energy to the skin.

C-12-TS04


Principal Investigator

The Thermal Effects of Radio Frequency Exposure in the Subcutaneous Fat Tissue

The objective of this study is to evaluate the thermal and histological

changes observed in the subcutaneous tissue following RF exposure.

C-12-TS05

Principal Investigator

The Cutera TruSculpt Device for Thigh Circumference Reduction

The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the

Cutera RF system in the reduction of thigh circumference.

C-09-TF02

Principal Investigator

Cutera TruForm™ Study

This is a pilot study to evaluate the Cutera TruForm™ Radio-Frequency

System for reduction in size of localized areas of the body, including,

but not limited to, areas on the abdomen, leg, and arm.

C-11-TN01

Principal Investigator

Titan II Phase I – Pilot Study of Cutera Titan II Device for Tissue

Tightening

The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety

of Titan II for reducing periorbital wrinkles and facial skin laxity of

the face and neck.

CTCS002

Principal Investigator

Trusculpt Callisto: Thigh Circumference Reduction Study

The purpose of this randomized multi-center study is to evaluate the Cutera

Callisto™ Radio-Frequency System for a new indication of the reduction

of thigh circumference.

C-12-TPS01

Sub-Investigator

Pilot Investigation of Tattoo Removal with Cutera Picosecond Q-switched

Nd:YAG Laser

To demonstrate the safety, histological effects and efficacy of tattoo

removal with Cutera Picosecond Q-Switched Nd:YAG 1064 and/or 532 nm lasers.

C-12-LPS02

Sub-Investigator

Pilot Investigation of Cutera Picosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser in the

Treatment of Benign Pigmented Lesions

To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Cutera Picosecond Q-Switched

Nd:YAG 1064 and/or 532 nm lasers for the treatment of benign pigmented

lesions/pigmentation.

C-13-LPS03

Sub-Investigator

Safety and Efficacy of Cutera Picosecond Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser in the

Treatment of Benign Pigmented Lesions

To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Cutera Picosecond Q-Switched

Nd:YAG 1064 and/or 532 nm lasers for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions.

CCS001

Principal Investigator

Cutera Calisto™ Handpiece Study

The purpose of this dose-response study is to determine the safe and effective

parameters for heating fat cells through histological, visual, gross,

temperature and other evaluations of effects of various energy levels

on subcutaneous abdominal fat using the Cutera Calisto™ Radio-Frequency

Handpiece.

C-13-TPS04

Sub-Investigator

Randomized, Split-tattoo Study comparing Safety and Efficacy of Picosecond

and Nanosecond Q-switched Nd:YAG Lasers for Tattoo Removal

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of the

investigational device (Picosecond Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser) with the comparator

device (Nanosecond Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser) for tattoo removal.

Foreign Missions:

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
March 2014

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
March 2012

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
March 2010

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
March 2009

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
March 2007

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
February 2006

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
March 2005

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
February 2004

Operation Kids
Guatemala City, Guatemala
Relief mission, operated on children with cleft lips/palates, burns, congenital
anomalies, etc.
February 2001

Operation Kids
Relief mission, operated on children with cleft lips/palates, burns, congenital
anomalies, hand injuries, etc.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
March 2000

Service Organizations:

San Francisco 49ers Foundation
Director
2006 – 2011

Operation Kids
Plastic Surgery Medical Relief Organization
Director
2004 – Present

Rotary International
Tri-Valley Club
President 2003-2004
President-Elect 2002-2003
Past-President 2004-2005
Foundation Chair 2004-2005
International Chair 2005-2007
Charter Member

Moment by Moment Foundation
momentbymoment.org
Director
2012 – Present

Lectures:

Lasers and Injectables Training
San Francisco, CA
July 2011

Lasers and Injectables Training
San Mateo, CA
March 2011

Aesthetic Lasers and Surgery
San Jose, CA
November 2010

Aesthetic Lasers and Surgery
Honolulu, HI
January 2010

Lasers and Combination Therapy in Anti-Aging
Sacramento, CA
September 2009

Aesthetic Lasers and Surgery
Palo Alto, CA
May 2009

Aesthetic Surgery and Adjunctive Procedures
Vancouver, Canada
February 2009

Anti-Aging Laser and Non-Laser Therapy
Walnut Creek, CA
December 2008

Lecturer and Live Demonstrations, Clinical Symposium
Cutera Corporation
Newport Beach, CA
March 2008

Lasers in Aesthetic Medicine
Modesto, CA
September 2007

Aesthetic Lasers and the 3D Concept
Cutera Corporation
Las Vegas, NV
November 2006

Aesthetic Laser Principles and Application
Cutera Corporation
San Jose, CA
August 2006

Foreign Plastic Surgery Missions
Kiwanis of San Ramon Valley
Danville, CA
March 2005

Operation Kids
Tri-Valley Rotary
Pleasanton, CA
February 2005

Plastic Surgery
Brentwood Golf Club
Women’s Breast Cancer Luncheon
Brentwood, CA
June 2004

Modern Aesthetic Surgery
Women’s Council of Realtors
Dublin, CA
November 2002

Aesthetic Surgery Update
Brentwood Golf Club
Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon
Brentwood, CA
August 2002

Modern Aesthetic Surgery
Hilton Hotel, Livermore
February 2002

New Techniques in Aesthetic Surgery
Marriott Hotel, San Ramon
January 2002

Aesthetic Surgery
San Leandro Hospital
September 2001

Update on Aesthetic Surgery
Blackhawk Surgery Center
July 2001

Body Contouring after Morbid Obesity Surgery
MCV Research Day
June 2001

Blepharoptosis: Evaluation and Repair
Grand Rounds, MCV Plastic Surgery
March 2001

Aesthetic Surgery Update
San Leandro Hospital
February 2001

Asian Blepharoplasty
Plastic Surgery Conference, MCV
December 2000

Breast Augmentation
Plastic Surgery Conference
May 2000

Physical Symptoms and Body Image in Reduction Mammaplasty
Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds
January 2000

Modern Aesthetic Surgery
Blackhawk Surgery Center
January 2000

The Lateral Circumflex Artery
Plastic Surgery Conference
May 1999

Mallet Finger
Hand Surgery Conference
April 1999

Phases of Skin Graft Survival
Plastic Surgery Conference
April 1999

Flexor Tendon Avulsions and Ruptures
Hand Surgery Conference
March 1999

Accurate Nodal Staging of Malignant Melanoma
Surgery Rounds
Medical College of Virginia
February 1999

Melanoma: New Strategies
Plastic Surgery Conference
February 1999

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Diagnosis and Treatment
Plastic Surgery Conference
January 1999

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Hand Surgery Conference
January 1999

Parathyroid Gland: Disease and Treatment
General Surgery Conference
December 1998

Mirizzi’s Syndrome
General Surgery Conference
September 1998

Facial Injuries in Children
Pediatric Surgery Grand Rounds
Medical College of Virginia
November 1998

Congenital Disorders of the Hand and Upper Extremity
Grand Round, MCV Plastic Surgery
April 1994

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Its Injury
Primary Care Grand Rounds
December 1993

Wound Care and Wound Healing
OB/GYN Grand Rounds Lecture at MCV
August 1993