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The Quiet Beauty of Precision

Malone M.D. Facial Plastic Surgery San Diego

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Elegantly Subtle. Expertly Performed.

Double-Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Facelift Specialist

At Malone M.D. Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Melanie Malone, MD, FACS, has cultivated a reputation as one of the top deep plane facelift surgeons in the United States, owing to her high level of training and years of expertise. Dr. Malone and her hand-picked team create powerful treatments for natural aesthetic refinement, rejuvenation, and replenishment, pioneering the most scientifically advanced regenerative treatments with holistic influences. She helps patients look younger and reveal their inner beauty through curated plastic surgery experiences.

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Meet Dr. Melanie Malone, MD, FACS, San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

Double-Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon & Facelift Specialist

Renowned San Diego facial plastic surgeon Melanie Malone, MD, FACS, is a double-board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and head and neck surgeon specializing in aesthetic treatments that naturally rejuvenate and refine your face. As a recognized authority in her field, she speaks at national meetings and publishes original research in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks about facial plastic surgery. Dr. Malone founded her eponymous skin clinic in La Jolla to integrate holistic and natural skin care remedies with the latest advances in molecular science-based treatments. Her patients have unprecedented access to personalized, prescriptive regenerative treatments aimed at refreshing their appearance for the most natural results.

As a preeminent facial surgeon in the United States, Dr. Malone has had the privilege of treating a broad range of patients seeking facial rejuvenation. Her patients have traveled from all over the US and globally to take advantage of her specialty training. She completed her fellowship under the guidance of world-renowned facelift expert Dr. Andrew Jacono, a New York City surgeon best known for pioneering the extended deep plane facelift. Dr. Malone fine-tuned her facial rejuvenation skills after training directly with Dr. Jacono. Following Dr. Jacono's proprietary techniques, she achieves natural-looking facelift results with less scarring than older surgical methods.

Dr Malone is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. This remarkable distinction is bestowed on an elite subset of surgeons based on their exceptional training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct.

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Melanie Malone, MD, FACS, has founded the world-class wellness clinic that brings specialized, focused, and clinically proven care to provide powerful results to their clientele in La Jolla & San Diego.

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The Malone Method Consultation

Building Trust Through Understanding

Every journey at Malone Facial Plastic Surgery begins with a one-on-one interview with Dr. Malone. The initial consultation establishes a comprehensive understanding of your individual aesthetic treatment goals. We will get acquainted with the unique physiological and lifestyle circumstances that contribute to your individual beauty.

During your visit, you will meet with Dr. Malone and our close-knit team to discuss your concerns in a thoughtful, unhurried setting. Dr. Malone will review your medical and aesthetic concerns, take detailed photographs, and analyze them with you to better understand the nuances of your facial structure.

Together, you will explore personalized recommendations based on your anatomy and desired outcome. For patients who wish to learn from others’ experiences, the office can facilitate contact with individuals who have undergone similar procedures.

Our Mission is to establish trust and like-mindedness with you and get the best and most natural-looking result from a facial plastic surgery. Dr. Malone finds developing long-term relationships with her patients deeply rewarding. She is a lifelong student of aesthetic medicine and surgery and loves to share her excitement about scientific advancements in facial aesthetic surgery and rejuvenation.

Learn More About the Malone Method
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Your Consultation

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One-on-One Consultation

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Photo Analysis

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Bespoke Surgery Plan

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All Questions Answered Before Surgery

Discover the Difference a San Diego Facelift Expert Can Make

A True Facelift Artist and Master of Her Craft

When it comes to a facelift, La Jolla patients demand results that look natural. That is why Dr. Malone has gone the extra mile in her training to study under legendary facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono at the New York Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Jacono has earned acclaim for his extended deep plane facelift technique, which minimizes scarring, prolongs results, and produces an exquisitely natural-looking outcome. Dr. Malone absorbed everything she could during her fellowship training with Dr. Jacono until replicating his techniques. She brings his deep plane facelift method to San Diego, so her patients can receive a similarly beautiful outcome.

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Refined Solutions for Natural-Looking Results

Featured Facial Procedures at Malone Facial Plastic Surgery in La Jolla, California

As one of the top facial plastic surgeons San Diego has, Dr. Malone performs each procedure with an unwavering commitment to natural-looking outcomes. These featured treatments represent Dr. Malone’s most sought-after areas of expertise.

Facial Rejuvenation

Facial Balancing

Holistic Support

Facelift Neck Lift Mini Facelift Fat Transfer Rhinoplasty

Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego, CA

A deep plane facelift reshapes the lower half of the face to restore the heart-shaped face of our youth. Also commonly known as rhytidectomy, it tightens the loose muscle and skin around the jaw line, eliminates deep creases around the mouth and nose, and addresses the hanging skin and fat under the chin and neck. Dr. Malone has mastered the deep plane facelift technique under the guidance of famed surgeon Dr. Andrew Jacono, allowing her to lift and tighten a sagging face and neck without the windswept look associated with older facelift methods.

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Neck Lift in San Diego, CA

Over time, our necks loosen due to a variety of factors such as aging, heredity, gravity, environmental exposures, and stress. A neck lift is a facial plastic surgery procedure that lifts and tones the skin and deeper muscles of the neck, jawline, and chin to improve laxity, banding, and fullness beneath the jaw. By addressing both superficial and deeper tissues, Dr. Malone restores a smoother, more refined neck contour that complements the face without drawing attention to the procedure itself. Dr. Malone loves combining neck lifts and facelifts when appropriate for an overall harmonious appearance.

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Mini Facelift in San Diego, CA

A mini facelift offers focused rejuvenation for patients with early signs of facial aging. The procedure subtly elevates underlying tissues to enhance jawline definition and restore youthful contour without the recovery associated with more extensive surgery. Dr. Malone’s approach maintains facial identity while improving mild laxity, making it a thoughtful option for those seeking an understated yet meaningful refresh.

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Fat Transfer in San Diego, CA

Facial fat transfer replenishes areas of volume loss using your own purified fat, creating soft, natural fullness that integrates seamlessly with surrounding tissues. This technique enhances cheeks, temples, under-eyes, and other hollows while improving overall facial harmony. Because the added volume is biologically natural, results are long-lasting and exceptionally subtle. Fat transfer pairs beautifully with facelift procedures for a complete, balanced rejuvenation.

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Scarless Rhinoplasty in San Diego, CA

Rhinoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure that can change the shape of the nose and improve its function, where alteration of the nose's shape and appearance is desirable for cosmetic and self-esteem reasons. Scarless (endonasal) rhinoplasty reshapes the nose from within, allowing for precise adjustments without external incisions. Dr. Malone refines structural elements to improve proportion, airflow, and facial balance while preserving natural characteristics. Rhinoplasty can bring balance and proportional harmony to the face, delivering a sophisticated and seamless profile.

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Chin & Jawline Lip Lift Otoplasty Fat Transfer Eye Lift

Chin & Jawline Contouring in San Diego, CA

Surgical contouring of the chin and jawline enhances overall facial balance by addressing weak projection, irregular contours, or asymmetry. Through implants, bone work, or soft tissue refinement, Dr. Malone creates a stronger, more cohesive facial framework. The result is a naturally sculpted profile that improves harmony among the nose, chin, and neck without appearing overdone.

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Lip Lift in San Diego, CA

A lip lift is a facial plastic surgery procedure that shortens the space between the bottom of the nose and the top of the lips by shaping a strip of skin below the nostrils to enhance shape, dental show, and youthful vertical balance. This procedure raises the vermilion border on the edges of the lips to enhance them and allow the curves to be more prominent, creating definition without adding volume, making it ideal for patients seeking refined, elegant improvement. Dr. Malone’s technique preserves natural lip character while creating a more open, proportionate, and softly lifted appearance.

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Otoplasty in San Diego, CA

Otoplasty reshapes and repositions the ears to create a balanced, unobtrusive contour that complements the face, enhancing its overall appearance. Whether correcting prominent ears or refining asymmetries, the goal is subtlety, achieving symmetry without drawing attention to the ears themselves. Results look natural and harmonious from every angle.

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Fat Transfer in San Diego, CA

In facial balancing, fat transfer enhances key structural areas, such as the cheeks, jawline, and temples, with natural, long-lasting volume. It smooths transitions between facial features and supports more harmonious proportions. This technique is especially beneficial for patients seeking a gentle, integrated improvement that complements surgical shaping or stands alone as a natural enhancement.

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Eye Lift in San Diego, CA

An Eye Lift (or blepharoplasty) is a facial plastic surgery procedure that restores a more youthful appearance to aging eyes. It corrects sagging skin, smooths wrinkles, and reduces puffiness around the upper and lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty offers a noticeably more youthful, energized appearance in a subtle, indefinable way.

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Oxygen Therapy PRP Chemical Peels Microneedling

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in San Diego, CA

HBOT delivers oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure to support healing after facial surgery. This therapy can reduce swelling, improve tissue recovery, and enhance overall postoperative comfort. At Malone Facial Plastic Surgery, HBOT is used strategically as part of a comprehensive surgical recovery plan to encourage the best possible outcomes.

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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in San Diego, CA

PRP uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to improve skin texture, tone, and overall vitality. When paired with surgical or nonsurgical procedures, it enhances healing and supports more radiant, resilient skin. PRP is an excellent adjunct for patients seeking biologically based improvement without synthetic materials.

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Chemical Peels in San Diego, CA

Professional chemical peels gently resurface the skin to improve discoloration, fine lines, and uneven texture. They can be used before or after surgery to enhance skin quality and support more luminous, even-toned results. Dr. Malone offers tailored peel strengths to suit individual skin types and goals.

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Microneedling in San Diego, CA

Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve texture, minimize fine lines, and refine overall tone. Whether performed as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with surgery, it supports healthier, more resilient skin. This technique offers subtle, consistent improvement suitable for long-term maintenance.

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Malone Facial Plastic Surgery in La Jolla, California

A Refined Environment for Surgical Excellence

The office of Malone Facial Plastic Surgery in La Jolla is designed to reflect the precision and understated sophistication of the practice itself.

The environment is quiet, modern, and intentionally minimal, fostering a feeling of tranquility from the moment you arrive. Clean architectural lines, natural light, and a serene palette create a space that supports clarity, comfort, and thoughtful decision-making. Every detail is considered. Consultation rooms are equipped for precise photographic analysis and in-depth discussion, while treatment areas maintain the highest clinical standards. The setting is professional yet welcoming, free of distractions, and aligned with Dr. Malone’s philosophy of subtle, natural refinement. Patients often describe the office as an extension of the care they receive: calm, meticulous, and grounded in integrity. It is a place where the focus remains on you, your goals, and the artistry and technical skill required to achieve results that feel authentically your own.

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See A Real Patient's Journey

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Learn About Our Holistic Healing Pathway

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Patient Testimonials

“I would recommend her a million times over…”

“Not only did she straighten out my nose and significantly improve my breathing, but she was very attentive and had a great bedside manner! I've had nothing but compliments on how good my new nose looks!”

–M.H., San Diego, CA. Septoplasty patient.

“Thank you for the smile on my face whenever I look in the mirror, you’re an incredible lady and surgeon.”

—San Diego, CA, Facelift, Lip Lift, Laser skin resurfacing patient (B.P.).

“You have helped me more than you’ll ever know. You possess the qualities not only of an excellent physician but of an extraordinary human being as well.”

—San Diego, CA, Facelift, lip lift, chin implant patient (F.K.).

“She is kind, caring, listened to and addressed all of my concerns, explained everything in detail, and was always available, before and after surgery.”

—San Diego, CA, Facelift (B.) patient.

“Dr. Malone is great! She is very friendly, honest, clear, and understanding. Never had to wait longer than 10 minutes. It is easy to make an appointment by phone or email. Truly pleased with the results!”

—San Diego, CA, Botox (C.V.) patient.

“I am 69 years old and had a deep plane facelift with Dr. Malone. My results are fabulous. She is an excellent surgeon and a caring, kind person as well. Would highly recommend her.”

—San Diego, CA, Deep Plane Facelift (aerobicgal) patient.

“I saw Dr. Malone back in Nov 2017, she was an absolute delight. I knew I was in good hands. Her empathetic bedside manner made me feel confident in her abilities to give me the exact results I envisioned. ”

—San Diego, CA, Rhinoplasty (N.K.) patient.

“If I could give her 10 stars, I would! She was very attentive during AND after the visit, and her bedside manner is impeccable. I would recommend her a million times over to anyone looking for an amazing MD.”

—San Diego, CA, Restylane (S.D.) patient.

“You have helped me more than you’ll ever know. You possess the qualities not only of an excellent physician but of an extraordinary human being as well.”

—San Diego, CA, Facelift, lip lift, chin implant (F.K.) patient.

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