Deep Plane Facelift In La Jolla & San Diego

The Deep Plane Facelift is Dr. Malone’s signature facelift to provide the most natural results for a more youthful and fresh appearing face and neck. Over the years in her practice, Dr. Malone has adapted, modified, and curated the most aesthetically pleasing attributes of a facelift in order to provide her signature approach for her patients to achieve: Lifted cheeks, Defined jawline, Elongated neck. This is a Limited Incision Vertical Trajectory Extended Deep Plane facelift- and is a facelift that is technically different than other facelifts because it is able to provide more natural results that are longer lasting.

Before & After Gallery

Patient for Deep Plane Facelift in La Jolla
Patient for Deep Plane Facelift in San Diego
La Jolla Deep Plane Facelift patient
San Diego Deep Plane Facelift patient

Patient Selfies

Real patient, Deep Plane Facelift Before and After - Malone Plastic Surgery San Diego

Extended Deep Plane Face and Neck Lift Before and After- Dr. Malone performed her extended Deep Plane Facelift with Necklift (Platysmaplasty) for this patient. This procedure is a shorter incision technique that can result in powerfully natural results to lift the cheeks, tone the jawline and tighten the neck. As we age the lower face starts to feel widened and heavier, resulting in a more square face shape that can feel masculinizing to many women. Lifting the muscles and cheek fat pads as well as reducing the redundant buccal fat pads will recreate a more tapered lower face shape, recreating the heart shaped face that we associate with feminine youth. We are absolutely floored by this lovely patient's naturally beautiful transformation.

Real patient, Deep Plane Facelift Before and After - Malone Plastic Surgery San Diego

Extended Deep Plane Facelift Before and After - Dr. Malone performs her signature Extended Deep Plane Facelift with Platysmaplasty for those patients who desire to have their cheeks lifted, jawline toned, and neck tightened up as well. Our patient sent us her own before and after selfies showing how the facelift procedure will lift and support the cheeks and nasolabial folds, smooth the jawline and also tighten the neck. While this patient looks more youthful we love her naturally refreshed outcome.

Real patient, Facelift Before and After - Malone Plastic Surgery San Diego

Facelift Before and After - To complete this full facial rejuvenation, Dr. Malone performed an Extended Deep Plane Facelift, Platysmaplasty, Lateral Temporal Brow Lift, Lower Eyelid Lift with Fat Repositioning, and a Lip Lift with a Lip Plumping Graft. This comprehensive facial rejuvenation has her looking 15 years younger. She took a selfie before her surgery and again when she was healed and sent us these to tell us that she is overjoyed! We are in awe of her naturally beautiful transformation.

Real patient, Mini Facelift Before and After - Malone Plastic Surgery San Diego

Mini Facelift Before and After - Dr. Malone performed her signature minimal access Deep Plane Facelift on this patient and these before and after pictures she sent to us from her home using her phone to create her own result pictures! Many patients present in their early to mid 40s wanting to lift up their cheeks and smooth and tighten their jawline. While this patient looks refreshed she does not look at all as though she has had work done. Dr. Malone has published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal on this facelift technique and customizes her treatment for each individual patient.

See a real patient's journey

A traditional facelift focuses on lifting the skin and pulling the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) that creates a tight appearance to the face. A deep plane lift raises the skin, SMAS, and deeper muscles to reposition all deep facial tissue musculature together, so that the skin is not pulled tightly over drooping muscles as in a regular SMAS facelift.

A deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that deals with the effects of aging in the face and neck by lifting and repositioning the deeper tissue layers.


It raises the midface to emphasize the cheekbones, creates a defined jawline, and restores the longer neck length of youth. A deep plane facelift produces less bruising and renowned San Diego facial plastic surgeon Dr. Melanie Malone has developed a limited incision technique to hide the discreet incisions. Patients look rejuvenated with a more refreshed appearance.

At Malone Facial Plastic Surgery in La Jolla Deep Plane Facelifts provide comprehensive rejuvenation of the midface, lower face and neck and is best suited for patients in their 40s and older. Dr. Malone has published her original research in some of the most elite plastic surgery peer reviewed journals on the long-lasting outcome of this surgery with results lasting greater than 10 years. The deep plane facelift lifts the apple of the cheek, smoothing the nasolabial folds and jowls, and tightens and smoothes the muscle of the jawline and neck restoring the heart shaped face from your youth. It can be performed with limited incisions that will be hidden and not distort your hairline.

Am I a Candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift?

You are a good candidate for a Deep Plane Facelift procedure if you are in good overall physical health. It is important to have realistic expectations from the procedure and your outcome. Dr. Malone will evaluate you on whether a deep plane facelift is the best and most effective method for you.

What to Expect from Deep Plane Face Lift

Dr. Malone is the only surgeon that performs a limited incision deep plane facelift in La Jolla. During your consultation with her, you will be evaluated and can discuss in detail your individual anatomical needs. Dr. Malone will make the best recommendation for you to create the optimal facial rejuvenation treatments to achieve your goals. Your customized treatment will improve the surface appearance of the face, neck, and skin to create a softer, smooth and defined facial appearance.

Recovery from a Deep Plane Facelift

The average recovery time to return to normal work or social activities is seven to ten days.

What are the Benefits of Facelifts and Neck Lifts?

There are many great advantages of a face and neck lift for you in San Diego, including:

  • Firmer and tighter skin giving you a youthful appearance
  • Eliminate wrinkles and sagging skin
  • Minimize downtime and recovery time
  • Minimize surgical incision
  • Hidden incisions inside and behind the ear (short hair style without visible scar)
  • No general anesthesia, procedure performed with local anesthesia
  • Does not alter hairline
  • New look will improve your self-esteem and confidence
Facial Plastic Surgeon La Jolla
Facial Plastic Surgeon La Jolla
Facial Plastic Surgeon La Jolla
Facial Plastic Surgeon La Jolla

During your consultation with Dr. Malone in La Jolla, she will evaluate your anatomical needs, listen to your concerns and make the best recommendation for you based on the optimal facial rejuvenation treatments to achieve your goals. Your customized treatment will improve the surface appearance of the face, neck and skin to create a softer, smooth and defined facial appearance. Specifically, your treatment will be based upon your individual facial anatomy and personal preferences in order to address these problem areas:

  • Cheeks
  • Nasolabial Folds
  • Jowls
  • Jawline
  • Neck

Schedule a Personalized Consultation Today

“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.” —Facelift, lip lift, chin implant (F.K.)

“Thank you for the smile on my face whenever I look in the mirror, you’re an incredible lady and surgeon” —Facelift, Lip Lift, Laser skin resurfacing (B.P.)

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

“I am 69 years old and had a deep plane face lift with Dr. Malone my results are fabulous. She is an excellent surgeon and a caring kind person as well. Would highly recommend her.” —Deep Plane Facelift (aerobicgal)

“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 complements on how good my new nose looks!” —Septoplasty (M.H.)

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

“If I could give her 10 stars I would! She was very attentive during AND after the visit and her bed side manner is impeccable. I would recommend her a million times over to anyone looking for an amazing MD.” —Restylane (S.D.)

“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. ” —Rhinoplasty (N.K.)

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

Dr. Malone's approach in La Jolla is all about personalization, tailoring treatments specifically to address your unique concerns and aesthetic goals. Our goal is to bring out a rejuvenated appearance that mirrors the vitality you feel within. Dr. Malone's expertise ensures seamless enhancements, avoiding any unwarranted attention. She achieves the subtle refreshment that helps bring back what a restful night's sleep used to give. Dr. Malone's aesthetic is characterized by its natural, gentle, and harmonious qualities, empowering you to confidently present your best self. Her aspiration is to assist every patient in achieving a naturally balanced aesthetic, ensuring you always project your most confident self.

Dr. Malone holds prestigious Fellow status in The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American College of Surgeons. This remarkable honor is granted to a select group of surgeons based on their exceptional training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical standards.

Committed to perfecting her craft and achieving technical excellence, Dr. Malone successfully completed her fellowship under the mentorship of the esteemed facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Jacono. Dr. Jacono is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in advancing the deep plane facelift technique, which not only minimizes noticeable scarring but also revitalizes the underlying facial tissues. This innovative approach steers clear of the artificial results commonly linked to traditional facelift methods. Leveraging Dr. Jacono's pioneering technique, Dr. Malone offers her patients remarkably natural and authentic outcomes in facial rejuvenation.

Learn More About Dr. Malone

American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery American Acadeny of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc. American College of Surgeons American College of Surgeons Columbia University QUAD A

Get a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Malone in her storied practice in La Jolla, CA

4150 Regents Park Row, Ste. 280, La Jolla, CA

    Become a Malone MD Insider

Call Today (858) 633-3350 or Request Above