Dermal Fillers San Diego | Malone Facial Plastic Surgery La Jolla

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Dermal Fillers?

Here are some of the advantages of getting dermal fillers in San Diego:

Smooth out wrinkles, a chin crease, and lines around the nose and mouth, including marionette lines
Can fill in wrinkles and acne scars
Add volume to the lips and sunken cheeks
Softens nasolabial folds
Decrease vertical lip lines
Make the face more symmetrical
No downtime after treatment
Organic look, people won’t notice you had anything done
Boost in self-confidence

Am I a Candidate for Dermal Fillers?

Anyone in good physical health and with a positive and realistic attitude about the procedure is a good candidate for dermal fillers.

What Are the Risks?

Some of the risks involved with dermal fillers can include asymmetry, bleeding, bruising, infection, lumps, scarring, skin redness and swelling.

What is the Recovery from Dermal Fillers?

There is minimal to no recovery or downtime following dermal filler treatment. You can immediately apply makeup and return to your daily activities. You should see an immediate improvement in the treated area. One treatment could last for up to two years depending on which filler you choose.

Dr. Melanie Malone, facial plastic surgeon La Jolla

What to Expect in a Consultation

Dr. Malone utilizes micro cannulas to deliver the fillers, which is a blunt tip cannula that avoids the need for a needle. Avoiding injection with a needle makes the delivery of the filler less traumatic and substantially reduces or eliminates the risk of bruising following treatment. You should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and fish oil supplements two weeks prior to your treatment to further reduce the risk of any bruising at the injection site. Dr. Malone may recommend the use of homeopathic treatments to reduce or eliminate the risk of bruising following your treatment.

During your consultation for dermal fillers San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Melanie Malone will be able to answer any questions you might have. You will have an opportunity to find out more about dermal fillers and what concerns you may have about the procedure. You will receive an evaluation from Dr. Malone, who will create a customized plan based upon your facial anatomy and personal preferences to improve your problem areas.

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How Dermal Fillers Work

There is a vast array of dermal fillers available today (see below) that have been tried and tested with excellent results and safety profiles with greater than ten years of FDA approval for safe and effective aesthetic use. The field of soft tissue and dermal fillers is a very exciting one in aesthetic medicine, with an expanding cadre of filler options. Fundamentally, fillers function the same way. The appropriate filler is chosen and utilized to fill in lines, smooth the appearance of the face, volumize the facial soft tissue, and lift droopy or sagging skin.

The various different fillers that are available have each been individually developed after extensive research and development to formulate different molecular structures and cross linking strengths. These individual filler properties are created to optimize use for specific indications. Firmer fillers can be used to augment the facial skeleton whereas softer and more pliable fillers can be used to fill lines and smooth the fine skin around the lips.

What are Fillers used for:

Fill in lines
Smooth the appearance of the face and skin
Volumize the facial soft tissue
Lift droopy or sagging skin
Enhance the lips, restore volume to the lips
Recontour, rejuvenate and restore the face, neck and other areas, including the hands

Types of Dermal Fillers

There are a number of FDA approved filler products available for cosmetic procedures. They are categorized by the substance they are made from:

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

Hyaluronic acid is a substance found in the skin to keep it hydrated and plump. The results from HA lasts up to a year, sometimes longer. FDA approved HA fillers include Juvederm (XC, Voluma, Volbella, Vollure), Restylane (Silk, Lyft, Refyne, Defyne) and Belotero Balance. Lidocaine can be infused with HA fillers to decrease discomfort during and after treatment.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) is a substance found in the bones and can stimulate natural collagen production. CaHA is thicker than a hyaluronic acid filler and can last over a year. This filler is often used for deeper lines and wrinkles. FDA approved CaHA fillers include Radiesse.

Poly-L-lactic Acid

Poly-L-lactic Acid is a biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic substance that can be used as dissolvable stitches. The collagen stimulators can smooth fine lines by assisting the skin to restore natural collagen. This filler is often used for deeper facial wrinkles, dissipates within a week and can last over two years. FDA approved Poly-L-lactic fillers include Sculptra Aesthetic.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is a biocompatible, synthetic substance that contains collagen to provide firmness. FDA approved PMMA include Bellafill (formerly known as Artefill).

Facial Fat Grafting

Autologous fat injections, also known as facial fat grafting, is the only filler that needs surgery. The fat is harvested and purified from one part of the body using a procedure like liposuction to another area. It is often used in the face to restore volume to the cheeks, lower eyelids and other areas. The results can last many years.

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

Dr. Malone’s Philosophy

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

“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.)

“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.)

“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.)

“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.)

“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.)

“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)

“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.)

Request a Consultation for Dermal Fillers

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

Call Today (858) 633-3350 or Request Above

Dermal Fillers In San Diego

Before & After Gallery