Dr. Melanie Malone, MD, FACS, one of the top facial plastic surgeons San Diego has, 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. Dr. Malone has been named one of America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2023 for Facelift by Newsweek!
My experience with Dr. Malone was absolutely wonderful. If I could give her 10 stars, I would. I had a deep plane facelift with tightening of the neck and the results were so natural that even though many people commented on how good I looked, they couldn't figure out quite why I looked younger. There were no scars, no obvious signs except I looked younger. It made me feel fantastic and helped me feel more comfortable at work. The people that Dr. Malone works with in the office are all professional and caring. Dr. Malone has won awards for ethics and is a top surgeon from top medical schools. Other surgeons with her expertise may charge a lot more, but she has strong ethics and values and does not overcharge. Dr. Malone has excellent bedside manner and so personable and so caring -you couldn't find a better doctor.
What can I say about Dr. Malone? She is an expert at what she does, and a true artist. I am only four months out from my Deep Plane Facelift and Upper Blepharoplasty, but I am already beyond thrilled, and I know my results will continue to improve over the next 8 months. The minute I met Dr. Malone, she put me at ease. This type of surgery is a big decision, and I was nervous. Her knowledge, expertise in this specific technique, and her ability to make me feel comfortable asking any and all questions made the decision to choose her as my surgeon easy for me. Dr. Malone has a great support staff full of amazing women as well. From Natalie's welcoming smile at the front desk to Ela who walked me through pre-op instructions, to Amber, who has been following me post-op and is always willing to answer any questions I have. Couldn't be a better team! I can't recommend Dr. Malone enough!
Dr Malone made me feel so comfortable and secure in knowing that I could trust her knowledge and skill with my deep plane facelift. It was a big deal for me to trust that I could get natural, beautiful results. My expectations were exceeded and no words can express how I feel about the results. I am elated, happy, confident and incredibly thankful, this is the top of my list! From the first phone call to scheduling a consultation to surgery and recovery, every staff member treated me with such compassion and with great care. Dr. Malone took so much time with me to explain every part of the procedures and what to expect. She really listened to my concerns and was able to give me options to what the best outcome would be. I was able to schedule conveniently when I was ready. Dr. Malone and her staff were so caring with me and the privacy was amazing, which is another bonus for me. They created an environment where I was not sitting with several other patients in a waiting room. Her office is beautiful and calming…top notch! I received a beautiful flower arrangement after surgery, what a thoughtful touch. With the hard (and perfect) work that Dr. Malone did, I felt like I should the one giving the flowers. I highly recommend anyone considering these types of procedures, see Dr. Malone, she is incredibly talented and caring. Words cannot express how grateful that I am that I found her! Thank you Dr. Malone and staff!
I had an amazing experience with Dr. Malone. It has been 1 yr and I am ecstatic at the result of upper eyelid surgery I received from Dr. Malone. From the moment I met Dr. Malone during my consultation, I knew she had to be the one that I can trust with my face. At consultation, Dr. Malone was very thorough in answering all my questions and concerns, and explained the procedure extensively. She did not try to upsell a product or procedure. After my extensive research and met with 3 plastic surgeons in San Diego, I decided that my face is in good hands with Dr. Malone. She is a highly skilled surgeon, kind, empathic, caring and compassionate and provided me with excellent patient care. Her staff-Riley, Natalie, and Amber were awesome and incredibly responsive and available to address my questions pre and post op. Words are not enough to express how thankful I am to Dr. Malone and her staff. My recovery went well and no more hooded eyes. I received many compliment from my friends and family. I am glad and grateful that I found Dr. Malone. She is an excellent, highly skilled surgeon, kind, compassionate and have the best interest and wellbeing of the patients. Thank you Dr. Malone for being amazing. Kudos to your awesome staff!
To begin with, I like to do my homework in regards to any kind of plastic surgery! I had been to 3 different doctors, all of which had excellent reputations. I went back to one of these doctors twice and he seemed annoyed that I had more questions to be answered. He rushed me through the appt. and I thought to myself- this is my face and I didn't appreciate being rushed! I went to Dr. Malone and she gave me an hour of her time and encouraged me to return if I had any more questions. And of course I did! When I returned for a second visit, she made me feel like she had all the time in the world for me. I knew from the first visit where she showed me multiple patients faces that she had done that she understood my concerns of looking like myself, just more refreshed! I knew intuitively she was the person I was going to trust with my face! She did not disappoint!! She did a face, and necklift, and an upper and lower blepharoplasty! I was never in any pain, just uncomfortable sleeping upright for a couple of weeks! I knew when I saw myself early on that I looked like myself and that the end result was going to be wonderful! I was swollen under my eyes for quite sometime but that varies from person to person! Her nurse Amber was so helpful and patient with my concerns. She answered all of my questions in regards to the swelling and assured me my skin would "settle down". And of course it did! I am not very patient so this poor nurse heard from me often! She never, ever made me feel like I was being a pain, but I am sure that I was! I am 6 months in and I hear so many wonderful things from people that I haven't seen. Not many people know that I had this done and they just tell me I look so rested! I truly look like a version of my younger self and Dr. Malone should receive 10 stars in my eyes. Every follow up visit she gave me a thorough check up and assured me if I had any concerns to come back again if needed before my next appointment. Every single thing I was concerned about she gave me the timeline of when (approximately) it should be resolved! I am 64, so this is a one and done for me! And by the way it took me 3 years to actually have the nerve to go through with the surgery. Honestly, look no further!! Her team, Natalie at the front desk, and Dr. Malone are the absolute best choice!
I had a consultation with Dr. Melanie Malone on January 8th, 2024. She was very professional and kind. I came to address 3 concerns with her: neck, upper lip and nose. She listened very carefully to my concerns and asked questions to gain a complete understanding of what I wanted to do. My situation was a “more difficult case” she explained because the changes I wanted to make were very small in the neck and nose. I’m a recovering perfectionist ha ha. Dr. Malone explained the physiological structural aspect of procedures, so that I clearly understood that the adjustments sought after were not as simple as “just pulling skin a little tighter” here and there. She explained that what I was seeking called for very specific types of surgical procedures that she does not perform. The type of neck, lip and nose surgeries that Dr. Malone performs are great for the right candidate, but she honestly explained that this is not my situation. She did point me in the direction of a couple surgeons she knew to be specialists for what I was looking for in these three areas. She explained that should I proceed, I need to work with surgeons who specialize in very specific types of procedures to address my concerns. Dr. Malone is a person of very high integrity. She is in this field for the right reasons, which is to serve her clients in the best way possible! She offered that there are many surgeons who would have said yes to the procedures I thought I needed, but that she didn’t want me to waste the money because the results would not be satisfying to me, again because the changes I’m looking for are so slight. She wanted to make sure that I didn’t waste my money! How rare is that anymore! Even though I paid a consultation fee, and I will not get to work with her, it was very much worth it for the education and clarification that she provided so that I now have a better perspective on my overall situation, and I know how to proceed with a more complete understanding. You can be sure that if you seek a consultation with Dr. Malone or end up working with her, she is only going to do what is absolutely necessary and in your highest best interest, nothing more, nothing less. Thank you Dr. Malone!!
I research everything and when I decided to get a facelift with platysmaplasty and lower blepharoplasty. I knew that a Deep plane facelift was the right choice but didn’t know by whom. I wasn’t going to leave this to chance or go on a hunch so I went to get consultations from numerous surgeons from New York to LA and for those of you considering doing the same, let me save you the time and the money. Dr. Malone is the best. I was expecting the recovery to be pretty long and uncomfortable but I only took Tylenol for a few days post op and was able to go out and see friends 10 days post op without feeling “obvious”. Results take a while to truly settle in but 3 weeks after the surgery I was already loving the results. SIx months later I was even happier and it’s going to be almost 2 years in a few months and I swear I look better now than I did a year out. She told me that it takes a while for it all to really settle in but I wasn’t expecting this. It just keeps getting better! I will also report that the prices I got from a lot of the other consultations were grossly inflated and Dr. Malone was more than fairly priced. She also encouraged me NOT to do other procedures that I thought were necessary which could have easily netted her more profit. It was obvious that she is an honest and skilled surgeon with an artist’s touch and wants the best for her clients. My results are so natural and well done that when I see friends that haven’t seen me in years they beg me to tell them what skin care regimen I use. I of course tell them I use the Malone Method! I referred several friends and my sister all of whom feel the same way as I do. I wish I could tell every woman who is embarking on this journey to have Dr. Malone as their surgeon. I know they will be thrilled with the results and the after care. No other doctor is as thorough and thoughtful. She’s the best.
Dr.Malone performed a lower face and neck lift along with a blepharoplasty and brow lift in March of this year, roughly 20 weeks ago. When I first went to her office for the consultation, she took about an hour to discuss with me the details about how she would perform the procedure, and the rationale as well. She was more than thorough and did not put any pressure for me to make a decision. I consulted with 2 other doctors and ultimately chose her because I felt her approach and technique would render the best results- also because all that she does is facial surgeries. I have had 3 follow ups with her and another one is scheduled in October so she continues to follow me as I am healing. Oh and during my first week of recovery, a surprise bouquet of flowers showed up to my door, and to my surprise, from her and her team!
I had the most incredible experience with Dr. Malone and her team throughout my journey. Words cannot express how thrilled I am with my beautiful, youthful and natural results. From the moment I stepped into her office, Dr. Malone's kind, caring, and professional demeanor instantly put me at ease, and her expertise in facial rejuvenation was evident from the start. During my consultation, Dr Malone took a generous amount of time to thoroughly explain the procedures, addressing all my questions and concerns. Her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring my comfort and well-being throughout the process truly set her apart. I felt like I was in the best hands possible. The results of my deep plane facelift, lateral brow lift and lip lift, have exceeded my expectations. Dr. Malone's skilled hands have given me a natural, refreshed appearance. Since my transformation, I have received an overwhelming amount of compliments from my close friends and family all of whom are amazed at the beautiful job she has done. It's truly a testament to Dr. Malone's artistry. Not only do I look amazing, but the recovery process was also smooth and minimally uncomfortable. Dr. Malone and her team provided thorough post-operative care instructions and were readily available and quick to respond to any concerns or questions that came up. Their ongoing support and follow-up truly made me feel cared for every step of the way. If you're considering a deep plane facelift or any facial rejuvenation procedure, I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Melanie Malone!!! Her surgical knowledge, skills, and precision, along with genuine care, and commitment to natural-looking results make her a true standout in the field. Thank you, Dr. Malone, for helping me look and feel my best… RADIANT, YOUTHFUL and VIBRANT!!!! You and your team have truly made a positive impact on my life.
I recently had the pleasure of being treated by Dr.Malone and I cannot express enough how incredible my experience has been. From the moment I met her, I knew I had made the right choice. Dr. Malone is not only highly skilled but also remarkably patient, empathetic, and dedicated to providing exceptional care. After extensive research and consultations with various doctors, I ultimately decided to entrust Dr. Malone with my surgery, and I am beyond thrilled with the results. The outcome has exceeded my expectations, and definitely boosted my confidence. Dr. Malone's expertise truly shines through in her work. Throughout the entire process, Dr. Malone and her staff were incredibly responsive and available to address any questions or concerns I had. They ensured that I felt supported and comfortable every step of the way. The level of care and attention I received was exceptional, and I am immensely grateful for the superb job they did in managing my treatment. One aspect that truly impressed me was the pre and post care experience which was very important to me given I have some pre-existing conditions. Dr. Malone's skillful approach not only achieved the desired aesthetic outcome but also prioritized my comfort and well-being. I felt like I was in the hands of a true expert who understood my goals and tailored the treatment accordingly. What sets Dr. Malone apart is her unparalleled empathy and patient-centered approach. She took the time to listen to my concerns, thoroughly explain the procedure, and involve me in the decision-making process. Her genuine care and compassion made a world of difference in my overall experience, instilling trust and confidence from the very beginning. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Malone to anyone seeking a highly skilled, patient, and empathetic doctor. Her exceptional surgical expertise, combined with her genuine compassion and dedication to her patients' well-being, sets her apart from the rest. I am incredibly grateful for the remarkable care I received and the beautiful results that have positively impacted my life.
There is value, for the right patients, in the numerous non surgical options that exist to treat the aging face. A facelift is unique from any non surgical option in that it lifts and repositions the facial tissue upward, back to the position and shape of the face in our youth. Our practice prefers a Deep Plane Facelift that lifts and elevates the sagging facial skin, muscle and deeper fat pads. This technique restores the heart shaped face of youth, with wider and more prominent cheek bones and a slender, tapered jawline. While the numerous non surgical devices can tighten, I have not encountered one that can actually lift the face.
The longevity of a facelift can be dependent on the anatomy of the patient's face and neck as well as the technique used. Facelift has become an umbrella term that can represent many different surgical techniques. Mini lifts, ponytail lifts etc. Our practice prefers using a Deep Plane Facelift to garner the most substantial and long lasting results. This technique elevates the deeper musculature of the face and neck and repositions it vertically to where it was in our youth. We find that this technique produces the most natural and long lasting lift in our patients, with substantial improvement sustained for many years.
Our practice sees patient return to work and social engagements at 10-14 days. You will still have residual swelling and numbness at that time which will continue to resolve over the coming months. Our practice is founded in a holistic approach to healing and we use many complementary medicine techniques to help nurture the healing process. There are homeopathic supplements, prescription medications, as well as treatments (lymphatic drainage, myofascial release) that can help expedite this healing process if used in a safe and appropriate way.
The cost of a neck lift will likely depend on the geographical location of your provider as well as the complexity of the procedure. We treat the neck by toning and tightening the platysma muscle. This can be done in two ways: An incision underneath the chin to directly address the bands or by an incision behind the ear to treat them from the side. Often, these two approaches can be used in concert for even more impactful results. It is most important that you meet with your physician in consultation to discuss your individual needs so that the most appropriate procedure can be selected, and the cost will reflect that.
The sagging neck is an area that can be treated surgically for substantial and long lasting results. The platysma muscle is the muscle underlying the neck skin. Sagging of this muscle is largely what causes the 'turkey neck' that you mention. Our practice treats sagging necks with a Deep Plane Neck Lift that tightens and tones this muscle to reveal soft and smooth skin overlying it. This procedure can result in long lasting treatment with a substantial improvement in the neck profile and neck skin.