by Poliklinika Malić · Zagreb, Croatia
A face that reflects
how you truly feel
Two surgeons focused exclusively on facial surgery. A visibly younger and fresher face, clearer contours and a change you will truly notice — without losing what makes you you.
Learn more
We do one thing only — facial surgery, and the facelift is our special passion. Dr. Mislav Malić is a European Board certified specialist in otorhinolaryngology and head & neck surgery, with a special focus on Deep Plane technique, endoscopic approaches and facial nerve surgery — he knows facial anatomy from the operating room, layer by layer. Together with Dr. Maja Malić, double board certified facial plastic surgeon, we continuously train and learn from the world's leading surgeons, because we believe exceptional results are not a given — they are built. A limited number of procedures per month because every face deserves full attention — without compromise.
A facelift isn't a question of age — it's about the changes that have appeared on your face and neck over time, and how much they bother you.
Photos don't show you the way you feel
You feel fine, but your face looks more tired or older than you feel. In photos you notice changes that weren't there before — a heavier lower face, a more tired expression and the loss of former contours.
Your neck and jawline have started bothering you
The clear contour of your lower jaw has gradually faded, and the skin and soft tissues of your neck have become looser. These are often exactly the changes that make the face look less defined than before.
You keep putting off surgery because fillers felt like the easier option
You're not alone. In recent years, non-surgical treatments have become almost the automatic choice for facial rejuvenation — partly because they're simpler, more accessible and available at almost any aesthetic clinic. But a less invasive procedure isn't necessarily the better choice. If the problem you want to solve is surgical in nature, it sometimes makes more sense to operate than to spend years trying to compensate with treatments.
You want a change — but you don't want to look operated on
You want to see a difference. A clearer jawline, a tighter neck, a more rested face and restored contours. But the result shouldn't draw attention to the operation itself. A good facelift can make a significant change while the face still looks natural and recognisable.
Deep Plane facelift is recognised as the gold standard of facial rejuvenation surgery. Unlike older approaches that simply tightened skin and often produced an unnatural, stiff appearance, this technique works on the deeper layers — muscles, connective tissue and fat pads — repositioning them back where they were before time shifted them. True facial lifting, not just skin tightening.
Dr. Malić releases the retaining ligaments holding tissue in its descended position, then lifts and repositions the midface, jawline and neck in an anatomically natural direction. The skin remains connected to the deeper layers, which preserves blood supply, reduces swelling and allows tension-free closure — the key to long-lasting, natural results.
Why Deep Plane
Deep Plane technique delivers the most visible improvement exactly where patients are most bothered — neck, jawline, midface. Results are more natural because the technique follows the anatomical logic of ageing. The goal isn’t to look “done” — it’s to finally look the way you feel.
Preventive facelift
Patients in their late thirties and early forties come with subtle changes — and that’s an advantage. Tissues are still elastic, recovery is faster, results more subtle. Those who act earlier have significantly less to correct a decade from now — and look more natural than those who wait.
Increasingly, patients in their late thirties and early forties choose a preventive facelift — addressing the first signs of ageing while tissues are still elastic. Faster recovery, more natural results, and significantly less need for extensive correction in the future.
The best surgery is the one nobody notices — but everyone asks why you look so good.
Facial ageing doesn't affect just one area. That’s why Deep Plane facelift is often combined with other procedures in a single session — one recovery instead of several, a harmonious result because all areas are treated simultaneously, and lower long-term cost than treating them separately.
Neck lift
Tightening of neck muscles and removal of excess skin for a sharp jawline and smooth neck. The most common combination — because there's no point rejuvenating the face and leaving the neck behind.
Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery removes excess skin, under-eye bags and puffiness. Eyes are often the first area to show fatigue — combining with a facelift creates complete harmony from brow to neck.
Fat grafting
Transfer of your own fat tissue to cheeks, temples or lips. Stem cells from fat tissue additionally regenerate the skin — patients often notice a special "glow" just weeks after the procedure.
Brow lift
Endoscopic brow lifting opens up the eyes and gives a fresher expression to the entire face. Combined with a facelift — a complete approach that treats the face as a whole.
The goal isn't to change your identity — it's to see the version of yourself you recognise.
Endoscopic facelift is not a replacement for Deep Plane — it's a complementary approach for specific indications, particularly in the upper third of the face.
The procedure is performed through several small incisions hidden in the hairline, using modern 4K endoscopic technology. At Poliklinika Malić, we apply endoscopic techniques developed through years of experience in head and neck surgery — with the same precision in facial surgery. Particularly effective for midface and brow lifting in patients with minimal excess skin — typically younger patients with mild laxity. The endoscopic approach isn't for everyone — patients with significant excess skin typically require the classic open Deep Plane approach, which is why we insist on a detailed consultation before every procedure.
Important: The endoscopic approach isn't for everyone. Patients with significant excess skin on the neck and lower third of the face typically require the classic open Deep Plane approach. Proper assessment is crucial for optimal results — which is exactly why we insist on a detailed consultation before every procedure.
From the first conversation to the final result — every step guided with care, and you know exactly what to expect at every point.
Consultation
Detailed analysis of facial anatomy, skin and structure. We honestly advise whether the procedure is the right choice — and which technique suits you best.
Planning
Individualised plan with realistic expectations. Where needed, assessment by both surgeons — and agreement on combined procedures.
Procedure
Deep Plane, endoscopic or combined approach under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes 3–6 hours, depending on scope.
Recovery
Structured follow-up from day one. Check-ups, clear instructions, availability for questions. Final result in 3–6 months.
What surprises patients most isn’t how long recovery takes — but how much easier it is than they imagined. Most describe discomfort, not pain. Almost all say: "I should have done this sooner."
Swelling and bruising are normal. Rest and relaxation. Minimal pain — most patients describe discomfort, not pain.
Suture removal. Swelling begins to subside. The face may look "different" due to swelling — this is temporary.
Most patients can function and return to daily activities. Bruising has mostly resolved.
Gradual settling of tissues. Results become increasingly visible as swelling fully resolves.
Final result. Scars are virtually invisible — hidden in front of and behind the ear and along the hairline.
When you work on someone's face, compromise simply isn't an option.
Isn't facelift reserved for older age?
+That is one of the most common misconceptions. A well-timed facelift — already in one's forties — often delivers finer and longer-lasting results than years of repeated non-invasive treatments, which over time can even alter facial proportions. The "preventive facelift" trend is now one of the leading trends in aesthetic surgery. Younger patients recover faster, changes are more subtle, and results last longer because the starting tissue quality is better.
Will the result look natural?
+An unnatural, "pulled" appearance is exclusively the result of outdated techniques based on pulling the skin. Deep Plane technique works on the deeper structures and returns them to their natural position — in the direction they originally descended. The skin closes without tension, and the face looks rested and rejuvenated. This is precisely why this technique is recognised as the gold standard.
How long does recovery take?
+Shorter than most expect. Most patients are functional within 10–14 days, and the final result is visible after 3–6 months. Despite its depth, Deep Plane technique can have a better recovery profile than older techniques — because the skin is not separated from deeper structures over large areas, meaning better blood supply and faster healing.
How much does a facelift cost?
+Deep Plane facelift starts from €10,000, depending on the scope of the procedure and any combination with other treatments. Endoscopic facelift is a more affordable option — intended for younger patients with subtle changes. An exact price can only be determined after consultation and facial analysis.
At the consultation you receive a clear, honest assessment — whether the procedure is right for you, which technique suits your anatomy and what you can realistically expect.
Initial consultation available remotely — video call, photos, and a clear recommendation before you travel.
The quoted price includes all costs — procedure, anaesthesia, post-operative care and follow-up appointments. No hidden fees.
We can assist with arranging accommodation in central Zagreb for the duration of your stay and recovery.
Trg Ivana, Antuna i Vladimira Mažuranića 5, Zagreb