by Poliklinika Malić · Zagreb, Croatia
A face that reflects
how you truly feel
Deep Plane Facelift — a technique that doesn't just tighten skin, but repositions deeper facial structures back where they belong. Results that last.
Learn more
We do one thing only — facial surgery. Dr. Maja Malić, double board certified in plastic and reconstructive facial surgery, and Dr. Mislav Malić, specialist in endoscopic approaches and facial nerve surgery — expertise that brings exceptional knowledge of facial anatomy, essential for every facelift. A limited number of procedures per month because we believe every face deserves full attention. When you work on someone's face, compromise simply isn't an option.
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 enables complete repositioning of the midface, finer correction of nasolabial folds and the most visible improvement exactly where patients are most bothered — the neck and jawline. Results are more natural because the technique follows the anatomical logic of ageing, rather than just superficially tightening skin.
Preventive facelift
One of the leading trends in facial surgery. Patients in their late thirties and early forties present with less pronounced changes — mild midface descent, early jawline laxity — but want to address them while tissues are still elastic. The result is more natural, recovery faster, and the need for more extensive correction in the future significantly reduced.
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 — for a comprehensive, harmonious result with just one recovery.
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.
Facelift is no longer reserved for your sixties. Ideal candidates aren't people who want to look different — they're people who want to see the version of themselves they recognise.
Photos don't match how you feel
You look more tired or older than you actually are. People ask "are you tired?" even though you feel perfectly fine.
Fillers no longer deliver the desired result
Over time, fillers often mask the problem rather than solve it. More and more patients, already in their forties, are choosing facelift as a long-term solution that addresses the cause, not the symptom.
Jowls, neck and jawline are what bother you
Loose platysma, excess neck skin, lost jawline definition. This is exactly where Deep Plane makes the most visible difference — and where the greatest advances in results have been achieved.
You want to act preventively
Preventivni facelift u ranim četrdesetima — suptilna korekcija prvih znakova starenja dok su tkiva još elastična. Brži oporavak, finiji rezultat, a potreba za većim zahvatom odgađa se za desetak i više godina.
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 full recovery — every step individualised and guided with care.
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.
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?
+This is one of the most common misconceptions. A well-timed facelift, already in your forties, often delivers finer and longer-lasting results than repeatedly performed non-invasive treatments that can actually distort facial proportions over time. The "preventive facelift" trend has been recognised as one of the leading trends in aesthetic surgery. Younger patients recover faster, and changes are more subtle as tissues haven't significantly loosened yet.
Will the result look natural?
+An unnatural, "tight" look is solely the result of outdated techniques based on skin pulling. 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 after the procedure appears rested and rejuvenated. This is precisely why the technique is recognised as the gold standard — it addresses the cause, not just the symptoms of ageing.
Can fillers replace a facelift?
+Surgery and fillers address entirely different problems. Fillers add volume but cannot return tissue to where it originally belonged. Over time, we clearly see that fillers often mask the problem rather than solve it — and cumulative use can lead to an unnatural, "puffy" appearance. A facelift addresses the structural cause of ageing and delivers results lasting 10 to 15 years.
What is the difference between Deep Plane and classic SMAS lifting?
+Classic SMAS lifting tightens or removes part of the SMAS layer but doesn't release the retaining ligaments that hold tissue in its descended position. Deep Plane technique goes deeper — lifting the SMAS, muscles and fat as a single unit, enabling significantly greater mobilisation of the midface and neck. The result is more natural, longer-lasting, and the risk of skin complications is lower because blood supply is preserved.
How long is the recovery?
+Most patients can function within 10–14 days, and the final result is visible after 3–6 months. The endoscopic approach, where indicated, allows for faster recovery. Deep Plane technique, despite being more extensive, can actually have a better recovery profile than classic methods because it preserves skin blood supply.
How long do results last?
+A well-performed Deep Plane facelift delivers results lasting 10 to 15 years. Ageing continues, but from a much better starting position. Patients who have the procedure earlier "catch" the first signs of ageing and slow further changes.
Will there be visible scars?
+Incisions are placed in front of and behind the ear and along the hairline. The closure technique allows hair to grow through the scar itself. The endoscopic approach uses even smaller incisions, completely hidden in the scalp. After full healing, scars are virtually invisible.
Is Deep Plane safer than classic techniques?
+Deep Plane technique preserves skin blood supply because the skin remains connected to the deeper layers. This reduces the risk of skin necrosis and improves healing. The technique requires exceptional knowledge of facial nerve anatomy — which is why it's crucial that the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon specialised in facial surgery.
Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?
+Yes, and this is common practice today. Deep Plane facelift is most frequently combined with neck lift, blepharoplasty, fat grafting and brow lift. A combined procedure in a single session means just one recovery, and the result is harmonious because all areas are treated simultaneously.
How much does a Deep Plane facelift cost?
+Deep Plane facelift starts from €10,000, depending on the scope and combination with other procedures. It's a larger initial investment than non-invasive treatments, but often more cost-effective long-term — delivering results lasting 10 to 15 years, unlike fillers that need repeating every few months. The exact price is determined after consultation.
What are patient experiences after facelift?
+Almost all patients say the same thing — nobody asked if they had something done, but everyone asks why they look so good. The most common comment at follow-ups is "I should have done this sooner". Recovery is more demanding than non-invasive treatments, but the result is incomparably longer-lasting and more natural. What surprises patients most is how minimal the pain actually is — most describe discomfort, not pain.
Every procedure begins with an honest conversation — no pressure,
with an individual assessment and a clear plan.
Trg Ivana, Antuna i Vladimira Mažuranića 5, Zagreb