by Poliklinika Malić · Zagreb, Croatia
A face that reflects
how you truly feel
Two surgeons focused exclusively on facial surgery. Deep Plane technique that repositions deeper facial structures back where they belong — not just tightening skin. Natural results lasting 10 to 15 years.
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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.
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.
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. A facelift doesn’t change who you are — it returns the appearance that matches how you feel inside.
Fillers no longer deliver the desired result
Over time, fillers often mask the problem rather than solve it — and cumulative use can alter facial proportions in ways that are hard to reverse. More and more patients in their forties choose facelift: one solution that addresses the cause, not the symptom, lasting 10 to 15 years.
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. Patients often describe how this one area had bothered them for years — and how after the procedure they stopped avoiding photographs.
You want to act preventively
A preventive facelift in your early forties — a subtle correction while tissues are still elastic. The result looks like you’re well-rested, not like you’ve had something done. Faster recovery, and the need for more extensive correction is pushed back by a decade or more.
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?
+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, changes are more subtle, and results last longer because the starting position of tissues is better. In short — earlier means easier, more natural and longer-lasting.
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. When you consider the cumulative cost of fillers over 5 to 10 years — a facelift is usually more cost-effective, and the result incomparably more natural and lasting.
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?
+Shorter than most people think. Most patients can function within 10–14 days, and the final result is visible after 3–6 months. Deep Plane technique, despite being more extensive, can actually have a better recovery profile than classic methods because it preserves skin blood supply. Almost all patients say recovery was easier than expected — and that they would do it again without hesitation.
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. This isn’t a marketing claim — it’s anatomical reality: when tissues are returned to their original position, they follow the logic of natural ageing rather than accelerated descent.
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. For the vast majority of patients, scarring is not a concern — and should certainly not be a barrier to considering the procedure.
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 treatments that need repeating. 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.
Are online consultations available?
+Yes — the initial consultation can be done remotely via video call with photo analysis. You receive a clear recommendation on whether the procedure is right for you and which technique suits your anatomy — before you travel.
Is the price all-inclusive?
+Yes. The quoted price includes all costs — procedure, anaesthesia, post-operative care and follow-up appointments. No hidden fees.
Can you help arrange accommodation?
+Yes, we can assist with arranging accommodation in central Zagreb for the duration of your stay and recovery.
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.
No pressure. No obligation.
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