Laser education center since 2008 · Zagreb & Daruvar
Liposuction in Zagreb and Daruvar, Croatia
Liposuction is meant for shaping localized fat deposits that remain visible despite a stable body weight. At the examination we assess the amount of fat tissue, the elasticity of the skin, and the method that can deliver an appropriate result.
Liposuction does not serve to reduce overall body weight — it shapes clearly defined fat deposits. Before the procedure, we assess the distribution of fat tissue, the elasticity and any excess of the skin, the stability of your weight, and your general health, because all of that determines whether liposuction can deliver the result you expect.
Is this for me?
What liposuction is and who it is for
Liposuction is a surgical procedure in which subcutaneous fat tissue is removed from predetermined areas through small skin incisions and thin cannulas. Its purpose is to shape the body’s contours, not to treat excess body weight. It is best suited to localized fat deposits that remain visible at a stable weight.
A suitable candidate is most often close to a stable body weight, in good general health, and has skin elastic enough to adapt to the new contour once the volume is reduced. That is why the examination assesses the fat tissue, the quality of the skin, the extent of the procedure, and any health risks.
“Liposuction does not shed kilograms — it changes proportions. When a patient understands that from the start, they go into the procedure with expectations liposuction can actually meet.”
Which areas are treated
Liposuction can treat the abdomen and waist, hips, thighs and calves, buttocks, upper arms, and certain other areas with localized fat deposits. Depending on the extent and the medical assessment, one or several areas can be treated in a single procedure.
For the area under the chin, a separately adapted double chin laser liposuction is used. With enlarged male breasts, glandular tissue may be present alongside fat, so before the procedure we assess whether liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, or a combination of the two is more appropriate. The female breast is a separate procedure, with its own preparation and indication, so we cover it on the breast reduction and breast lift pages.
How it is performed
How we perform liposuction
The procedure can begin with the tumescent technique, in which a solution containing a local anesthetic and a medication that constricts the blood vessels is delivered into the subcutaneous tissue. This can reduce bleeding and make the fat tissue easier to remove. The fat tissue is then aspirated with thin vibration cannulas, which help the surgeon shape the treated area evenly.
Alongside the vibration cannulas, a laser is used when the findings call for it. Its thermal energy is not the primary way of removing larger amounts of fat tissue — rather, it can contribute to contraction and gradual tightening of the skin in areas with mild laxity.
Polyclinic Maletić has been operating since 1998, and it introduced laser-assisted liposuction and lipolysis in Croatia in 2008. Since that same year it has served as an education center in cooperation with the Fotona Laser & Health Academy.
- Duration
- roughly 1–2 hours, depending on the number of treated areas
- Anesthesia
- included in the price; the type is agreed with the surgeon
- Recovery
- back to work in 2–3 days, compression garment for 2–3 weeks
- Performed by
- Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, and Mario Bartol, MD
Classic, vibration-assisted, and laser liposuction: what the difference is
Classic liposuction removes fat tissue with a cannula and negative pressure. Vibration cannulas help the surgeon separate and aspirate the fat tissue, especially in more extensive areas. The laser can be added so that its thermal effect contributes to tissue contraction and skin tightening. The choice of one method or a combination depends on the amount of fat tissue, the quality of the skin, and the area being treated.
The technology behind the results
The lasers we work with
At Polyclinic Maletić we work exclusively with lasers made by Fotona, a cooperation that goes back to 2008, when we also became one of its education centers. The device is only one part of the picture — the outcome of a procedure is decided by the knowledge with which it is applied.
Physicians come to our polyclinic from the United States, Canada, Australia, Dubai, Russia, Israel, Turkey, and other parts of the world to learn about laser procedures and see how we work. In Daruvar there is a training hall with live broadcasts of procedures from the operating room, so learning happens on real clinical cases.
Our physicians — Ines Maletić, Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, and Mario Bartol — regularly take part in Fotona’s international meetings, which bring together experts in laser medicine. What they learn there, we apply in our work with patients.
For laser lipolysis we use a neodymium (Nd:YAG) Fotona laser, whose thermal energy acts on fat tissue and can encourage the skin to tighten.
- Education center since 2008
- Fotona Laser & Health Academy
- Live procedure broadcasts from the operating room
Why us
Why choose us for liposuction
A family polyclinic since 1998
The Polyclinic has been operating since 1998, and today two generations of the Maletić family work here.
An education center since 2008
In cooperation with the Fotona Laser & Health Academy, we train physicians from other countries in laser procedures.
Assessment before the decision
At the examination we assess whether the problem is localized fat tissue, excess skin, or a change in overall body weight.
Laser lipolysis since 2008
Polyclinic Maletić introduced laser-assisted liposuction in Croatia in 2008.
Fotona lasers exclusively
For laser lipolysis we use a neodymium (Nd:YAG) Fotona laser.
Vibration cannulas and laser
Vibration cannulas make removing fat tissue easier, and the laser can add a skin-tightening effect.
A surgical team
The procedure is performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, and Mario Bartol, MD.
Zagreb and Daruvar
Examinations, procedures, and follow-ups are available in Zagreb and Daruvar under the same professional protocols.
Why trust us
When liposuction is not the answer, and the risks, honestly
Liposuction shapes localized fat tissue, but it does not treat excess body weight and it does not remove pronounced excess skin. If your weight is still changing significantly, it is usually more appropriate to plan the procedure after your weight has stabilized.
“When there is pronounced excess skin, or its elasticity is significantly reduced, liposuction alone is often not enough. Then skin tightening or a combined procedure needs to be considered.”
When the skin is significantly lax or there is a pronounced excess of it, reducing volume with liposuction can make the looseness even more visible. In those cases, surgical skin tightening or a tummy tuck, or a combination of procedures, is considered.
Risks and recovery, honestly
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction has possible side effects and complications. Swelling, bruising, a temporary change in sensation, fluid accumulation, unevenness or asymmetry of the treated area, and infection can occur. There are also other, rarer complications related to the procedure and the anesthesia, which the surgeon explains before the operation. Your individual risk depends on your health, the extent of the procedure, the area being treated, and the elasticity of your skin.
Recovery most often follows this general timeline:
Back to work
Possible in 2–3 days for a desk job.
Bruising and swelling
Most pronounced during the first ten days or so.
Compression garment
Worn for roughly 2–3 weeks, to support the treated area and help the skin adapt evenly to the new contours.
Heavier physical exertion
Should be avoided for approximately six weeks.
“The result is not judged after a few weeks. The body’s shape develops gradually over three to four months, as the swelling subsides and the skin adapts to the new contours — and in some patients, residual swelling can last even longer.”
The removed fat cells do not come back, so with a stable body weight the result is long-lasting. Minor unevenness, if it appears, can be corrected with the liposhifting method, in which free fat tissue is redistributed under compression, without new extraction. We show our patients’ results discreetly and only with their consent.
What you see once the swelling subsides
During the first weeks after the procedure, swelling can mask the result, so the treated area may temporarily look larger than before. As the swelling eases, the contour becomes clearer and clearer — a process measured in months, not weeks. In some patients, residual swelling takes up to six months after the procedure to resolve, so the final shape is judged only once it has fully subsided.
It is important to understand in advance that liposuction primarily changes the contour, not the number on the scale. The procedure does not remove excess skin and does not change the distribution of fat tissue in areas that were not treated. The result is limited to shaping the area covered by the surgical plan.
Who we are
Who will be taking care of you
The procedure is planned and performed by Duško Maletić, MD, MSc, a specialist in surgery and founder of the Polyclinic, and Mario Bartol, MD.
For many people, the decision about liposuction is not a simple one, so the examination begins with a conversation about what is bothering you, what change you expect, and what the findings show can realistically be achieved.
The nurses take part in preparing you for the procedure, in postoperative care, and in organizing follow-up examinations in Zagreb and Daruvar.
Meet the whole team
Price
Price and the first step
The price of liposuction depends on the number and size of the areas being treated, and anesthesia is included in the price. The prices by area are listed in the price list, while the exact surgical plan and the total amount are determined after the examination. You can arrange a consultation appointment through the Polyclinic’s contact details.
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Laser liposuction of the abdomen and waist with skin tightening
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Laser liposuction of the legs and buttocks with skin tightening
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Laser liposuction of the thighs and calves with skin tightening
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Laser liposuction of the upper arms with skin tightening
Anesthesia is included in the price, and the type is agreed with the surgeon before the procedure. The price is the same regardless of the type of anesthesia chosen.
See the full price listPatient reviews
What our patients say
Reviews taken from our Google Business profiles, Zagreb and Daruvar, translated from Croatian.
★★★★★
“I recently had a varicose vein procedure. All praise to the entire team.”
★★★★★
“My experience with breast augmentation with Dr. Maletić in Daruvar was excellent. I am extremely satisfied with the result. All the nurses are very kind and professional. I absolutely recommend them.”
★★★★★
“All praise for Polyclinic Maletić in Daruvar! I had lip augmentation with fillers and I am very satisfied with the result. I would especially like to praise Dr. Mario Bartol, who is exceptionally kind, professional, and has a wonderful approach to patients, which made me feel comfortable and safe throughout the treatment. Also, all the nurses are very kind, helpful, and professional. I warmly recommend them to anyone considering aesthetic treatments!”
★★★★★
“Laser acne treatment is the only treatment that has helped me, and I would not choose any other facial treatment over it. Dr. Ines is one of the kindest people I have ever met and always has useful advice. Kind staff and top-quality service — I warmly recommend her to everyone!”
★★★★★
“I had a wart on my face removed by laser. A very professional service with excellent results. The wart was quite large, but after just one treatment it was gone. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“Blepharoplasty, 4D laser, and double chin. Perfect. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“The best team of physicians, extremely professional and kind. I have been loyal to Polyclinic Maletić for more than 10 years and I am always satisfied with the results. Thank you.”
★★★★★
“I came to Dr. Maletić with a big problem and a lot of stress. I was met with such warm empathy and kindness, and patience in answering all my questions. Thank you, Dr. Maletić, for your advice and sincere support. I know I can always turn to her for advice, and that means a lot to me. The staff of the Zagreb polyclinic are also very helpful and kind. My thanks to them as well.”
★★★★★
“Dr. Maletić’s practice, both in Daruvar and in Zagreb — and I have had several procedures — I can only recommend, because I felt very comfortable and in expert hands there!”
★★★★★
“An exceptionally professional, pleasant, and skilled team who know and love their work. It is a fine thing to be in the hands of some of the greatest experts in their field, who provide the kind of service I would wish for and recommend to anyone.”
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Is liposuction a weight-loss method?
No. Liposuction removes localized subcutaneous fat tissue and shapes the body’s contours, and the change on the scale is usually small. A suitable candidate is most often close to a stable body weight and has clearly defined fat deposits that remain visible despite changes in diet and physical activity.
Does liposuction hurt, and how long is the recovery?
The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so no pain is felt during it, although pressure and pulling are possible. In the first days after the procedure, expect tightness and soreness similar to a hard workout, which are relieved with common painkillers. A return to a desk job is possible in two to three days, and the compression garment is worn for roughly two to three weeks.
Will my skin be left loose after the fat is removed?
That depends on the skin’s elasticity, any existing excess skin, and the amount of fat tissue being removed. The laser can encourage moderate tissue tightening, but it cannot remove pronounced excess skin. When the examination shows that liposuction alone is not enough, surgical skin tightening or a combination of procedures is considered.
Are the results of liposuction permanent?
The fat cells removed by liposuction do not regenerate in the same number, so the result can be long-lasting with a stable body weight. The remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain, and over time the appearance of the area is also affected by aging and changes in skin elasticity.
What is the difference between classic, vibration-assisted, and laser liposuction?
Classic liposuction removes fat tissue with a cannula and negative pressure. Vibration cannulas can make removing larger amounts of fat tissue easier and faster, while the laser can contribute to moderate skin tightening. Depending on the findings, one method or a combination of them may be used.
Which areas can be treated, and can several be done at once?
The abdomen and waist, hips, thighs and calves, buttocks, and upper arms can be treated. Depending on your health and the extent of the procedure, one or several areas can be treated in a single appointment. For the double chin, a separately adapted method is used.
What type of anesthesia is used?
A smaller procedure is performed under local tumescent anesthesia, and larger procedures under spinal or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia is determined by the extent of the procedure and the assessment of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist. Anesthesia is included in the price.