All 5 Clinics that provide Facelift in Croatia

Wrinkles, dropping jowls, and slackening of skin are all results of aging and exposure to the sun. Facelift is most effective for removing sag from under the chin and wrinkles from the cheeks.

The procedure is most successful for healthy individuals with good remaining skin elasticity, though improvements can be made in most people. A facelift can erase signs of aging from the face creating a tighter, firmer and more youthful look.

Procedure

Usually it's performed under a local anaesthetic. Incisions start at the temples and run down the hairline, in front of the ear, continuing backwards into the lower scalp. These incisions allow the surgeon access to the skin of the face and neck, which is lifted from the underlying tissue. Fat is removed and muscles and tendons strengthened depending on the patient and the desired result. The skin is resettled over the adjusted fat and muscle and excess skin removed at the incision edges.

Length

The procedure varies depending on the individual and the work that is required: a standard length for the operation is from 2 to 3 hours.

Recovery

Facelifts are often extensive operations. Following the procedure there may be considerable discomfort and swelling for a few days, with tubes being left in place to aid drainage from the areas operated upon. Bandages may remain in place for 1 week, during this time the head should be kept elevated, as much as possible, to reduce inflammation and swelling. Stitches are usually removed at the end of the first week. Most swelling and discomfort will have subsided after 2 weeks to a month. Full recovery to normal feeling may take up to 6 months.

Risks

After surgery blood may gather in areas operated upon though these can be drained subsequently. There is a danger of damage to the nerves of the face causing loss of feeling: such damage is usually only temporary. Infection is a risk as it is with all invasive surgery.

A guide to plastic surgery regulations in Croatia

The Ministry of Health holds overall responsiblitiy for the management of public health within Croatia.

In 1995 the Croatian Medical Chamber was established. This is the independant overseer of the profession and membership is mandatory for all Croatian doctors.

Established in 1874, the Croation Medical Association represents the professional interests of doctors in Croatia. Membership is voluntary, though membership is required for all specialists in plastic surgery.

The Croatian Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is the official society for plastic surgeons in Croatia. The society publishes a list of their members online.

Education

The basic medical degree takes 6 years. Plastic surgery is a recognized specialty and the training programme has been harmonized with EU requirements in anticipation of future membership. The registrar training is a 60 month (10 semester) programme. Successful completion earns the title "plastične kirurgije".

Complaints

A three tiered complaints system is available. The most direct course is to contact the Croatian Medical Chamber. The Chamber inforces the ethical code and can disipline physician in violation of the code, impose fines and remove a physician from the register.

Civil action may be persued in the courts. Complaints may also be lodged with the Ministry of Health. Physicians in private practice have full liablity and malpractice cover is available, though rarely taken.

Storage and Access to Medical Records

Croatia has a passed "The Act on Personal Data Protection", which created the Personal Data Protection Agency. This legislation is designed to bring Croatia in compliance with EU regulations on data protection in advance of EU membership.

The Croatian Medical Chamber also inforces its ethical code which requires doctors to maintain and protect the medical records of their patients.

Resources

Croatian Medical Chamber
Šubićeva ul.9, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
tel: +385 1 4500 830
email: nikolina.budic@hlk.hr
website: http://www.hlk.hr (Croatian language only)

Croatian Medical Association
Šubićeva ul.9, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
tel: +385 1 4693 300
website: http://hlz.mef.hr/index.html

Croatian Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Website: http://www.kbd.hr/cspras
Member list: http://www.kbd.hr/cspras/Members%20list.htm

The biggest choice of facelift clinics in Croatia with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best facelift for you in Croatia.