Laser-assisted chin liposuction
A defined jawline, tightened neck skin, and no excess fat in the chin region — without major scars and without a long recovery.
Laser-assisted chin liposuction is a method that Duško Maletić, MD, PhD, personally developed and presented in 2012 at the international congress of aesthetic medicine in Paris.
Since then, the popularity of this method has grown steadily. Numerous surgeons from around the world come to Poliklinika Maletić to see how the procedure is performed and then apply it in their own clinics.
WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE
What is laser-assisted chin liposuction?
Laser-assisted chin liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which laser energy melts and removes excess fat tissue in the chin area, while the laser simultaneously tightens the skin of the lower third of the face and neck. The result is a more defined jawline, reduced fat tissue and a fresher appearance — without a facelift and without visible scars.
A double chin — an accumulation of excess fat tissue in the region below the chin and in the upper part of the neck — is very difficult to remove through diet and exercise. The reason is simple: fat accumulation beneath the chin is often genetically determined or a consequence of the natural ageing process, and is not exclusively linked to body weight.
That is why permanent removal of a double chin requires a procedure that acts directly on the fat tissue and at the same time on the loose skin that often accompanies the fat accumulation. This is precisely where Poliklinika Maletić uses laser-assisted liposuction, which works on both levels in a single procedure.
CAUSES
Why does a double chin form and who can develop it?
A double chin appears in both younger and older people, in men and women, regardless of body mass index. Even if diet and exercise have become a routine for you, the accumulation beneath the chin can remain because in that region it is often genetically determined. Here are the most common causes:
USP
The method that Duško Maletić, MD, PhD, presented to the world
Dr. Duško Maletić personally developed the method of laser-assisted chin liposuction with laser tightening of the skin of the lower third of the face and neck.
He presented the method in 2012 at the international congress of aesthetic medicine in Paris. Since then, Poliklinika Maletić has regularly been visited by aesthetic surgeons from around the world who come to learn directly from Dr. Maletić how this procedure is performed correctly.
Since 2008, Poliklinika Maletić has been a world-recognised training centre for laser aesthetic surgery — in cooperation with the Laser&Health Academy. Dr. Duško Maletić has been named an expert and educator in laser liposuction, and the training courses are organised and held at the clinics in Daruvar and Zagreb.
Fellow surgeons have visited us from all over the world — North America, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and all of Europe. They came to Croatia precisely to learn from Dr. Maletić how to perform laser aesthetic procedures.
MECHANISM
How does laser chin liposuction work?
A laser fibre (fiber) is introduced beneath the skin of the chin through openings just 1.5 to 2 mm in diameter. The fibre acts simultaneously on three levels.
THE PROCEDURE
What does the procedure look like, step by step?
The procedure is performed under local tumescent anaesthesia. The patient is awake, but the treatment area is completely numb and the procedure is painless.
Preparation and anaesthesia
After the surgical field is cleansed, local tumescent anaesthesia is applied. It simultaneously enables a painless procedure, numbs the region to be treated and reduces bleeding.
Minimal entry openings in the skin
In the middle of the chin and on each side behind the ears, below the earlobe, the surgeon makes openings in the skin just 1.5 to 2 mm in diameter — so small that they very often require no sutures.
Introduction of the laser fibre
A thin catheter with the laser fibre is introduced through the openings. The surgeon precisely moves the fibre beneath the skin, acting simultaneously on the fat tissue and the skin.
Melting the fat and tightening the skin
The laser simultaneously melts the fat cells and tightens the skin by stimulating collagen formation. This is the phase in which the main result of the procedure is achieved.
Aspiration
Depending on the amount of fat tissue, the melted fat is suctioned out by vacuum or left to break down and be eliminated from the body naturally.
Compression and going home
After the procedure the patient can go home. A compression garment around the neck and face is worn intensively for the first 4–5 days, and then, up to a total of 3–4 weeks after surgery, only at night.
Procedure duration: 30–60 minutes, depending on the extent.
RESULTS
What you can expect — results and recovery
The procedure is performed under local tumescent anaesthesia. The patient is awake, but the treatment area is completely numb and the procedure is painless.
How long do the results last?
Fat cells destroyed by the laser do not return. These destroyed cells do not regenerate in the treated region, which makes the results long-lasting with a stable body weight. Natural ageing continues, but the treated area will always look better than it would have without the procedure.
Is only one procedure needed?
In most cases — yes. One procedure is enough to achieve the goal in a typical candidate.
INDICATIONS
Are you the right candidate for the procedure?
The procedure is suitable for:
- People with a visible accumulation of fat tissue in the chin that does not respond to diet and exercise
- People whose skin of the lower third of the face and neck is noticeably loose, but not so much that it requires a facelift
- Patients who do not want an invasive surgical procedure with a long recovery
- Patients of all age groups — from younger to older
- Men and women alike
- People with a genetically determined double chin
The procedure is not recommended for:
- Patients with very loose skin and a significant excess of skin (a facelift or neck lift is recommended)
- Patients with uncontrolled chronic conditions
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women
COMPARISON OF METHODS
Laser liposuction vs. alternative methods
Comparison of key parameters across chin-removal methods:
| Method | Invasiveness | Anaesthesia | Recovery | Number of treatments | Skin tightening | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laser liposuction (Maletić) | Minimally invasive | Local | 4–7 days | 1 procedure | Yes | Permanent |
| Injectable lipolysis | Non-invasive | — | 1–3 days | 2–4 treatments | Minimal | Individual |
| CoolSculpting | Non-invasive | — | 1–2 days | 2–4 treatments | No | Individual |
| Classic liposuction | Invasive | General / local | 7–14 days | 1 procedure | Limited | Permanent |
Laser chin liposuction in Dr. Maletić’s methodology is the golden mean — a single procedure, minimal recovery, lasting results and simultaneous skin tightening that classic liposuction does not offer.
PREPARATION & RECOVERY
Preparation for the procedure and postoperative instructions
Before the procedure
- During the consultation you discuss your health, medications and allergies in detail with the surgeon
- Individually avoiding certain medications before the procedure
- Assessment of health status
- A procedure under local anaesthesia does not require fasting
After the procedure
- Cold compresses reduce potential swelling
- The compression garment is worn according to the surgeon's instructions — intensively for the first 4–5 days, then up to a total of 3–4 weeks only at night
- Painkillers are taken as needed and as instructed
- Possible swelling and lividity (bruising) of the neck usually resolve within 7 days — this is a normal part of healing
- You remove the plasters after a few days according to the surgeon's instructions
- A return to everyday activities is possible after just a few days
REVIEWS
What our patients say
Shared from our Google profile.
BEFORE & AFTER
Our patients' results
Real results of Poliklinika Maletić patients are shown. Results are individual and may vary depending on anatomical predispositions and the patient’s condition.
HOW TO CHOOSE
What to look for when choosing a clinic for chin liposuction?
Choosing a clinic for any surgical procedure, even a minimally invasive one, is one of the most important decisions. Here are the key criteria.
Experience and specialisation
Check how many years of experience the surgeon has specifically with this procedure. General experience is not the same as experience with laser chin liposuction.
The laser used and the equipment of the operating room
It matters what kind of laser is used for this procedure — whether it is of adequate quality and power. As with all surgical procedures, it is important that the operating room is equipped to world standards.
An individualised approach
Every case of pilonidal sinus is different. The surgeon should perform a detailed clinical examination and discuss the options with you depending on the stage of the disease, your lifestyle and your priorities (e.g. a quick return to work vs. minimal risk of recurrence).
Postoperative support
It is important that the patient is followed up after the procedure and is able to obtain the necessary postoperative information.
Transparency about results
Ask for a gallery of real patients — not stock photos. The results should be consistent and natural.
What does the price include?
A good clinic clearly states what is included in the price (examination, anaesthesia, postoperative check-ups, garment). Avoid clinics where the price is “negotiated” without clear information.
WHAT SETS US APART
Why choose Poliklinika Maletić for double chin surgery?
Dr. Maletić's original method
A procedure that Dr. Duško Maletić personally developed and presented in 2012 at the international congress in Paris.
A world-recognised training centre since 2008.
In cooperation with the Laser&Health Academy. Surgeons from around the world come to Croatia to learn from Dr. Maletić.
Use of the best laser
For the procedure we use the currently best and most powerful laser from Fotona.
An operating room built to the highest world standards
Our operating rooms are equipped to the highest world standards.
Minimal scars
Entry openings 1.5–2 mm in diameter usually require no sutures. Scars are typically minimal.
Simultaneous skin tightening
Laser energy tightens the skin in the same procedure, without additional procedures.
Local anaesthesia
The patient is awake during the procedure, and the procedure is painless. After the procedure the patient can go home.
Individual approach
Each treatment plan is created according to the patient’s specific anatomy and condition.
Two locations
Zagreb and Daruvar — the same standards of excellence.
Three decades of tradition
Poliklinika Maletić was founded in 1998 as a family clinic with a long tradition of surgical procedures and aesthetic medicine.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions about laser chin liposuction
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under local tumescent anaesthesia — the procedure is painless. The patient may feel mild discomfort, but not pain.
How long does recovery take?
A return to everyday activities is possible after just a few days. The compression garment is worn for the first 4–5 days as much as possible during the day and night, and after that, up to a total of 3–4 weeks after surgery, only at night. Swelling and any bruising usually resolve within 7 days.
When will I see the results?
Initial improvement is visible as soon as the swelling subsides (7 days). The final result — including skin tightening — is visible after 3 to 4 months.
How many procedures are needed?
In most cases one procedure is enough.
Will scars remain?
The entry openings in the skin, 1.5–2 mm in diameter, usually require no sutures. They are located in discreet places (below the chin and behind the ears), so the scars are minimal.
Can the double chin come back?
The destroyed fat cells do not return. The results are permanent with a stable body weight. Natural ageing continues, but the treated area will always look better.
Can the procedure be combined with a facelift?
Yes. For patients with more pronounced sagging of the face and neck skin, laser chin liposuction can be combined with a facelift or neck lift for a comprehensive result.
Am I the right candidate?
The ideal candidate for this procedure has an increased amount of fat tissue in the chin region and a moderate excess of skin. During the consultation the surgeon assesses whether the procedure is suitable specifically for you.
NEXT STEP
Book a consultation
Take the first step toward a sharp jawline and a defined neck. Our team is available for all your inquiries and ready to answer every question.
