Q/A: Injectables

Patient Question: Injectables are rumored to last only a short while, are there some procedures MPS offers that provide a longer-term?


Dr. Marotta’s Response: An alternative to temporary injectable treatments is microfat transfer. In microfat transfer, I take microdroplets of fat from the abdomen, inner or outer thighs or buttocks and transfer the fat in multiple fines passes into areas of facial atrophy that occur with aging or that are due to congenital facial asymmetries. The benefits of microfat transfer over fillers are many including utilizing your own natural tissue, an unlimited supply of fat filler material, and more lasting correction of facial aging or asymmetries on the order of 5 years or even permanent. Fat also contains a high percentage of stem cells and, while not yet proven, we believe that microfat transfer may even cause new collagen to generate improving the skin’s appearance for years following fat injections.


Long Island Facial Plastic Surgery Dr. James Marotta is proud to offer New York BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment and other Facial Fillers such as Liquid Facelift, Dysport™, Evolence, JUVEDERM® Injectable Gel, Radiesse, Restylane and Sculptra.


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Q/A: Face and neck swelling with exercise following a face lift

Question: I am 59 years old and am 11 weeks post-op after having a lower facelift, forehead lift, and upper & lower eyelid surgery. Around 8 weeks post-op, I began vigorous exercise again with my doctor's approval. However, my neck swells under my chin after exercise, and the swelling lasts a long time(often until the next day). Is this normal? Also, will having my neck swell and decrease in size repeatedly compromise the results of my lower facelift? Should I slow down my exercise?

Dr. Marotta's response: Swelling after exercise that was done 8 weeks ago is entirely normal and will resolve with time. Increased blood flow to the tissues caused by exercise and decreased lymphatic drainage caused by surgery is the reason this happens. It usually happens under the chin, the submental area, because of gravity and the large number of lymphatics in that area. Intermittent swelling with exercise, increased salt intake, or hormonal changes can go on for even up to 3 months following face lift surgery. If the swelling increases rapidly without decreasing or there is any redness or tenderness to the skin, you should see your doctor. Decreasing your exercise, some icing or light compression e.g. with an ace wrap under the chin, can all help decrease the swelling when you do get it.Long Island Facelift Surgeon Dr. James Marotta offers the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available in facial plastic surgery today such as facelifts. Although a facelift can dramatically improve your overall facial appearance, it is best suited to correct loose skin and sagging tissue in the lower face and neck.

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Men and Plastic Surgery

Patient Question: Plastic surgery is often thought of as something women do, how can it help men? Are there some procedures that men commonly pursue?

Dr. Marotta’s Response: Plastic surgery is on the rise for the male population and it increases every year. Currently about 30% of all patients seeking plastic surgery are men. Rhinoplasty (Nose Job), eyelid, brow and facelifts, and hair transplantation are the most common procedures for men in my practice. All the options available to women to enhance their facial appearance are available to men. In treating my male patients, I maintain the distinctly masculine qualities to the face through an understanding of the differences between male and female facial anatomy.

Dramatic vs Drastic Plastic Surgery

Patient Question: What's the difference between dramatic and drastic? If a client is looking for a serious change, like a totally different nose or exceptionally large lips, are there any dangers or warnings s/he should consider?


Long Island Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr. Marotta’s Response: In my opinion, you can attain dramatic improvement in a person’s appearance without making a drastic change. Drastic implies unnatural or outside of what would be considered aesthetically pleasing. In my practice, I strive for the most natural results possible by maintaining the harmony dictated by a patient’s natural, “God-given” facial proportions. I would caution the person who wants a totally different nose or exceptionally large lips that not only would these changes not look good, but they also can create problems with function of these important organs like nasal blockage or impaired lip movement.

Q/A: "Fresh Start" Skin Procedures

Patient Question: A new year always makes people want to feel new, what are some skin procedures that can help accomplish a "fresh start" without a long healing time.


Dr. Marotta’s Response: Working on beautifying your skin is a great way to get a “fresh start” and healthy glow for the New Year. There are a number of procedures which can help repair visible signs of skin damage from the sun and aging with little or no downtime. Microdermabrasion, light chemical peels, intense pulsed light therapy are all procedures done in our facility that can have a major impact on the skin’s appearance. Diet, nutrition, and a topical skin regimen that includes some form of Retin-A and other peeling agents like glycolic acid are additional keys to beautiful skin.

Q/A: Does a midface lift help the jowls?

Question: I am 54, but look slightly younger. I don't mind the normal aging around my eyes, etc. but my sagging jowls bother me. My Plastic Surgeon says he would not recommend having a lower face lift without at least also doing a mid-face lift, as well as a brow lift. Now he has agreed he would feel comfortable doing the lift without a brow lift, but says he would definitely recommend a mid-face lift with the lower face lift. Is it really necessary to also have a mid face lift with a lower face lift?

Dr. Marotta's Response: Depending upon the technique used, a midface lift can improve the "jowls" much more than a traditional lower facelift alone. What appears to be jowl fat may frequently be drooping buccal or cheek fat. In my technique of an endoscopic midface lift, I reposition this drooping cheek fat higher in the cheek which improves the jowl and corner of the mouth much more than a standard facelift. In addition elevating the cheek also tends to elevate the jowl fat along the jawline. When combined with an extended Sub-SMAS lower facelift which further tightens the jowls and jawline, the improvement in the jowls can be much more complete. Sometimes the entire procedure can be done endoscopically with small incisions hidden behind the hairline.