Injectables Done Right: What to Know About Neurotoxins, Fillers, and Sculptra

A large part of what we do every day is injectables. When they’re done well, they can make someone look refreshed, natural, and more confident without looking “done.”

We see patients from Metairie, Kenner, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and New Orleans every day, and one of the most common questions I get is simple: what’s the difference between all of these products, and which one do I actually need?

Our Injection Team

Before anything else, the injector matters more than the product.

At Chronos, we’re fortunate to have a very strong team:

• Sarah Balladeres PA-C – widely recognized for her results and technique, and voted one of the Top 100 Injectors in the country
• Luke Cenac NP – known for a very precise, structured approach to facial balance
• Amanda Rodriguez NP – excellent with natural, softer enhancements and patient comfort

All of our injectors are constantly training. They attend multiple national meetings, hands-on cadaver labs, and advanced technique courses every year. This field changes quickly, and staying current is not optional if you want consistent results.

Neurotoxins (Botox, Dysport, etc.)

These are often called “neurotoxins” or “neuroblockers.”

In simple terms, they:

• Relax specific muscles
• Soften lines caused by movement
• Prevent deeper wrinkles from forming over time

Common areas:

• Forehead lines
• Frown lines between the brows
• Crow’s feet around the eyes

Think of it like this: if a wrinkle is caused by repeated movement, neurotoxins help “quiet” that movement.

When done correctly, patients still look natural. They just look more rested.

Dermal Fillers

Fillers are completely different.

Instead of relaxing muscles, they:

• Replace lost volume
• Improve contour and structure
• Smooth deeper lines that are present at rest

Common uses:

• Cheeks (restore volume and lift)
• Jawline (define structure)
• Lips (shape and balance, not just size)
• Nasolabial folds (lines from nose to mouth)

As we age, we lose volume in the face. Fillers help restore what was there, not create something artificial.

A good injector focuses on balance, not overfilling.

Sculptra

Sculptra is one of my favorite tools, but it’s different from traditional fillers.

It works by:

• Stimulating your body’s own collagen production
• Gradually improving skin thickness and structure
• Creating a more natural, long-term result

Instead of immediate volume, it builds over time.

Best for:

• Overall facial volume loss
• Thinning skin
• Patients who want subtle, progressive improvement

I often explain it this way: fillers give you immediate structure, while Sculptra helps your skin rebuild itself.

Choosing the Right Approach

Most patients don’t need just one thing.

A good plan may include:

• Neurotoxins for movement lines
• Fillers for structure and contour
• Sculptra for long-term skin quality

The key is knowing how to combine them correctly.

This is where experience matters. Overdoing any one of these leads to unnatural results. Using them together thoughtfully is what creates a natural, refreshed look.

What Patients Should Look For

If you’re considering injectables, focus on:

• Experience of the injector
• Consistency of results
• Ongoing training and education
• A plan that fits your face, not a “one size fits all” approach

There’s a big difference between someone who injects and someone who understands facial anatomy and aging.

Final Thought

Injectables should enhance what you already have, not change who you are.

When done correctly, people won’t know you had anything done. They’ll just think you look better.

That’s always the goal.