What are the side effects of 4 small dosages of botox on upper lip around mouth for smoker lines?

I really like Botox for upper lip lines. It works by keeping the muscle around the mouth from "puckering" - which is what causes the lines in the first place - and why they call them "smokers" lines (since that is what you are doing when you are smoking - which, as we all know, is a bad idea from both a health and a cosmetic perspective). In fact, you should avoid activies that cause your lips to pucker - like drinking through straws, blowing on hot foods, whistling etc. As far as side effects, I tell my patients that botox in the upper lip may make your lip feel "clumsy". Meaning that you may notice it is a little difficult to drink (especially through straws - which you aren't supposed to do anyway). Most patients get used to the Botox and are not bothered by it. About 20% of my patients dislike it enough that they don't want to do it again. Of course you can get temporary bruising from the needle pokes. The dosage should be low (2-6 units for most people).

If you just want to get rid of wrinkles then Botox may help. Very few units are required. If too much is administered incorrectly, the movement of the lips will be affected and the result will look abnormal and you'll have difficulty moving your lips. 

The most common problems are typically mild and self-limited and include difficulty drinking through a straw or whistling. Botox treatment can, on occasion, make the lips feel different if excessive treatment is delivered. I really like this treatment and think that it can create significant improvement with minimal expense and a two minute office injection. Please seek a highly experienced injector.

There are usually very little side effects from a small injection around the lips, but on occasion it may be more difficult to purse the lips or suck on a straw. Other then the occasional bruising, that is about it.

Typically, only about 4 units are needed on the upper lip area to help minimize the appearance of fine lines ("smokers lines").  More units can prevent movement and make it difficult to move the mouth, which is why most injection specialists do not use more than a small dosage of Botox for this area.  If the technique is done properly, very few side effects should result from treatment.Best of luck!