Comedian Hannah Berner, 34, has reported a distressing side effect from receiving Dysport injections to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) tension: an inability to smile. Berner, known for her roles on Bravo's "Summer House" and a Netflix comedy special, shared her experience in a TikTok video.
Berner stated that the injections were intended to relieve tension in her jaw, a common use for the treatment, which can also be employed to slim the jawline and reduce teeth grinding. Dysport, a neurotoxin similar to Botox, functions by temporarily blocking nerve signals to the masseter muscles, located in the jaw. This action reduces muscle contractions, thereby alleviating tightness and grinding. Over approximately six to eight weeks, the muscle weakens and shrinks, with effects typically lasting up to six months as the neurotoxin is naturally broken down by the body.
While Dysport is used for TMJ tension, this application is considered off-label, meaning it is not officially approved by the FDA for this purpose. The procedure carries risks, including the potential for the injected substance to spread to unintended areas. Dysport is known to diffuse more widely than Botox, which can be advantageous for larger treatment areas and lead to quicker results. However, if injected too close to the edge of the masseter muscle, it can affect the risorius muscle, also known as the smile muscle, which is situated just above the masseter. When the risorius is impacted, it can prevent the mouth from contracting into a smile, potentially resulting in a distorted or uneven smile.
One study indicated that approximately 0.15% of individuals undergoing this treatment might experience limitations in their smile. The effectiveness and safety of masseter injections are highly dependent on the correct dosage, depth, and placement of the injection. Other potential complications include affecting the parotid gland, leading to swelling and salivary issues, or impacting a facial nerve, causing temporary paralysis of facial muscles.
Berner noted that she first observed the issue with her smile about a week after the injections, describing her attempt to smile as appearing more like a grimace. She expressed her reliance on laughter and joy in her life, humorously stating her turn to religion and encouraging others to "stay safe."
Berner gained prominence through her appearances on "Summer House" and has since had a Netflix comedy special titled "We Ride at Dawn" released in 2024. She co-hosts two podcasts, "Berner Phone" with her husband Des Bishop, and "Giggly Squad" with Paige DeSorbo. She also co-authored "How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously" with DeSorbo, which became a New York Times bestseller.