Hannah Berner, the 35-year-old comedian and former reality star, has provided an amusing yet alarming update on the state of her smile following a series of cosmetic injections that went awry. During a recent live recording of Maria Sharapova’s podcast, Pretty Tough, Berner discussed her experiences with a not-so-ideal treatment for her temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, which left her jaw partially immobile.
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Berner has been vocal about her struggles since undergoing Dysport injections aimed at alleviating discomfort from TMJ disorders, conditions that can lead to severe jaw pain. Back in June, she revealed to her followers that the treatment had adverse effects, causing her to lose the ability to smile properly. Now, during the podcast episode in New York City, she reassured listeners that her situation has improved, saying, “This is my current smile. It’s a lot better than it was.”
When pressed by Sharapova about the possibility of her smile returning to normal, Berner candidly admitted, “And I ask myself that every day.” Yet in her characteristic manner, she light-heartedly considered the silver linings of her predicament, remarking on the unexpected attention her situation garnered. “I’ve been getting so much attention. I just had a New York Times article. I feel like I need to get a top-off to keep it strong,” she joked. Impressively, she even mentioned that the spa responsible for her treatment has now become her sponsor.
In a moment of levity, Berner recounted how fans have reached out to her with suggestions on how to cope. One follower humorously advised her to adopt the “Slavic smile,” a concept she initially found perplexing. Her followers suggested that “the Russian girls don’t smile,” which added a touch of humour to her situation.
The injections that Berner received, specifically Dysport, are a neurotoxin similar to Botox, which helps to relax the masseter muscles near the jaw. While this treatment can be effective for TMJ-related pain, Berner’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks involved. In a previous statement, she expressed her frustration, stating, “Look, I’m a comedian. Joy and laughter are my life. That’s all I care about. We’re gonna get through this, guys, we’re gonna get through this. Pray for me. I’ve turned to religion.”
Prior to this unfortunate incident, Berner disclosed that she had undergone similar Dysport treatments multiple times without issue. Unfortunately, this time was different – she was administered 60 units of Dysport on each side, far more than she had received in previous sessions. As a result, she found herself facing an unexpected consequence: her face felt frozen, and her ability to smile was significantly hampered.
Earlier this month, she marked the eleventh week since her initial treatment with a TikTok update, quipping about the lengthy duration without a smile. “It’s been 11 weeks. It’s been a whole summer. Girl math: that’s 77 days, no smile,” she shared in her video, offering a glimpse of the ongoing effects of the injections.
As she showcased her rigid smile, Berner provided her followers with a personal tour of her progress, noting, “This side’s actually doing better,” while pointing at the left side, which she said “doesn’t wanna go anywhere. She’s chilling. She’s like, ‘Don’t make me.’” This playful take on her unfortunate situation has resonated with many fans, reminding them of Berner’s ability to find humour amid adversity.
In conclusion, Hannah Berner continues to navigate the complexities of her cosmetic treatment experience with her signature humour. While she remains hopeful for a complete recovery, the unexpected side effects of her Dysport injections serve as a reminder for many about the importance of careful consideration when opting for cosmetic procedures. As she shares her journey, fans undoubtedly appreciate both her honesty and her comedic spirit throughout this challenging chapter in her life.