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Botox Gone Wrong: Smile Altered, Face Frozen
15 Mar
Summary
- Botox for jaw pain resulted in a frozen face and altered smile.
- The procedure's side effect caused temporary facial paralysis.
- A viral TikTok shared the warning about potential Botox risks.
In 2023, a 27-year-old woman from Dallas, Texas, sought Botox treatment to manage severe jaw pain and headaches caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). The injections, intended to relax her masseter muscles, initially provided relief from her symptoms, reducing jaw tension and soreness.
However, within weeks, she experienced unintended facial paralysis, noting she could no longer fully smile and felt her face was frozen. This led to significant mental distress, as she did not recognize her own smile. She was reportedly not informed of potential side effects beforehand.
It is believed the paralysis occurred due to Botox diffusing into adjacent muscles affecting smile functionality, likely from an improper injection technique or incorrect muscle targeting. While the effects were temporary and resolved as the Botox dissipated, she has since shared her experience online.
Her viral TikTok video has garnered hundreds of thousands of views, with many users expressing gratitude for the warning and sharing similar accounts. She now advises others to seek highly experienced practitioners for TMJ Botox, emphasizing detailed discussions about placement, dosage, and potential side effects.
