This Girl Underwent Double Jaw Surgery — Before-and-After Photos Left Everyone Speechless

What started as orthodontic preparation turned into a year-long makeover that generated millions of views and offered a comprehensive, individual account of the recuperation process following surgery.

Virginia Elder began sharing glimpses of her everyday life, including calm routines, time spent with her dog, and moments of faith, long before the braces, hospital gowns, and recovery updates.

These would later contrast with the year of metamorphosis she decided to chronicle.

Elder, a proud Texas Tech University alumna, centered her days on the people and values that kept her rooted: her friends, family, Christian religion, and her loyal dog, Bleau.

Her Instagram Stories included a lot of Bleau, a gorgeous blue-eyed puppy with brown and white fur. They visited parks and trails together, including one of their favorite places, Maxey Park.

From joyful car journeys when she treated her pet to a dog-friendly dessert to neighborhood walks in pink shoes, Elder frequently documented ordinary moments with Bleau. One video she captioned simply said, “my best friend.”

Even though she was privately dealing with severe medical issues, her Instagram, which is full of thanks and affirmations, suggests that she found joy in the little things.

Early Health Issues

Elder had to deal with another significant medical issue long before jaw surgery was mentioned in her account. She had two spinal surgeries after being diagnosed with degenerative disc degeneration and scoliosis, on March 24, 2017, and May 13, 2019.

An Instagram screenshot of her “Scoliosis” highlight displays her X-rays together with a very intimate reflection.

“It was a difficult road, but it changed and enhanced my perspective on life. In retrospect, the days, months, and even years seemed endless, but she wrote, “I am so thankful that God gave me this journey and guided me every step on the path to recovery.”

Her words served as a moment of pride and remembering on International Scoliosis Day. However, even after conquering that obstacle, another one persisted in the mirror.

The Path to Change

Elder’s underbite, which she frequently covered up with her smile, had always made her feel self-conscious.

Elder had begun orthodontic treatment by March 2023 as a component of the double jaw surgery procedure. She documented it rather than merely going through it.

She published movies, updates, and selfies with great care, gradually drawing millions of people into her world. The physical alteration was not the only thing that startled the audience. It was her openness, the fact that she didn’t avoid the tearful, silent moments or the puffy days.

The Countdown to Surgery

Elder proceeded to record every step in the closing days before surgery. She posted a set of pictures taken outside three days prior to surgery. Her hair was tied back properly, and she was dressed in a faded rose t-shirt. Her braces were already in place, and her jaw was still prominent in profile.

Her face became calmer a day later, wearing a white tank top. “2 days before surgery,” as the caption read, conveyed a sense of quiet but composed anticipation.

She made another appearance the following day, wearing a gentle pink Texas Tech T-shirt.

She posted both front-facing and profile photos of her face with the phrase, “1 day before surgery,” providing uncensored, undistorted evidence of the jaw structure she was going to alter.

Surgery Day: A Painfully Changed Face

Elder showed up in a hospital bed on the day of her double jaw surgery, with ice packs wrapped around her very swollen face.

Her skin was hot and her gaze was blank; the physical effects of a grueling treatment were evident right away. She then started posting daily updates on TikTok, chronicling her recovery process.

Her eyelids were scarcely open when she lay in bed on the first day. Overnight, the swelling had gotten worse, and her face was etched with exhaustion. Her body was obviously still suffering from anesthetic and physical shock as she gazed off into the distance.

On day two, there was a slight improvement. She was clearly large and still in her hospital gown, but she appeared more alert. Even though she was still uncomfortable, her eyes widened and she appeared to be more conscious of her surroundings.

The emotional toll started to emerge by day three, now that we were back home. Although her cheeks were still swollen, her eyes were teary and watery, expressing a vulnerability that frequently arises as the adrenaline wears off and reality sets in.

There was not much bodily change on day four. She still had a bloated face and a tired appearance. She appeared to have plateaued in her recuperation, which is a normal and frustrating period, as she wrapped herself in a blanket.

She was able to stand up straight for the first time since the surgery on day five. She was still clearly inflamed when photographed in her kitchen, but the post was a minor turning point. It was the start of a slowly restored routine.

The first indications of actual progress appeared on day six. The edema has started to move and level out. Her expression was more calm, and her posture seemed more stable.

Even though it was slight, it was sufficient to imply that she was adjusting to the recuperation pace.

On day eight, she posted a selfie taken in her automobile. Her eyes were brighter and the outline of her new jawline was more noticeable when she wore a casual T-shirt and a cross necklace. Her little smile indicated the early signs of peace returning.

That improvement remained consistent on day nine. Particularly on her lower face, the swelling had decreased even further. Her profile had started to take on its new shape, and even though her braces were still there, her features appeared more symmetrical.

Elder’s recuperation proceeded steadily on day 10. A more defined jawline was visible as the swelling had significantly decreased.

With her expression more relaxed and her face seeming more balanced, the initial effects of the surgery were starting to show.

Elder’s facial contours had softened on day 11 as her edema had further decreased.

Even though she was still recovering, her expression indicated that she was becoming more at ease with her post-op appearance, and her features seemed calmer in the early light.

This series of updates, which were silent, uncensored, and regular, provided a more comprehensive narrative than a single before-and-after picture could. She demonstrated that healing was a gradual revelation.

Around 3.5 weeks after surgery, or 24 to 25 days into his recuperation, Elder shared pictures of his face that showed less swelling and a more defined face. In one picture, she seemed composed and at ease while wearing a dress with black and white checks.

Progress was evident in her posture and face. Her profile has changed enough that the initial puffiness was no longer noticeable.

Six weeks post-op, or around one and a half months after the procedure, she posted another update, mentioning a problem.

An infection had forced the removal of one of the surgical plates.

She captioned a series of mirror pictures she shared online, showing some mild bruising close to her jaw, “Recovering from an infection resulting in a plate removal.”

The update was straightforward. Her jaw structure was unaltered, although her face was slightly discolored. It was disclosed without further explanation and was a setback in her recuperation.

But even her most loyal TikTok fans were taken aback by what happened next, which was a watershed moment.

Her Last Display: A Resurgent Smile

Elder looked noticeably better in her subsequent recuperation pictures. Her jawline was balanced, her face structure was completely formed, and the edema had disappeared. Her smile was spontaneous and her face was relaxed, free of stiffness and braces.

She posted three different outfits: a light-colored cardigan, a soft purple top, and a pink tank top. She seemed relaxed and confident in each, her eyes clear and her stance assured.

The change was finished. Even more noticeable than the obvious physical changes was the ease with which she handled herself.

At One Year: An Individual Check-in

Elder celebrated the one-year anniversary of her double jaw surgery on August 24, 2024, by sharing a TikTok post that highlighted her progress. The update provided an honest glimpse into the physical and mental changes that occurred after her surgery.

She talked about the daily relief of not having chronic pain and characterized the last 12 months as profoundly transforming, both psychologically and physically.

Being able to eat healthily and not experience excruciating agony is such a relief. Some days I feel like I don’t recognize myself since I’m still getting used to my new look,” Elder remarked.

“Thank God, my friends, and my family for supporting me on this journey,” she said in closing. I am really appreciative. Jaw surgery 2023 #doublejawsurgeryjourney #braces #doublejawsurgeryrecoverycheck #underbitecheck #CapCut.

Elder’s journey relied on regular, graphic updates rather than grand declarations, each of which represented a significant step in the process.

She provided a clear, useful reference for those thinking about similar treatments by documenting both progress and setbacks from before the surgery until the ten-month mark.