{"id":2378,"date":"2025-06-02T03:08:51","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T02:08:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=2378"},"modified":"2025-06-02T03:08:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T02:08:54","slug":"this-girl-underwent-double-jaw-surgery-before-and-after-photos-left-everyone-speechless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/?p=2378","title":{"rendered":"This Girl Underwent Double Jaw Surgery \u2014 Before-and-After Photos Left Everyone Speechless"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What began with orthodontic preparation evolved into a year-long transformation \u2014 one that drew millions of views and provided a detailed, personal record of post-surgical recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long before the braces, hospital gowns, and recovery updates, Virginia Elder was sharing glimpses of her daily life \u2014 moments of faith, quiet routines, and time with her dog \u2014 all of which would later stand in contrast to the year of transformation she chose to document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ahead<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ahead of surgery, Virginia Elder smiles with braces, a visible step in her long transformation. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A proud alumna<\/a> of Texas Tech University, Elder built her days around the people and beliefs that anchored her: her family, her friends, her Christian faith<\/a>, and her devoted dog<\/a>, Bleau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bleau, a striking blue-eyed pup with white and brown fur, featured prominently in her Instagram Stories<\/a>. Together, they explored trails and parks, including Maxey Park, one of their favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elders Instagram Story featuring Zephaniah 3:17 \u2014 a verse she shared during her recovery. | Source: Instagram\/@virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elder often captured everyday moments with Bleau, from neighborhood walks in pink sneakers to playful car rides where she treated her pet to a dog-friendly dessert, once captioning<\/a> a video simply, \u201cmy best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her Instagram, filled with affirmations and gratitude, hints at a woman who found joy in simple moments, even while privately navigating deep physical challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder\u2019s dog, Bleau. | Source: Instagram\/virginiaelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early Health Challenges<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Long before jaw surgery became part of her story, Elder faced another major medical challenge. Diagnosed with scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, she underwent two spinal surgeries \u2014 one on March 24, 2017, and another on May 13, 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A screenshot of her \u201cScoliosis\u201d highlight<\/a> on Instagram shows her X-rays and a deeply personal reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Two<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Two major spinal surgeries \u2014 in 2017 and 2019 \u2014 helped Virginia Elder stabilize her scoliosis with extensive hardware. | Source: Instagram\/virginiaelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was a challenging journey, but it improved and shifted my outlook on life. Looking back, days, months, and even the years felt long, but I am so grateful that God gave me this journey and guided me every step on the path to recovery,\u201d her post read<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She marked International Scoliosis Day with those words \u2014 a moment of both remembrance and pride. But despite overcoming that battle, another one lingered in the mirror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder reflects on her scoliosis diagnosis and recovery after years of treatment and faith-led resilience. | Source: Instagram\/virginiaelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Road to Transformation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Elder had always felt self-conscious about her jaw, an underbite that she often masked with her smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder\u2019s unfiltered side profile shows the shape of her jaw and underbite. | Source: Instagram\/virginiaelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By March 2023, Elder had started orthodontic treatment as part of the surgical process for double jaw surgery<\/a>. She didn\u2019t just go through it, she documented it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With meticulous detail, she shared selfies, updates, and videos that slowly drew millions into her world. What shocked viewers wasn\u2019t just the physical change. It was how open she was \u2014 how she didn\u2019t skip the puffy days or the silent, teary moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder shares a bathroom selfie, smiling with braces during the early stages of her orthodontic journey. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Countdown to Surgery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the final days leading up to surgery, Elder continued to document each step<\/a>. Three days before surgery, she shared a series of outdoor photos. She wore a faded rose t-shirt, her hair pulled back neatly. In profile, her jaw remained pronounced, with braces already in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Looking<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking straight ahead, Virginia Elder smiles confidently three days before surgery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder turns to the right, showing the shape of her natural jaw. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Smiling<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Smiling wide, Virginia Elder gives a glimpse of her pre-op profile with braces. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A day later, in a white tank top, her expression appeared more composed. The caption<\/a>, \u201c2 days before surgery,\u201d suggested calm, but also quiet anticipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder smiles for the camera just two days before undergoing double jaw surgery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next day, she appeared again, this time in a soft pink Texas Tech T-shirt. With the caption<\/a>, \u201c1 day before surgery,\u201d she shared both front-facing and profile views of her face \u2014 clear, unfiltered documentation of the jaw structure she was about to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"One<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One day before surgery, Virginia Elder documents her final pre-op moment outdoors in a shirt. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Side<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Side profile of Virginia Elder one day before surgery, showing her jaw\u2019s natural alignment. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surgery Day: A Face Transformed, Painfully<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the day of her double jaw surgery, Elder appeared in a hospital bed, her face heavily swollen and wrapped in ice packs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder rests post-operation, with visible swelling and cooling packs in place. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her expression was blank, her skin flushed \u2014 the physical aftermath of an intense procedure was immediately visible. From that moment, she began documenting her healing journey<\/a> on TikTok, sharing daily updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Swollen<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Swollen and exhausted, Virginia Elder lies in recovery shortly after her double jaw surgery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On day one, she appeared lying in bed, eyes barely open. The swelling had intensified overnight, and fatigue was written across her face. She looked distant, her body clearly still under the weight of anesthesia and physical shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A side glance on Day 1 post-op reveals the extent of swelling and fatigue in Virginia Elder\u2019s recovery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Still<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Still in hospital, Virginia Elder faces the camera with a swollen, expressionless look on Day 1 after surgery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day two showed mild improvement. Though still in her hospital gown and visibly swollen, she looked more alert. Her eyes opened wider, and she seemed more aware of her surroundings, even if her discomfort remained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Low<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Low lighting captures Virginia Elder resting quietly, her face still swollen on the second day post-surgery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"In<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In another angle, Virginia Elder appears reflective while recovering in bed on Day 2 post-op. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wearing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wearing a hospital gown and AirPod, Virginia Elder gazes sideways during her second day of healing. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By day three, now back home, the emotional toll began to show. Her cheeks were still puffy, but her eyes appeared glassy and tearful, capturing a moment of vulnerability that often arrives when adrenaline fades and reality settles in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder sits upright at home, cheeks puffed and eyes teary, navigating recovery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Still<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Still visibly swollen and emotional, Virginia Elder records her third day of healing from surgery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"From<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From a different angle, Virginia Elder\u2019s facial strain remains evident as she recovers at home. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day four brought little physical change. Her face remained swollen, her expression heavy with exhaustion. Wrapped in a blanket, she looked as though recovery had plateaued \u2014 a common, frustrating phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder at home, resting quietly on Day 4 of post-op recovery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Side<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Side view of Virginia Elder on Day 4, with swelling still present. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On day five, she stood upright for the first time since surgery. Photographed in her kitchen, she remained visibly inflamed, but the post marked a small turning point. It was the beginning of a regained routine, however slow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder stands in her kitchen on Day 5 post-op, marking early mobility. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A side profile of Virginia Elder as she adjusts to her new jaw alignment. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day six offered the first signs of real progress. The swelling had begun to shift and settle. Her posture appeared more stable, and her expression more relaxed. While subtle, it was enough to suggest she was adapting to the rhythm of recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder documents Day 6 post-op with a still and centered selfie. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By day eight, she shared a car selfie. Wearing a casual T-shirt and cross necklace, her eyes looked clearer, and the outline of her new jawline was more visible. Her slight smile suggested the earliest return of calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"In<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the car, Virginia Elder shares her first public selfie since surgery. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On day nine, that progress held steady. Swelling had reduced further, especially along her lower face. Her features looked more symmetrical, and although her braces remained, her profile had begun to take its new shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Side<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Side angle of Virginia Elder on Day 9 post-op, showing facial symmetry developing. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder posts a forward-facing photo on Day 9 with subtle healing progress. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On day 10, Elder\u2019s recovery continued at a steady pace. The swelling had eased noticeably, revealing a more defined jawline. Her face appeared increasingly balanced, and with her expression more relaxed, the early results of the surgery were becoming clearer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder resting at home 10 days after surgery, showing a calm and composed expression. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ten<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ten days into recovery, Virginia Elder offers a soft smile while glancing to the side. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By day 11, Elder\u2019s swelling had subsided even more, softening the contours of her face. Her features appeared calmer in the morning light, and though still healing, her expression suggested growing comfort in her post-op appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder appears outdoors on Day 11 post-op, framed by sunlight and a steady gaze. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This stretch of updates \u2014 quiet, unfiltered, and consistent \u2014 told a fuller story than any single before-and-after photo could. Healing, as she showed, was a slow unveiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder looks to the side while seated outside, showing signs of steady healing. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At around 3.5 weeks post-op \u2014 approximately 24 to 25 days into recovery \u2014 Elder posted photos showing reduced swelling and more defined facial structure. In one image, she wore a black-and-white checkered dress and appeared calm and composed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder sits in her car, confident and glowing. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder looks left, her surgical results appearing natural. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her expression and posture suggested progress. The early puffiness had subsided enough to reveal visible changes in her profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder looks to the right, showing the change in her jaw. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder smiles wide, braces still visible but swelling nearly gone. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 1.5 months after surgery \u2014 six weeks post-op \u2014 she shared another update, noting a complication. One of the surgical plates had been removed due to infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder appears subdued, recovering after a setback in healing. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder shows a blank expression, documenting the toll of her recovery process. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She posted a series of mirror selfies with light bruising visible near her jaw and included the caption<\/a>, \u201cRecovering from an infection resulting in a plate removal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder turns to the side, revealing the structure of her healing jawline. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The update was direct. Her face showed mild discoloration, but her jaw structure remained consistent. It was a setback in her recovery, shared without added commentary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder sits in profile, her expression neutral as discoloration fades. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what came next surprised even her most devoted TikTok followers \u2014 a moment that marked a turning point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder faces forward, her face showing a mix of calm and quiet fatigue. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed\/v2\/7310844567341845803\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Her Final Reveal: A Smile Reborn<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In her next recovery photos, Elder appeared visibly healed. The swelling was gone, her facial structure fully defined, and her jawline balanced. Her expression was relaxed \u2014 no longer guarded by braces or stiffness \u2014 and her smile came naturally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"In<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In bright natural light, Virginia Elder smiles wide in a pink tank top, her recovery fully visible. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shared several looks: one in a pink tank top, another in a soft purple top, and a third in a light-colored cardigan. In each, she appeared comfortable and at ease, her posture confident and her eyes clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wearing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wearing a vibrant purple blouse, Virginia Elder appears confident and fully healed. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The transformation was complete. The physical changes were clear, but what stood out even more was how naturally she carried herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder shares a joyful selfie indoors, beaming in a soft white sweater. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the One-Year Mark: A Personal Check-in<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On August 24, 2024, Elder marked one year<\/a> since her double jaw surgery with a TikTok post reflecting on how far she had come. The update offered a candid look at the emotional and physical transformation that followed her procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder celebrates six months post-op with a picnic, looking confident and radiant. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She described the past 12 months as deeply transformative \u2014 both mentally and physically \u2014 and spoke about the everyday relief of no longer being in constant pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"At<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At 7.5 months post-op, Virginia Elder glows in denim, her smile steady and sincere. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is so freeing to be able to eat properly and not be in constant pain. I am still getting used to my new face, and some days, I feel like I don\u2019t recognize myself,\u201d Elder said<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"By<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

By the 10-month mark, Virginia Elder\u2019s transformation is striking \u2014 soft lighting highlights her balanced profile. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She concluded<\/a>, \u201cThank God, my friends, and my family for supporting me on this journey. I am feeling so grateful. #doublejawsurgeryrecoverycheck #braces #doublejawsurgeryjourney #jawsurgery2023 #underbitecheck #CapCut.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder laughs freely, her joy as noticeable as her progress. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elder\u2019s journey didn\u2019t rely on big statements, but on consistent, visual updates \u2014 each marking a meaningful part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder feeds dog-friendly ice cream to Bleau. | Source: Instagram\/virginiaelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder as a sophomore student in 2021, years before her major surgical procedure. | Source: Instagram\/virginiaelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Virginia<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Virginia Elder smiles softly in a recent photo taken months after surgery, showing no visible signs of swelling. | Source: TikTok\/virginiaeelder<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From pre-surgery to the ten-month milestone, she documented both progress and setbacks, offering a clear, practical reference for others considering similar procedures.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What began with orthodontic preparation evolved into a year-long transformation \u2014 one that drew millions of views and provided a detailed, personal record of post-surgical […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2378","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorised"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2378","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2378"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2378\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2379,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2378\/revisions\/2379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2378"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2378"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/time.amazingstory.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2378"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}