What started as a step toward orthodontic readiness turned into a year-long journey that captivated millions and offered an honest, in-depth look at the aftermath of surgery.
Before any braces or hospital visits, Virginia Elder was already sharing pieces of her everyday life—her faith, simple routines, and time with her dog—quiet moments that would later contrast with her very public transformation.
A graduate of Texas Tech University, Elder structured her life around her loved ones, her Christian beliefs, and her loyal dog, Bleau.
Bleau, her striking blue-eyed dog, was a frequent star in her posts. They often spent time exploring the outdoors, especially places like Maxey Park.
Elder frequently shared little moments with Bleau, like their walks or car rides, where she sometimes treated him to a dog-safe dessert, once calling him “my best friend.”
Her social media, filled with positive reflections and faith, showed a woman who appreciated life’s little joys, even while coping with serious health battles.
Years before jaw surgery was on the horizon, Elder dealt with significant spinal issues. She was diagnosed with scoliosis and degenerative disc disease, which led to two major surgeries.
In one reflective post, she described her medical journey as difficult, yet transformative—changing how she viewed life and deepening her gratitude for God’s guidance during recovery.
She wrote those words to commemorate International Scoliosis Day, recognizing the hardships she had endured and overcome. Still, despite that victory, she remained bothered by another challenge—her appearance.
Elder had long felt insecure about her underbite, often hiding it with a smile.
By March 2023, she had begun wearing braces in preparation for corrective jaw surgery. But rather than keeping it private, she chose to document everything.
With impressive consistency, she posted photos and videos that drew millions into her experience. What stood out wasn’t just her changing face—it was her honesty, including the hard and emotional parts.
In the days leading up to surgery, Elder continued sharing each moment. Three days before, she posted outdoor photos showing her profile, braces in place, and an air of quiet readiness.
The following day, her expression was more composed, perhaps hinting at the emotions just beneath the surface.
One day before surgery, she posted front and side views of her face, unfiltered and sincere, clearly marking the end of one chapter.
On the morning of her operation, Elder was shown in bed, her face wrapped in cold packs, visibly swollen from the procedure.
The blankness in her face and flushed skin made it clear she’d just undergone something intense. From that moment forward, she used TikTok to update followers on her recovery, sharing daily clips.
On the first day after surgery, she could barely open her eyes. The swelling had worsened, and her face showed exhaustion—both from anesthesia and the trauma of surgery.
By the second day, she looked slightly more alert, though she remained in the hospital and still swollen.
The third day, now at home, showed a more emotional side. Her eyes appeared teary, and her cheeks remained puffy, capturing a vulnerable moment as reality began to settle in.
On day four, her recovery seemed to stall. She looked tired, wrapped in a blanket, as if stuck in a difficult phase of healing.
On day five, she stood for the first time since surgery. Though still puffy, the post signaled a small but meaningful step forward.
By the sixth day, there were hints of improvement. Her swelling had begun to ease, and she looked more stable and composed.
Eight days in, she shared a selfie from the car. Her jawline was becoming more defined, and her eyes seemed brighter. A faint smile suggested she was feeling more at ease.
On day nine, her healing continued. The swelling in her lower face had lessened, and her features looked more symmetrical.
Ten days after surgery, the swelling had gone down noticeably, revealing a sharper, more balanced jawline. Her relaxed expression reflected the progress she was making.
By day eleven, the puffiness had softened even more, and she appeared more peaceful. Though still recovering, she seemed increasingly comfortable in her post-surgical appearance.
