Welsh-born Ellie Jones was born with a condition that prevented her jawbone from growing beyond the age of 8.

At first, her parents were unaware of the condition and assumed Ellie simply needed dental work. At 14, Ellie had braces fitted and it was only then that her orthodontist Joy Hickman discovered that her jaw had not grown for 6 years. Now 20, Ellie has spent the last six years in consultations with surgeon Emma Woolley and had her first surgery at 16. Speaking to The Daily Post Ellie revealed that it was “really painful but had to be done.” During procedures, Ellie’s top and bottom jaw were cut horizontally and vertically and reshaped. She also endured corrective surgery on her chin. “I’d always felt like my chin was too small, so the second procedure, which was optional, made another big difference.” “I mostly just felt relieved, I finally felt like I could be myself,” she said. “Now I just feel normal,” Ellie said. “I used to dance and I used to be afraid to come to the front but after I had it done my dance teacher said she could see the difference in my confidence.” “I was shy but now I feel really confident. It’s changed my whole life” she continued. Mum Natalie says the most notable change in Ellie is her confidence. “The surgery has not only changed the way Ellie looked but also the way she portrays herself,” she said. “Her confidence has grown and she’s blossomed into a beautiful young lady.”

images via Wales Online