Alesia Konovalenko, a Ukrainian singer who goes by the stage name ‘Aiela,’ recently underwent a double jaw surgery to address long-standing issues stemming from childhood cleft palate surgeries and an overbite. Despite the extensive travel required for the procedure, she found support from a dedicated medical team that guided her through the process.
Since her surgery in March, the 24-year-old artist has experienced surprising improvements in her breathing and vocal tone, instilling hope for her swift return to music. Alesia’s journey traces back to her childhood, marked by multiple cleft palate surgeries and subsequent corrective procedures due to complications from the initial surgeries. These early challenges had a lasting impact on her facial bone structure and bite, leading to persistent ear pain that ultimately prompted her decision to undergo the transformative double jaw surgery.
Reflecting on her motivation for the surgery, Alesia shares, “My initial goal was to achieve a beautiful smile and address my overbite issues that had persisted throughout my life.” The surgery not only aimed to correct the underlying health concerns caused by the overbite but also held significance for Alesia’s self-confidence and overall well-being.
After facing setbacks in exploring surgical options in the past, Alesia found reassurance and clarity in her current surgeon in Kyiv, who approached her case with compassion and expertise. The collaborative effort between her surgeon and a pediatric cleft palate specialist provided her with the understanding and support she had been seeking throughout her medical journey.
On the day of the surgery, Alesia felt a sense of calm and optimism, buoyed by the prospect of a positive outcome. Despite the logistical challenges of traveling back and forth for the procedure while studying in Berlin, she navigated the process with determination and gratitude for the opportunity to address her long-standing health issues.
Alesia’s post-surgery experience has been marked by tangible improvements in her breathing and sensory perception, highlighting the positive impact of the surgery on her overall well-being. As she looks ahead to the future, Alesia remains eager to resume her musical pursuits with newfound confidence and vitality.
In September 2024, Alesia Konovalenko made the difficult decision to temporarily pause her studies in sound engineering and music production to focus on her health. She needed to undergo a surgery and chose to take a year off to ensure proper recovery without the stress of traveling back and forth. The surgery cost around $11,500, which she paid out of pocket for a private clinic. Despite the financial challenges, she has no regrets as her family provided crucial support during her recovery process.
During the initial weeks after the surgery, Konovalenko faced physical and emotional challenges. She was surprised by the quicker-than-expected recovery process, transitioning from a liquid diet to soft-chewed foods sooner than anticipated. Despite experiencing swelling and joint pain, her positive mindset, good appetite, and hydration helped her navigate through the healing journey.
Post-surgery, Konovalenko noticed significant improvements in her breathing, vocal abilities, and overall comfort. She felt a sense of liberation in her voice and increased ease in breath support due to the expanded space in her oral cavity. These positive changes have inspired her to pursue music with renewed passion and confidence.
While there were initial concerns about post-surgery numbness, Konovalenko started experiencing early signs of healing shortly after the procedure. She is currently on the path to full recovery and eagerly anticipates returning to her music career with a stronger voice and improved vocal performance.
