Tayla Clement, a 28-year-old from New Zealand, has recently shared her deeply personal journey regarding a challenging procedure she underwent as a child. Born with Moebius syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterised by facial paralysis, Clement has lived a life filled with struggles surrounding her appearance and mental health since childhood.
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At just 11 years old, Tayla faced intense bullying that exacerbated her feelings of isolation and despair. Her inability to smile due to her condition made her a target for cruelty at school, and the emotional pain became nearly unbearable. Tragically, by that age, she had even considered taking her own life. It was during this turbulent period that surgeons presented the possibility of a procedure known as “smile surgery” which they claimed could alter her facial dynamics.
With a desperate desire to be accepted and to find friends, Clement was eager to undergo this surgery, believing that a smile would transform her life. “In my head, I’m like, ‘If I can smile, then I’m going to be accepted,’” she recalls, reflecting on her motivations for the surgery. Despite the surgeons outlining the risks of the operation, young Clement was resolute in her decision.
The procedure itself lasted an arduous ten hours and involved transferring tissue from her legs to her face in an attempt to create the illusion of a smile. After the surgery, however, the truth of the outcome became painfully apparent. For four days, she remained at the hospital under close watch, kept away from mirrors to avoid seeing her reflection. Yet, a momentary lapse by a nurse allowed her a glimpse of her face. “I instantly knew that it hadn’t worked,” she remembers lucidly, recalling the deep sense of disappointment and heartbreak that followed.
The aftermath of the unsuccessful surgery proved to be a period of immense hardship for Clement. Upon returning to school, she was met with increased bullying, leading to heightened levels of stress and anxiety that manifested as seizures. As she entered her late teens, doctors warned her that she might never be able to live independently due to the severity of her condition. Faced with this grim prognosis, Clement made the decisive choice to seek a different path, committing to intensive therapy.
Despite the daily battles with her mental health, Clement gradually learned to accept herself. Over time, as she became more comfortable with her own identity, the frequency of her seizures began to decline. “The road wasn’t easy,” she acknowledges. “Anything to do with mental health is just so debilitating.” Her experience highlights the importance of understanding and empathy surrounding mental health issues, particularly for those who are not personally familiar with them.
Today, Tayla Clement has emerged as a strong and resilient individual, sharing her story with a growing audience of over 100,000 followers on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. She has built a fulfilling life, including a stable job with a medical device company, a loving long-term partner, and a home they share together.
Reflecting on the past, Clement is grateful that the surgery did not succeed. Looking back, she believes that the challenges she faced have forged her into a “better person.” “If you had told 11-year-old Tayla that she was going to have a partner that loved her unconditionally and a home that they owned together, she just never would’ve believed you,” she states, highlighting the transformation her life has undergone.
Through sharing her experiences, Tayla hopes to inspire others to embrace acceptance and kindness, challenging the pervasive societal norms dictating what it means to be “acceptable.” “I hope that, through sharing my story, it can inspire people to become more accepting and inclusive,” she adds, emphasising the need to challenge stigmas related to appearance and personal value.
For anyone grappling with mental health issues, resources are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org. Such support networks are invaluable for those in need of help or guidance.