A top doctor who treated Whakaari White Island survivors says one survivor has made an "extraordinary recovery".
Stephanie Browitt, 26, has revealed the results of facial reconstruction surgery for the first time since the day that changed her life in December, 2019.
Twenty-two people died after the eruption, and another 25 suffered a range of injuries. Browitt is one of those who saw life-changing injuries and her father and sister both tragically lost their lives.
After three days of care in Aotearoa, Browitt was transferred home to Australia, where she spent six months in hospital.
Since then she's worn a compression bandage over her face, but now, speaking to 60 Minutes Australia, she shared a major milestone in her journey.
"It's emotional and scary. It's actually quite daunting as much as it is exciting."
It's a moment, two and a half years in the making - and she was able to take off her compression garment.
"This is me! I definitely think I'm tougher than I ever thought I'd be."
Chief medical officer Andrew Connolly watched on as she revealed her face to the world.
"The teams that treated her both here in New Zealand and Australia will be absolutely stoked with how she looks."
He was one of the many medical experts at Middlemore Hospital who treated the survivors.
"She looked incredible and I'd just like to pay tribute to her."
Connolly added that Browitt's recovery is extraordinary and that it won't be lost on those who treated her.
"It will add an extra special spring in their step just to know there's lovely success story at the end of a very long journey."
