Victim of White Island volcano eruption shares healed scars

A 26-year-old who survived burns to 70 per cent of her body after a NZ volcano erupted has taken off her mask for the first time.

A White Island volcano blast survivor has spoken about her life-changing experience after removing her mask for the first time since the natural disaster two and a half years ago.

The volcano erupted on White Island in New Zealand’s northeastern Bay of Plenty region, on December 9, 2019 while at least 47 tourists were sightseeing.

Twenty-six-year-old Stephanie Browitt walked away from the blast with severe burns to 70 per cent of her body.

Her 21-year-old sister Krystal and their father Paul were among 22 people who lost their lives that day.

Stephanie Browitt captures the difference in her recovery between October 2021 and June 2022. Picture: Instagram

Last month, she removed her compression face mask on prime-time television during an interview with 60 Minutes on Channel 9.

On Monday night she shared a series of selfies to her Instagram account to illustrate the incredible recovery she has made over the last almost two and half years.

“I’m so nervous sharing this,” Ms Browitt wrote in the caption.

“I hope this gives hope for others beginning or on this long journey, but also others who are struggling with something.”

The 26-year-old wearing her compression mask to heal her burns scars. Picture: Instagram

Stephanie threw a party to celebrate removing her compression mask. Picture: Instagram

“As much as I know and acknowledge how horrific and severe my body was burnt, it always felt a bit easier sharing those images than sharing pictures of my face.”

“Trying to have patience when it came to the recovery of the skin grafts on my face was awful because I never saw it getting better.”

Ms Browitt was in hospital for six months recovering from the severe burns to her body.

“I thought my face would stay the exact same way as the first time I ever saw it in hospital. I couldn’t see it improving over time and I felt defeated.”

The 26-year-old wearing her compression mask to heal her burns scars. Picture: Instagram

“Your face is the first thing people see and for that reason I was petrified of being judged.

“I was told that it would improve over time but I didn’t believe the professionals.”

She admitted it’s hard to accept her new face after being so confident with her appearance in the past.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be completely satisfied because, deep down, I really miss how I used to look,” she said.

Ms Browitt made particular mention of the surgeons who treated her while in hospital, saying “I’m not sure where I would be without them”.

Stephanie Browitt removes her compression mask. Picture: 60 minutes

“I also understand that the scarring on my face will cause issues in the future, but I’m glad that I can appreciate and respect the healing of my skin and the work of my amazing surgeons.”

Along with wearing the compression mask, she has had steroid injections, about a dozen laser treatments and has worn a hard plastic mask to bed every night.

“Although I’m done with my compression garments, I’m still not done with recovery,” she said, explaining her scars had fully matured.

“Now that my scars have settled, I’ll have to look at surgery or a really strong laser to help improve my skin in the future,” she said.