A Vermont woman who was disfigured after her ex-husband doused her with industrial strength lye in 2007 has revealed her new face.

Carmen Blandin Tarleton of Thetford, who underwent a face transplant, spoke at a press conference Wednesday at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The 44-year-old mother of two said she’s in a better place than she could have imagined after going through hell. She said she’s telling her story so people can find strength to escape their own pain.

The daughter of the face donor, Miranda Righter, told Tarleton she looked beautiful. She said she’s overjoyed that she can see her mother’s skin and freckles again.

The hospital says more than 30 surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses worked for more than 15 hours to replace Tarleton’s skin, muscles, tendons and nerves with those of the donor.