Exclusive: Chelsea slashing victim makes amazing recovery thanks to dermatologist

CHELSEA, Manhattan (WABC) -- A woman, who suffered a horrible gash in her face in a random slashing in Chelsea, experienced an amazing recovery thanks to a generous dermatologist.

Amanda Morris's scars are now barely noticeable.

"I thought it was too good to be true," Morris said.

What she couldn't begin to imagine after this brutal slashing five months ago.

"I thought I got punched in the face. I didn't realize I got a cut yet," Morris said.

Now she's had an amazing recovery.

"I was so lucky to have my dermatologist to hook me up," Morris said.

It's all thanks in large measure to Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali.

"It was tough to see a young girl in such a vulnerable place," Dr. Bhanusali said.

Back in early January, as seen in security video, Amanda's attacker slashed her quickly.

After stitches to close her wounds, she described the frightening moments to Eyewitness News.

"I saw his hand hit me and that's about it," Morris said.

Amanda set up a GoFundMe page to help her pay medical expenses, and it was immediately noticed by Dr. Bhanusali, with Sadick Dermatology.

"When you first saw Amanda, did you think you could help her?" Eyewitness News Reporter Tim Fleischer asked.

"It was early enough that we could treat it and get her back, as close as we could to before the slashing," Dr. Bhanusali said.

He immediately began laser surgery treatments.

"We hit that first and the skin goes back to the normal color. Then we work on the collagen and get all the scar tissue away," Dr. Bhanusali said.

"I think some people are maybe kind of scared to get treatment on their scars, but I think it's totally worth it," Morris said.

"And you were saying too, then you start to use the topicals?" Fleischer said.

"We used a Skinceuticals that actually helps the healing and stimulates the collagen," Dr. Bhanusali said.

"Kind of almost as a mask. And when they go home they use it twice a day," Dr. Bhanusali said.

"I'm amazed at how well it looks," Fleischer said.

"Thank you," Morris said.

"Are you surprised?" Fleischer said.

"I'm surprised. I feel like, I can't believe it happened six months ago," Morris said.

Both doctor and patient believe there is great hope for other victims.

"Things that were never possible before are absolutely possible and that's the big message I would send to people," Dr. Bhanusali said.

"I feel very lucky," Morris said.