For little Luna, the dream of seeing her own face without the birthmark that had been part of her life for as long as she could remember has taken years of courage, countless procedures and endless hope.

Luna was born with a giant nevus — a very deep birthmark covering part of her face. Because of its depth, the condition eventually led to the development of three melanomas, making the surgeries about far more than appearance. They became an important part of protecting her health and giving her a brighter future.

Her family initially chose a doctor who did not use tissue expanders and promised a less aggressive approach. Sadly, they later realized that decision had not given Luna the outcome they had hoped for.

Her journey continued through years of procedures, recovery and difficult decisions.

Skin was taken from Luna’s little legs to help with facial reconstruction, leaving marks that she now wishes could also be repaired. A previous procedure also left a small area on her scalp where her hair stopped growing.

Last year, surgeons operated around one of her eyes to remove the remaining nevus. Now, after years of waiting and countless prayers, she has finally undergone what her family believes is the final major surgery.

This time, doctors worked around her other eye, removing the remaining birthmark and scarred areas. Dr. Olga and her team were able to remove every last trace they had been working toward.

They even corrected the bald area left by the earlier procedure, carefully shaving part of Luna’s hair to complete the repair.

For now, Luna is recovering well and eagerly counting down the days until her bandages are removed.

She has 12 more days in Russia before the moment she has imagined for so long. On the 5th, her stitches and bandages are scheduled to come off — and for the first time, she hopes to see the smooth skin she has dreamed about for years.

There may still be reconstructive work or scar revision ahead, and Luna has already made it clear that she would like her little legs treated one day, too.

But her family has told her something even more important: perhaps it is time to simply enjoy being a child.

They want Luna to spend some time away from hospitals and doctors, discovering the world beyond the places that have shaped so much of her childhood.

And in typical Luna fashion, she already has a plan.

When her family explained that they wanted to enjoy life with her for a while before another procedure, she simply replied that she could wait three years.

After everything this little girl has been through, three years must feel like a very long time.

For now, her family is choosing to celebrate the small things — her recovery, her smile, the countdown to having her bandages removed, and the possibility of finally turning the page on one of the hardest chapters of her childhood.

After years of procedures and uncertainty, Luna is getting something she has dreamed of for a very long time: the chance to look in the mirror and simply see herself.