Italian model who allegedly had acid thrown in her face by ex-boyfriend reveals scars on TV

Gessica Notaro says she prayed that she would be able to keep her sight

Former Miss Italy finalist Gessica Notaro on the show with host Maurizio Costanzo (AP)

An Italian model who allegedly had acid thrown in her face by her ex-boyfriend, has revealed her scars on TV for the first time.

Gessica Notaro, a former Miss Italy finalist, appeared on Canale 5’s Maurizio Costanzo show, where she chose to remove her scarf to bare her injuries.

The 27-year-old, from the northern city of Cesena, was allegedly ambushed by her ex-boyfriend, Jorge Edson Tavares, and said she spent two months “imprisoned” in hospital while she was receiving treatment.

“While the acid ate away at my face I was on my knees praying," she told the talk show host. "I prayed to God: take away my beauty but at least leave me with my sight.”

Ms Notaro now has a year-long wait until she is well enough for plastic surgery.

She added: “I can't live life as I used to. I can't go out in the sun, am constantly trapped in this mask and my face hurts all the time. I have to spend all my money on medication – every half hour I need eye drops and I have to moisturise my skin constantly. I cannot do my job because I can't go in the water."

Ms Notaro claimed her ex-boyfriend began threatening her after they broke up and she accused him of stalking.

Travares was given a harassment order after he allegedly threatened to attack his ex-girlfriend with acid.

He denies the attack, which apparently took place when Ms Notaro was ambushed while out with friends, and is currently in prison awaiting trial.