Dad Covered in Tattoos Starts Removing Them: The Real Reason Behind His Transformation

A heavily tattooed Australian father known as Ethan “ModBoy” Bramble has begun transforming his appearance by removing tattoos, explaining that the change is driven by anxiety, public judgment, and concerns about how people react when he is with his child.

A Life Built on Extreme Body Modification

Bramble, 24, spent years pursuing an extreme look that ultimately left him fully covered in tattoos and known online for dramatic modifications. According to his account, his transformation started early:

• Age 11: his first body modification involved stretching his ears
• Later procedures included splitting his tongue and removing his belly button
• Over time, he accumulated 200+ tattoos across his body

The Cost of the Look

Bramble said his tattoos and body modifications collectively cost around $60,000 AUD (about $39,000 USD), underscoring just how far he went to achieve the appearance he wanted.

Why He Decided to Change

While tattoos can be meaningful personal expression, Bramble said he began to feel he had gone too far, especially regarding his face. He described sensing judgment from strangers, and said it feels more intense when people see him alongside his daughter.

He also drew a clear line between hating his appearance and wanting to be treated differently, saying: “There’s a difference between regret and wanting to be perceived differently.”

His biggest concern centered on how face tattoos might affect his child’s life. He explained that the face is what people immediately notice, and he didn’t want his daughter to have to deal with the consequences of others’ reactions while she is still young. He added: “I wish that I had not gone as hectic as I did on my face.”

The Removal Process: Laser Sessions Over Time

Bramble said he has been undergoing laser removal for about 12 months, working in sections rather than trying to remove everything at once. He estimated he has gone over the full area six or seven times, describing the process as gradual and ongoing rather than an instant “before-and-after.”

He connected the start of removal to his mental wellbeing, saying that he began the sessions because of “the anxiety” he was experiencing—something he suspects was heavily influenced by having a face full of tattoos.

What He Wants Next

Even as he said he is fine with how he looks, Bramble also said he feels better knowing the face tattoos will continue fading over time. He described his goal simply as “clearing the canvas,” and said he expects the tattoos to become less and less noticeable over the next two years.

Key Takeaways

• Ethan “ModBoy” Bramble, 24, is an Australian dad with 200+ tattoos and multiple body modifications.
• He began laser removal mainly due to anxiety and feeling judged, especially when with his daughter.
• He has been removing tattoos for about 12 months, working in sections, and has gone over the area six or seven times.
• He hopes that over the next two years, his face tattoos will continue fading as he reshapes how he is perceived.