Not everything is as it seems in the world of body modification, and few stories highlight this as starkly as that of Ethan ‘ModBoy’ Bramble.
From a distance, he might have seemed like just another tattoo enthusiast—but a closer look reveals a man whose choices have left an indelible mark on both his skin and his life.
Over 200 tattoos, a split tongue, and a body almost entirely transformed by ink and surgery—yet behind this extreme exterior lies a story of regret, unexpected consequences, and a revelation that what was once a bold declaration of identity might now be a source of anxiety and reflection.
What drives someone to cover themselves so completely, and what happens when the thrill of self-expression clashes with the realities of everyday life?
We’ve all made choices we later wish we could undo—moments we cringe at in hindsight, decisions that left us questioning ourselves, or words we desperately wish we could retract.
But few people’s regrets are as literally visible as those of Ethan ‘ModBoy’ Bramble, an Australian body modification enthusiast who once covered nearly every inch of his body with over 200 tattoos.
In today’s world, expressing individuality through tattoos has become increasingly common. Quirky, intricate, and daring designs are everywhere, celebrated as forms of personal art. Yet, even among tattoo lovers, there’s usually a limit to what one is willing to etch permanently onto their skin. Ethan, however, pushed boundaries far beyond what most would consider reasonable.
Ethan’s journey into body modification began at the remarkably young age of 11, when he had his ears stretched. Over the years, he continued to explore extreme alterations, including splitting his tongue and even removing his belly button.
While these procedures drew attention, it was his tattoos that truly captured the public’s fascination, as his entire body became a canvas for ink.
Over the years, Ethan reportedly spent around $60,000 AUD (roughly $39,000 USD) transforming his appearance.
But as adulthood set in, Ethan began to reflect on his past choices with a sense of regret—not just for the tattoos themselves, but for the image they projected to the world.
In an interview with LadBibleTV’s No Filter series, he admitted, “I guess you could say I regret some tattoos. Not just regret—there’s a difference between regret and wanting to be perceived differently.”
Ethan explained that certain tattoos, particularly on his face, could lead to judgment or complications in everyday life, such as when taking his young daughter to school. “The face is a big thing that can lead to so many—well, for some people, not everyone—problems you probably wouldn’t want your child to have to deal with until she’s a bit older,” he said. “I wish I hadn’t gone as intense as I did with my face.”
In a bid to change his image, Ethan has been undergoing a lengthy and painful laser removal process to reverse some of the ink he acquired in his younger years. He shared, “I’ve been getting laser treatments for about 12 months… We work in sections, but I’ve gone over most areas six or seven times. I started this because of the anxiety I was feeling… Mental health is tricky to pinpoint, but I think a lot of it came from having a face covered in tattoos.
“I’m happy with how I look overall, but I’m also looking forward to seeing my face tattoos gradually fade over the next two years. It’s like clearing the canvas.”
Ethan’s story raises fascinating questions about self-expression, personal evolution, and the visible marks we leave on ourselves. What do you think about Ethan’s transformation—his body before and after the laser treatments? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Ethan Bramble’s journey is a vivid reminder that self-expression, while empowering, can sometimes carry unforeseen consequences. What begins as a bold statement of individuality may later intersect with personal responsibilities, social perceptions, and mental well-being. His decision to gradually remove some of his tattoos illustrates the evolving nature of identity—how we are constantly reshaping not only how the world sees us but also how we see ourselves.
Beyond the ink and extreme modifications lies a deeply human story of reflection, growth, and the pursuit of balance between personal freedom and the realities of everyday life. Ethan’s experience encourages all of us to consider the long-term impact of the choices we make, especially those that leave a permanent mark, and reminds us that it’s never too late to redefine who we are.