We’ve all made choices we wish we could take back—impulsive words, reckless actions, or decisions that seemed right in the moment but now cast long shadows over our lives. For most of us, those regrets remain private, quietly tucked away in memory. But for Ethan “ModBoy” Bramble, a well-known body modification enthusiast from Australia, his past decisions are not only permanent but impossible to hide. They are etched across every inch of his skin, worn like a second identity.
In a world where tattoos have become increasingly mainstream—adornments that range from small, symbolic pieces to full sleeves of intricate artwork—Ethan’s story stands out, not just for the extent of his body art, but for the emotional journey behind it. Where others might stop at a few visible tattoos, Ethan kept going. And going. And going.
His transformation began at just 11 years old, when he decided to stretch his earlobes. For most kids that age, identity is still forming, often through hobbies, friendships, or fashion. But for Ethan, the body became the canvas for self-expression. From there, he ventured into increasingly extreme forms of modification: tattooing nearly every inch of his skin, splitting his tongue to achieve a serpent-like look, removing his belly button in a surgical procedure, and even undergoing eyeball tattooing to permanently darken the whites of his eyes.
By the time he reached adulthood, Ethan had spent more than 60,000 AUD—roughly $39,000 USD—on these procedures, creating a look that’s as controversial as it is unmistakable. The result was fame of a certain kind. Known as “ModBoy,” he attracted attention around the globe, especially on social media where his photos went viral and interviews drew curious viewers.
But beneath the surface of ink and notoriety, a more complicated reality began to emerge. In a revealing episode of LadBibleTV’s No Filter series, Ethan opened up about what it really means to live in a body so dramatically transformed—and what happens when the image you created starts to feel like a prison.
“I guess you could say I regret some tattoos,” he said honestly, pausing before adding, “It’s not that I hate myself or the way I look. It’s more about how people look at me—and how that affects my life, and the people I care about.”
One moment in particular weighed heavily on him: the thought of walking his young daughter into her school, knowing how children and parents might stare. “The face is a big thing that can lead to a lot of problems for yourself,” he explained. “Which I probably wouldn’t want my daughter to have to deal with until she was older. I wish that I had not gone as hectic as I did on my face.”
That regret wasn’t rooted in shame, but in love. In wanting better for his daughter. In understanding, finally, how our past selves can cast long shadows over our future relationships.
So Ethan made a decision—perhaps just as bold as the ones he’d made in his youth. He began the long, painful process of tattoo removal.
“I’ve been getting laser treatments for pretty much 12 months now,” he said. “We do it in sections, and I’ve probably gone over the full area six or seven times already. It’s brutal. It hurts more than getting the tattoo, to be honest. But it’s something I felt I had to do.”
For Ethan, this isn’t about erasing who he was. It’s about reclaiming who he wants to be. “A lot of the anxiety I was feeling came from walking into a room and being the one everyone stared at. It’s exhausting to live like that. I’m happy with the person I am, but I’m also looking forward to the next two years when my face tattoos are going to be less and less. I’m just clearing the canvas.”
The phrase clearing the canvas says so much. It doesn’t mean rejecting the art that once had meaning. It means making space—for change, for new choices, for healing.
Ethan’s journey is deeply human. It’s not just about tattoos or body modifications—it’s about self-awareness, accountability, and the courage it takes to rewrite your story while the world watches. He reminds us that transformation doesn’t always come with fanfare. Sometimes, it begins in the quiet realization that you want a different future—and you’re willing to endure pain to reach it.
As someone who has witnessed both the fascination and the backlash Ethan has faced, I find his evolution inspiring. His willingness to face himself, publicly and honestly, is rare. And his story reminds us all: no matter how permanent our past may seem, there is always a way forward.
So, what do you think of Ethan’s transformation—not just in appearance, but in mindset? Would you ever consider such a radical reversal? Let us know in the comments below.