We’ve all done things in our past that we look back on and wish we could somehow undo. Maybe it’s a rash decision made in a moment of anger, a careless comment that hurt someone, or a choice we made based on impulse that turned out to be a mistake. We’ve all been there, and most of us carry some form of regret, even if it’s just a small one. But when it comes to visible, bold decisions, very few people’s regrets are as large or as permanent as Ethan ‘ModBoy’ Bramble’s. Ethan is a self-proclaimed body fanatic from Australia who has covered his entire body with over 200 tattoos. His transformation is nothing short of extraordinary—an ever-evolving canvas of ink and modification that has undoubtedly drawn a lot of attention, both positive and negative.
Expressing oneself through tattoos has become more normalized over the years. What was once seen as rebellious or countercultural has turned into a mainstream form of self-expression. Today, intricate designs, quirky artwork, and bold statements are commonplace. Many people opt for a tattoo or two to commemorate a special moment or to showcase their personality, and some go even further, turning their bodies into living artworks. Yet, even in today’s age of body positivity and creative freedom, most individuals draw the line somewhere—spending a few hundred dollars, maybe a few thousand, before they decide they’ve gone far enough. For Ethan, that line was breached early, often, and continuously. His level of dedication went far beyond the norm, pushing the boundaries of what most people would consider acceptable or even feasible.
Ethan was just 11 years old when he decided to dip his toes into the world of body modification for the first time. It started simply enough—stretching his ears to a noticeable size. That early experiment opened the door for a series of other procedures. Over the years, he continued to push himself further, going through various procedures that many would find shocking. He’s had his tongue split, a process that leaves it looking more like a snake’s forked tongue than a typical one. He’s had his belly button completely removed, transforming his midsection into a smooth, unbroken surface. Every step, every procedure, seemed to be driven by a desire to stand out, to make a statement, or perhaps just to see how far he could push his own boundaries.
And then, of course, there are the tattoos. Ethan publicly admits that ink is the defining part of his body—what people notice most and what garners the most attention. As of now, he’s spent roughly $60,000 AUD, about $39,000 USD, on body modifications and tattoos. That’s a hefty investment, especially when you consider the physical pain, the time spent in clinics, and the emotional toll of constantly adding to his permanent artwork. His skin is practically a mosaic of ink—covering his arms, chest, face, and every inch in between. It’s a bold, uncompromising look that reflects a person who’s lived his life unapologetically and on his own terms.
But in recent times, Ethan has experienced a shift in perspective. Despite his initial pride, he now openly admits that he has some regrets about his past choices. In an interview on LadBibleTV’s No Filter series, he talked candidly about how he feels looking back on the decisions he made years ago. He pointed out that while he doesn’t outright regret having tattoos, he does regret some of the choices he’s made, especially on his face and visible areas. “Not just regret,” he explained, “but I think there’s a difference between regret and wanting to be perceived differently.” To Ethan, it’s about the way people view him and how he’s perceived by society—something that affects not just him but also his family, especially his young daughter.
He’s particularly concerned about how his appearance influences his daily life. For instance, taking his daughter to school is something he’s cautious about. He worries about the judgments or assumptions people will make based solely on how he looks. “The face is a big thing,” he says, “and for some people, it can lead to a lot of problems—whether it’s in social settings or even in practical situations like employment or community interactions. I probably wouldn’t want my daughter to have to face that kind of judgment until she’s a bit older.” His honesty about wanting to tone down some aspects of his appearance reveals a desire for a more balanced, acceptable look that won’t hinder his relationships or day-to-day activities.
To try and improve his image and alleviate some of his anxiety, Ethan has started undergoing laser surgery treatments on his face. The process is painful and slow, but he’s committed to removing some of the tattoos he’s acquired over the years. He estimates he’s been doing laser treatments for around 12 months now, working in sections to gradually fade away some of the ink. Ethan explains that he’s gone over the same areas multiple times—probably six or seven sessions for the entire face—because
What do you think about Ethan’s before and after look? Let us know in the comments!
