For many people, tattoos are a way to express individuality, celebrate milestones, or carry meaningful symbols on their skin. But for one young Australian father, body art became more than just self-expression—it became a way of life, one that he later realized had taken him down a difficult path. Ethan “ModBoy” Bramble, a 24-year-old dad from New South Wales, has long been known for his extreme appearance. Over the years, he covered almost every inch of his body with tattoos, adding to the image through multiple body modification surgeries. At one point, he proudly showcased over 200 tattoos that covered his face, neck, arms, and torso, making him instantly recognizable wherever he went.

Bramble’s journey into body modification began shockingly early. At just 11 years old, he had his first procedure—his ears were stretched, a trend at the time among certain alternative communities. As he grew older, his interest in altering his body only intensified. He later split his tongue, removed his belly button, and underwent a series of additional modifications that dramatically changed his appearance. What started as curiosity and artistic self-expression quickly evolved into a lifestyle that would eventually cost him more than $60,000 AUD, roughly $39,000 USD. For years, Bramble embraced the nickname “ModBoy” and fully leaned into the culture of modification. Yet as he matured, became a father, and experienced life in new ways, his perspective began to shift.

Appearing on LadBibleTV’s popular No Filter series, Bramble spoke candidly about his evolving feelings. “I guess you could say I regret some tattoos,” he admitted. “Not just regret—I think there’s a difference between regret and wanting to be perceived differently.” His words revealed a deeper reflection, not simply on the ink itself but on how the world reacts to it. Becoming a father added another layer to his outlook. Bramble explained that he had started to notice the way people looked at him when he was out in public with his daughter. “The face is a big thing that can lead to so many problems for yourself, which I probably wouldn’t want my daughter to have to deal with until she was a bit older,” he said. “I wish that I had not gone as hectic as I did on my face.”

The reality of walking through life with full facial tattoos was starting to weigh on him. Though he had always been confident in his choices, Bramble began to experience anxiety that he directly linked to the stares and assumptions people made about him. His appearance became a source of stress rather than empowerment, and he realized that while tattoos may be permanent, his relationship with them didn’t have to be. Instead of simply living with the anxiety, he decided to take action.

Over the past year, Bramble has been undergoing laser removal treatments in an effort to reduce his facial tattoos. “I’ve been getting laser, or have been, for pretty much 12 months,” he explained. “We do it in sections, but I’ve probably gone over the full thing six or seven times.” The process of tattoo removal is long, painful, and expensive, but Bramble is committed to the transformation. He says the treatments are not about erasing his past but about giving himself the chance to present a new version of who he is.

“I started getting it done because of the anxiety and stuff I was getting,” he shared. “Mental stuff is a funny thing to pin down, but I want to think that a lot of the anxiety was from just having a face full of tattoos.” For Bramble, this change is not about rejecting tattoos altogether—he still has hundreds across his body—but rather about striking a balance that allows him to feel more comfortable and confident in daily life. “I’m happy with the way that I look, but I’m also happy with the mentality that over the next two years, my face tattoos are going to become less and less and less,” he explained. “I’m just clearing the canvas.”

His decision has sparked discussions online, with many people applauding his honesty about regret and personal growth. Tattoos are often celebrated as marks of identity, yet Bramble’s story shows the other side—the reality that our choices can sometimes feel different as we age or take on new roles in life. For him, becoming a father shifted his priorities. It was no longer just about how he saw himself, but also about the kind of image he wanted to project for his daughter. Parents around the world could relate to this change of heart, as many acknowledge that raising children often reshapes how we think about ourselves and our decisions.

While the transformation journey is ongoing, Bramble has been open about the challenges that come with laser removal. The treatments are not only costly but also uncomfortable, requiring multiple sessions to make visible progress. Despite this, he remains committed. His story has inspired conversations about body image, mental health, and the importance of self-reflection. It also highlights a broader truth: while tattoos are permanent, our perspectives are not. People grow, priorities shift, and sometimes it takes courage to admit that what once felt right no longer does.

Ethan “ModBoy” Bramble’s decision to transform his appearance is ultimately about more than just tattoos. It’s about taking control of his mental well-being, redefining how he wants to be perceived, and setting an example for his daughter. His openness about regret, anxiety, and the process of change makes his story relatable to anyone who has ever looked back on a decision and wished they could approach it differently. The tattoos will always be part of his history, but his future is being rewritten with each laser session.

In the end, Bramble’s story is not about rejecting tattoos or body modifications—it’s about growth, perspective, and the courage to evolve. For some, tattoos will always remain cherished symbols. For others, like Bramble, they may become reminders of choices that no longer align with who they are. His journey shows that change is possible, even when the canvas seems permanent. And as he continues to transform, one thing is clear: his story is less about ink and more about embracing the person he wants to be moving forward.