Formerly Brazil’s Most Tattooed Man Reveals Shocking Transformation After Removing Tattoos — See the After Photos

Leandro de Souza, Brazil’s Formerly Most Tattooed Man, Reveals New Face After Spiritual Transformation

Leandro de Souza, once known as Brazil’s most tattooed man, has stunned social media with images showing a face now largely free of ink, marked by visible scars but reflecting a new chapter in his life. For years, Leandro’s heavily tattooed body—covering nearly 95% of his skin—made him a fixture at tattoo expos and online, attracting attention for his extreme appearance.

From Tattoos to Transformation
Born in Bagé, on the Brazil-Uruguay border, Leandro got his first tattoo at age 13, inspired by rock bands like Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica. Over time, his body became a living gallery, culminating in recognition at the Santa Rosa International Tattoo Expo. However, Leandro’s life took a difficult turn with substance abuse and periods of homelessness.

In 2023, he experienced a spiritual awakening, turning to evangelical faith for guidance. “Today, I don’t get tattoos. I don’t condemn tattoos either. But after baptism and conversion, there are more important things to focus on,” he said. Leandro admitted his past appearance made him feel like “a circus attraction” and that many of his tattoos, especially on his face, were done during work and without cost.

The Painful Path of Tattoo Removal
Leandro has undergone extensive laser treatments to remove his tattoos, a physically painful process requiring 30 to 40 minutes per session. He explained that each treatment uses three lasers: one to break down the ink, one for skin rejuvenation, and one to seal the procedure. Ice, ointments, and physical exercise help manage pain and enhance results. Support from his social media followers has helped fund the costly treatments.

He describes the removal as both a physical and emotional transformation. “It hurts a lot, no matter how much anesthesia they use. The pain is horrible. But that’s the price I pay for what I did in the past,” Leandro said. The tattoo removal team posted on Instagram, noting, “When we hear Leandro say ‘dignity has been restored,’ we know our work goes far beyond aesthetics.”

Looking Ahead
Now, Leandro hopes to build a stable life for himself, support his 10-year-old son, and care for his mother, who lives in a nursing home. His journey from the most tattooed man in Brazil to a man seeking redemption and normalcy has resonated worldwide.

Social Media Reactions
Fans have responded with awe and encouragement. Comments praised his courage and resilience, with many expressing surprise at seeing his natural face for the first time. “He had such a beautiful face hidden under all those tattoos,” one user wrote. Others added, “Wow, how strong you are—it was worth it!” and “Incredible.”

Leandro’s visible transformation has become a symbol of a new life path—one defined by dignity, faith, and the courage to confront the past while looking toward the future.