We all have moments in life that we wish we could reverse—decisions we regret, things we’ve said that we wish we could take back, and choices that, upon reflection, seem less than ideal. However, few people have regrets so visible as Ethan ‘ModBoy’ Bramble, an Australian man who transformed his body with over 200 tattoos, altering his entire appearance.
Body modification is a popular form of self-expression today, with tattoos being one of the most common ways to showcase individuality. Many choose intricate, creative designs, but Ethan went above and beyond, covering his entire body. Starting at the young age of 11, when he first began stretching his ears, Ethan pursued an extreme journey of body modifications, including a split tongue and a removed belly button. All told, he spent about $60,000 AUD (roughly $39,000 USD) on this extensive transformation.

Yet, as the years passed, Ethan began to feel the weight of his past decisions, particularly the tattoos. While tattoos are a source of pride for many, for Ethan, they eventually became a source of regret. He explained, “Not just regret, but wanting to be perceived differently.” He also mentioned that his visible tattoos—especially the ones on his face—were starting to affect his day-to-day life, particularly when it came to being a father.
“I guess you could say I regret some tattoos,” Ethan confessed. “The face is a big thing that can lead to so many problems for yourself. It’s not something I would want my daughter to have to deal with when she’s older.”

The decision to undergo such a drastic transformation wasn’t just for aesthetic reasons—it was about providing a better future for his young daughter, free from the negative attention that his appearance often attracted.
In an effort to change his appearance, Ethan began undergoing laser tattoo removal. He had already been enduring the painful process for about a year, undergoing treatment in sections to gradually clear his skin of ink. “I started getting it done because of the anxiety and stuff I was getting,” he explained. “Mental stuff is funny, but I want to think that a lot of the anxiety was from just having a face full of tattoos.”
Over the next two years, Ethan plans to continue his journey to clear his face of tattoos. He expressed that he’s excited about his transformation, not only for how he will look but for how much more at peace he will feel with his appearance.

Ethan’s transformation isn’t just physical; it’s a symbol of his desire to provide a better environment for his daughter. The decision to reverse the body modifications he once felt so proud of demonstrates the depth of his love for her.
As Ethan continues with his laser treatments, he’s clearing his canvas—one that tells a story of both regret and redemption. Many are looking forward to seeing how Ethan will evolve over the next couple of years, both in appearance and spirit.
