We’ve all made choices we later question, decisions that, in hindsight, we might have approached differently. Some of these choices are small, easy to move past, while others leave a more lasting impression. Few people, however, carry their regrets as visibly as Ethan ‘ModBoy’ Bramble, an Australian body modification enthusiast who once prided himself on his extensive ink and extreme alterations.
Ethan, now in his late twenties, has spent years transforming his appearance. His journey into body modification started remarkably early—at just 11 years old, he underwent his first procedure, stretching his earlobes. From there, his passion only intensified. Over the years, he has had his tongue split, his belly button removed, and, most notably, covered his body in over 200 tattoos.
While self-expression through body art is more common than ever, Ethan took things to an extreme few would consider. His entire look was a bold statement, one that required significant commitment—not just physically but financially. Reports suggest that he invested around $60,000 AUD (approximately $39,000 USD) in achieving his unique aesthetic. But now, years later, he is experiencing a change of heart.
In an interview with LadBibleTV’s No Filter series, Ethan opened up about his evolving perspective on his tattoos. “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.”
A major factor influencing his decision to remove some of his tattoos is his young daughter. He now finds himself concerned about how others might judge him in situations like taking her to school. “The face is a big thing that can lead to so many problems,” he explained. “For some people, not everyone, but it can create issues that I probably wouldn’t want my daughter to have to deal with until she was a bit older.”
Ethan acknowledged that his face tattoos, in particular, have contributed to anxiety and self-consciousness. “I wish that I had not gone as hectic as I did on my face,” he admitted. The realization has prompted him to undergo laser tattoo removal, a painful and lengthy process.
“I’ve been getting laser [surgery], or have been, for pretty much 12 months now,” he shared. “We do it in sections, but I’ve probably gone over the full thing six or seven times.”
The procedure is far from easy. Laser tattoo removal involves breaking down the ink particles in the skin, allowing the body to gradually clear them away. It’s not only painful but also costly, requiring multiple sessions over a long period. Despite this, Ethan is committed to the process, determined to alter his appearance and, perhaps, the way the world sees him.
Beyond the physical aspect, he believes the removal process has had a positive effect on his mental health. “I started getting it done because of the anxiety and stuff I was getting,” he explained. “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.”
Ethan doesn’t necessarily regret every choice he’s made regarding his body modifications. Instead, he views this new chapter as a shift in his identity, an opportunity to redefine himself while still embracing who he is. “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. I’m just clearing the canvas.”
His journey serves as a powerful reminder that personal transformation is always possible. Whether it’s changing our mindset, lifestyle, or even physical appearance, growth is an ongoing process. While Ethan once embraced a highly modified look as part of his identity, he now sees value in stepping back, especially for the sake of his daughter.
Ethan’s story resonates with many who have made bold choices in their youth, only to reflect differently on them later. It takes courage to commit to change, and his willingness to undergo the painful process of tattoo removal shows strength and maturity. While his past decisions shaped who he is today, his future remains unwritten—one laser session at a time.
