Leandro de Souza, once celebrated as “the most tattooed man in Brazil,” is now undergoing a remarkable transformation that has drawn the attention of thousands. At the peak of his fame, 95% of his body was covered in ink, turning him into a living canvas admired at tattoo exhibitions. But after years of personal struggles, including substance abuse and a period of homelessness, Leandro has chosen a new path, determined to rebuild both his image and his life.

His love affair with tattoos began early—at just 13, inspired by rock icons like Nirvana and Guns N’ Roses, he got his first piece of ink. Over the years, his body art became a bold statement of rebellion and devotion to music, eventually earning him the title of Brazil’s most tattooed man at the Santa Rosa International Tattoo Expo. But in 2023, after embracing the evangelical faith, Leandro admitted that he no longer felt at ease with his heavily inked appearance, describing it as being a “circus attraction.”

Determined to change, he embarked on the grueling process of laser tattoo removal. The treatments, which break down the ink for the body to gradually eliminate, are long and painful. Leandro has been candid about the challenges, admitting the procedures “hurt a lot” but insisting that the pain is part of “the price for the things I did in the past.” Through his Instagram, where more than 530,000 followers track his progress, he shares both the difficulties and the small victories of this transformation.

The removal sessions themselves are demanding—each one on his face lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and involves three different types of lasers. The effort is not only physical but also financial, made possible thanks to donations from his online supporters. The medical team behind the treatments has expressed pride in helping Leandro, stating that their work goes beyond appearances, allowing him to “restore his dignity.”

Now with much of his face free of ink, Leandro’s new look has inspired widespread admiration. Supporters praise both his courage and his fresh appearance, seeing in his journey a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal. Looking ahead, his biggest goals are not fame or media attention but stability: finding a steady job and providing for his 10-year-old son and his mother, who currently resides in a nursing home.