Leandro de Souza, once known as Brazil’s most tattooed man, is erasing nearly every inch of his ink-covered body after experiencing a powerful spiritual awakening. The 36-year-old from Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, who once had 95% of his body tattooed, says his new journey is rooted in faith, redemption, and a desire to rebuild his life.

Souza began tattooing himself at 13, eventually covering his face, hands, and torso. His extreme look brought him fame, earning him the title at the Santa Rosa International Tattoo Expo. But beneath the surface, he struggled with addiction, joblessness, and emotional turmoil. “I didn’t feel good anymore,” Souza admitted to O Globo. “At one point, I felt like a circus attraction.” His turning point came two years ago when he discovered Christianity, realizing his tattoos no longer reflected who he had become.

In early 2024, Souza started the long and painful process of laser tattoo removal at Hello Tattoo Studio in São Paulo, which offered to treat him free of charge. “It hurts a lot—no matter how much anesthesia they use,” he said. “But that pain is part of the price for my past choices.” The studio praised his determination, writing, “Real transformation comes from choices, effort, and determination.” Each session uses multiple lasers to remove pigment and rejuvenate the skin, and it will take at least eight sessions to clear most of the tattoos.

Today, Souza focuses on restoring his life. He is seeking stable work, paying child support for his son, and hoping to bring his elderly mother home from a nursing facility. Reflecting on his journey, he advises, “Think carefully before tattooing your face. I regret it. But now, I just want to live with purpose—and in peace.”