For years, Leandro de Souza was instantly recognizable—the man whose body was almost completely covered in tattoos, earning him the title of “the most tattooed man in Brazil.” His striking image turned heads at expos and online, where his skin was seen as a living canvas. But today, the internet is buzzing for a very different reason: Leandro has begun removing the very tattoos that once defined him. The recent photos of his nearly unrecognizable face have shocked followers, sparking thousands of comments about his dramatic transformation.

Leandro’s story is one of rebellion, crisis, and ultimately, redemption. Born in Bagé, near the border with Uruguay, he got his first tattoo at 13 inspired by his love for rock bands like Nirvana and Guns N’ Roses. By adulthood, 95% of his body was inked, and he gained national fame at the Santa Rosa International Tattoo Expo. Yet behind the fame, Leandro struggled with addiction and even experienced homelessness. It was during this darkest chapter that he embraced faith, crediting it with giving him a new sense of direction and the strength to change.

The decision to erase his tattoos became both a physical and emotional journey. Through painful laser sessions—each lasting nearly 40 minutes—Leandro began the long process of reclaiming his skin. He has documented every step on Instagram, where more than half a million followers cheer him on. The support has been more than emotional; donations from fans have helped fund his treatments, which involve multiple laser types to break down ink and heal the skin. “Dignity has been restored,” Leandro shared, underscoring that this transformation is about much more than appearance.