Leandro de Souza, famous for having nearly his entire body covered in tattoos, has decided to leave that past behind following a profound spiritual transformation. Recent photos of his face, now mostly free of ink and marked with visible scars, have caused a stir on social media. For years, Leandro was recognized as “the most tattooed man in Brazil.” His extreme appearance attracted attention at tattoo expos and on social media. With over 170 tattoos, his body was like a living gallery.
His transformation began after a deep personal crisis. Leandro struggled with substance abuse and was even homeless at one point. It was during this difficult period that he decided to make a complete change in his life. Now, his latest photos show a face nearly free of tattoos, with scars visible but an expression that reflects a new chapter in his life. He describes the process as both physical and emotional, having had a profound impact on him.
The Story. Leandro was born in Bagé, a town on the border between Brazil and Uruguay. At 13, inspired by bands like Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, and Metallica, he got his first tattoo. Over time, tattoos covered about 95% of his body, reflecting his rebellious spirit and love of rock music. He gained media attention when he took part in the Santa Rosa International Tattoo Expo, where he was officially recognized as Brazil’s most tattooed man.
In 2023, Leandro’s life took a new direction as he experienced a spiritual awakening. He revealed that he had struggled with addiction to multiple drugs. Finding refuge in evangelical faith, he began to see the world—and himself—in a different light. “Today, I don’t get tattoos. I don’t condemn tattoos either. But after baptism and conversion, there are more important things to focus on,” he said. In interviews, he explained that his heavily tattooed appearance began to affect him negatively. “I didn’t feel good about it anymore. It was a world of excess. At one point, I felt like a circus attraction,” he told O Globo.
The Decision to Remove the Tattoos. Removing his tattoos marked a turning point in Leandro’s life. He underwent laser treatments that break down the ink so the body can eliminate it naturally. He has documented this journey on his Instagram, where over 530,000 followers watch his progress. His account also shows photos from before he started tattooing his body. Leandro has expressed regret over tattooing his face. “Think carefully before getting a face tattoo—I regret mine,” he admitted. He also mentioned that many of his tattoos were done at tattoo studios as part of his work, often free of charge.
Each tattoo removal session lasts 30 to 40 minutes and is physically painful. “It hurts a lot, no matter how much anesthesia they use. The pain is horrible. But that’s the price I pay for what I did in the past,” he explained. Speaking to G1, Leandro said each session uses three types of lasers: one to remove ink, one to rejuvenate the skin, and another to seal the treatment. He uses ice and ointments to soothe the pain and credits physical exercise with helping improve the results. The treatments have been made possible thanks to financial support from his followers, who have helped cover the costs.
In a recent Instagram post, the tattoo removal team said, “When we hear Leandro say ‘dignity has been restored,’ we know our work goes far beyond aesthetics.” Today, Leandro hopes to support his 10-year-old son and secure stable employment to also care for his mother, who lives in a nursing home.
Reactions on Social Media. Leandro’s transformation has sparked widespread reaction on social media. Many users expressed surprise at seeing his true face. One wrote, “He had such a beautiful face hidden under all those tattoos.” Others praised his courage in enduring the painful removal process. Comments included, “Wow, how strong you are—it was worth it!” and “You look amazing, congratulations on your change.” Admiring messages poured in, such as “What a handsome man,” and simply, “Incredible.”
His posts regularly generate hundreds of interactions, with before-and-after photos receiving strong support from fans around the world. Leandro’s visible facial changes have become a symbol of the new path he has chosen. His followers not only watch but also encourage him every step of the way.
