From ModBoy to Devoted Dad: Ethan Bramble’s Painful Transformation for His Daughter
Parents often go to great lengths for their children—making sacrifices, rethinking past decisions, and striving to provide a better, kinder path for the next generation. Ethan Bramble, a heavily tattooed man from Australia known online as “ModBoy,” is living proof of just how far a parent’s love can reach.
A Life of Bold Choices
Ethan, who lives on the Central Coast of New South Wales, has spent nearly $40,000 USD transforming his appearance. His first body modification occurred when he was just 11 years old, when he stretched his earlobes. From that point on, he was captivated by the idea of using his body as a canvas.
By the age of 22, Ethan had more than 40 body modifications. His extensive work included tattooing nearly every inch of his body—even his eyeballs. He had his tongue split at 17, describing it as his most painful modification to date, one that left him sleeping upright for five days to avoid choking on his own saliva. Over time, he also had his belly button removed, his ears snipped, and numerous facial and body piercings added.
Living on the Edge
As his appearance became increasingly extreme, Ethan gained a large following on social media, where he often showcased his transformations. At one point, he made headlines for traveling while there was a warrant out for his arrest in Victoria, though the details of the case remain unclear.
One of his most unique modifications included a silicone spider implanted under the skin of his hand—a decision inspired by his love for Aztec and tribal designs. “You can get all kinds of weird and wacky stuff done,” Ethan once said, embracing the bizarre as part of his identity.
A Shift in Perspective
Now a father, Ethan’s priorities have shifted. He doesn’t necessarily regret his tattoos, but he admits that he wants to be seen differently—especially when it comes to experiences with his daughter.
“The face is a big thing that can lead to so many problems,” Ethan said in an interview. “Not for everyone, but for some people. It can lead to a lot of judgement, which I probably wouldn’t want my daughter to have to deal with until she was a bit older.”
He continued, “I wish that I had not gone as hectic as I did on my face.”
Undergoing Laser Removal
Driven by his desire to change how he is perceived and reduce potential challenges for his daughter, Ethan has begun the long and painful process of laser tattoo removal. The journey has already spanned over 12 months, with multiple sessions and several passes over the same areas.
“We do it in sections, but I’ve probably gone over the full thing six or seven times,” he said. “I started getting it done because of the anxiety and stuff I was getting… 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.”
Despite the discomfort, Ethan is committed to the process. “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.”
Support and Public Reaction
Ethan has over 125,000 followers on Instagram, and while public opinion on his transformation is mixed, many people admire his vulnerability and honesty. Supporters praise his efforts to put his daughter’s well-being first, while others continue to watch in fascination as he redefines his identity.
Regardless of public opinion, Ethan remains unapologetically himself—someone who once embraced intense physical change for personal expression and now seeks transformation for a greater purpose: fatherhood.
A Father’s Devotion
Ethan Bramble’s story is one of evolution, courage, and unconditional love. While his earlier life was marked by dramatic modifications and bold self-expression, his current path is one of healing, both physical and emotional. His decision to undergo laser tattoo removal isn’t just about appearances—it’s a reflection of his desire to be a better version of himself for his daughter.
As he continues to remove the marks of his past, Ethan isn’t erasing who he was—he’s preparing a blank canvas for who he wants to become.
His story reminds us all that no matter how permanent a decision may seem, there’s always room for change when it’s inspired by love.
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Sources
- “Heavily tattooed fugitive taunts Victorian Police while on the run. News. Ally Foster. May 30, 2019.
- “From clean cut kid to the world’s most modified youth: How ‘Modboy’ transformed his body with tattoos, piercings and multiple surgeries – and he started when he was just ELEVEN years old.” Daily Mail. Sahar Mourad. December 6, 2018.
- “Dad whose body is completely covered in tattoos undergoes transformation for the sake of his young daughter.” Newsner. Michael Panter. April 18, 2024.
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