Leandro de Souza, once known as Brazil’s most tattooed man with 95% of his body covered in ink, has shocked many with his dramatic transformation. The 36-year-old from Bagé began tattooing himself at 13 and eventually became consumed by extreme body modification. His appearance made it hard to find stable work, and he even spent time in a shelter.

Everything changed two years ago when Souza experienced a spiritual awakening and embraced Christianity. Feeling that his tattooed persona no longer reflected who he was, he decided to start fresh. “I didn’t feel good anymore,” he said. “It was a life of extremes, and I realized I didn’t want that anymore.”

Earlier this year, he began the painful process of laser tattoo removal, sharing the journey on Instagram. Hello Tattoo Studio in São Paulo is performing the sessions for free, using multiple lasers to remove pigment and rejuvenate the skin. Souza admits the process hurts deeply but says it’s part of “the price for my past choices.” He hopes to complete at least eight sessions.

Now focused on rebuilding his life, paying child support for his son, and regaining guardianship of his elderly mother, Souza urges others to think carefully before tattooing their faces. Once proud of his title, he now says, “I’ve learned there are things far more important. I just want to live with purpose—and in peace.”