In today’s world, self-expression through style, tattoos, and piercings is more accepted than ever. Still, there are limits to what society is comfortable with, and one French man, Anthony Loffredo, has pushed those boundaries further than most. Known as the “Black Alien,” his extreme body modifications have made him impossible to ignore — but they’ve also cost him jobs, social acceptance, and even basic things like being able to get a taxi.

Anthony’s transformation goes far beyond tattoos and piercings. He’s had his nose amputated, both ears removed, his skin and eyeballs tattooed black, his tongue split, his teeth filed, and even two fingers amputated. Horns implanted under his skin and symbols burned into his body complete his otherworldly look. He says he’s only about 65% finished with his vision and once considered replacing one leg with a biomechanical prosthetic.

Despite the shock factor, Anthony says his parents eventually accepted his choices, and he’s even found love with tattoo model Melina Shakur. Many of his surgeries, however, have had to be done abroad, since extreme procedures like these are illegal in France. Often, they were carried out under general anesthesia in underground clinics, raising serious risks.

Recently, Anthony surprised followers by announcing he’s taking a break from modifications to focus on “something real.” He and Melina have even discussed tattoo removal, suggesting he may be rethinking parts of his transformation. Whether admired or criticized, his story highlights the tension between radical self-expression and society’s limits — but for him, the most important thing is finally feeling at home in his own skin.