A Father Covered in Tattoos Reveals His Astonishing Transformation After Undergoing Painful Removal Surgeries

The Story of Leandro De Souza: From Tattoo Enthusiast to a New Life

For years, older generations warned against getting tattoos, citing their permanence and the potential for regret. But today, tattoo removal offers a way out for those who change their minds. Though the process can be painful and may leave scars, it has become increasingly effective. Leandro De Souza, a 35-year-old Brazilian father, has decided to embark on this journey to remove nearly two decades' worth of tattoos.

Early Tattoos and a Life Transformed

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Leandro De Souza got his first tattoo at the age of 13. Growing up in Brazil, his early tattoos were inspired by his favorite bands, such as Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, and Metallica. However, after a difficult divorce nearly a decade ago, De Souza spiraled into a life of heavy partying, accumulating more than 170 tattoos during this time. Reflecting on his early tattoos, he said, “The first ones were very much about the idolatry of the time.”

Recently, De Souza found a new path through Evangelical Christianity. As part of this transformation, he decided to undergo laser tattoo removal.

Facing Heartbreak

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Leandro's tattoo journey took a darker turn following his divorce. Struggling with the pain, he turned to drugs like LSD, alcohol, and ecstasy, and spent years in a cycle of self-destruction.

Finding Motivation for Tattoo Removal 

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"I couldn't stand the life I was living anymore," he explained. "I felt like a circus animal, an attraction at every event I attended."

A visit to a municipal shelter in Bagé marked the beginning of his turnaround. “The first step in everything in life is to accept that you can’t do it alone, that you are an addict,” he said. A woman he met there began to evangelize him, setting him on a new spiritual path.

The Decision to Remove His Tattoos

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Two years ago, De Souza decided to start the tattoo removal process. He now speaks to parents and children in prisons and other institutions, sharing his story and the lessons he has learned. A tattoo studio in Franco da Rocha, São Paulo, heard about his journey and offered to help with his tattoo removal. Today, he is three years sober from alcohol, one year free from tobacco and other substances, and continues to undergo laser tattoo removal, with six sessions remaining. His transformation has been nothing short of inspiring.

The Reality of Tattoo Removal

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For many, tattoos are a form of self-expression, a way to turn their bodies into a canvas. However, as people grow, their tastes, interests, and life circumstances may change, leading them to regret their tattoos. Fortunately, modern tattoo removal techniques provide options, though they come with side effects like pain, skin irritation, and potential scarring.

Different Methods of Tattoo Removal

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There are several methods for tattoo removal, and De Souza chose laser tattoo removal for his transformation. This is the most common method, where lasers are used to break down the ink particles in the skin, allowing the immune system to gradually remove them. Sessions are usually spaced about three months apart and can last from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the tattoo. Side effects range from mild irritation to painful blisters.

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Another option is surgical excision, where a surgeon cuts out the tattooed skin and stitches the remaining skin together. This method is typically reserved for small tattoos due to its invasive nature and is not suitable for larger areas.

Dermabrasion and chemical peels are other methods that remove the outer layers of skin, but they can cause severe skin sensitivity, particularly when exposed to sunlight. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure the skin heals well.

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Lastly, there are tattoo removal creams, which are the least effective option and generally not recommended by professionals. These creams contain acids that can irritate or damage the skin and often require months or even years to produce noticeable results.

Who Can Get Tattoo Removal?

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Anyone can pursue tattoo removal, but it requires time and patience. Tattoos are applied in layers, and removing them involves breaking down these layers, which can’t be done in a single session. Proper spacing between sessions is necessary to allow the skin to heal and the body to flush out the ink.

Certain ink colors are also easier to remove than others. For example, blue and black inks are generally easier to eliminate with laser treatments, while colors like red can be more resistant due to their molecular composition.

Alternatives to Tattoo Removal

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For those who aren't ready to commit to removal or are only unhappy with the design, another option is to cover the existing tattoo with a new one. This can be a more satisfying and less time-consuming choice, especially for those who don’t need to remove their tattoos for practical reasons like a job or a new personal path.

Leandro De Souza's story is a reminder that while tattoos can be permanent, change is always possible, whether through removal, new designs, or personal transformation.