Michel “Diabão” Praddo, a Brazilian man from São Paulo, is often described as one of the most heavily modified people in the world. His intense body modifications have earned him a reputation as a true enthusiast of extreme changes, making him a striking figure with his distinct appearance. Known as “Diabão” (meaning “Big Devil”), Michel has taken body modification to a level that many would consider unimaginable, permanently altering his body in ways that set him apart from anyone else.

The path to this extraordinary transformation began several years ago, when Michel began sharing photos of his heavily tattooed body on social media. With around 85% of his skin covered in tattoos, he soon gained attention for his remarkable appearance. His tattoos aren’t just for artistic expression, though—they are part of a broader commitment to creating a persona that reflects his vision of the world. In his pursuit of embodying a “devilish” image, Michel has undergone several modifications that have made him look strikingly different from his previous self. He has had horn implants inserted into his forehead, and he’s also removed the outer parts of his ears, which only adds to his extreme appearance. Additionally, his teeth have been customized to enhance his devilish look.

Michel is unapologetically open about the pain he endures to achieve his vision. In 2020, he commented that he has a high pain tolerance and is not afraid of undergoing procedures that others might shy away from. According to him, the pain experienced during the modifications is nothing compared to the suffering he feels afterward. Despite the intense discomfort, he is undeterred, saying, “If I have to feel pain to achieve what I want, for sure I will face it!”

What sets Diabão apart from many other body-modification enthusiasts is the deep connection he feels to his look. For him, the extreme changes aren’t just for shock value—they are expressions of his identity. His transformation is not meant to be a superficial act, but rather an ongoing reflection of his internal journey. He’s even embraced the nickname “the human Satan,” which many might find unsettling. Michel, however, does not see it as a negative label. Instead, he views the concept of the devil as a form of beauty, one that aligns with his personal beliefs.

In an interview, Michel explained that he sees beauty differently from mainstream standards. He referred to biblical passages that describe figures like Jesus as not fitting conventional notions of beauty, suggesting that his own appearance, often described as frightening, aligns with his personal philosophy. For him, it is less about aesthetics and more about pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.

Michel’s body modifications go far beyond tattoos and horn implants. Over the years, he has undergone an array of procedures, including silicone implants, scarification, and transdermal implants. He has also made the dramatic decision to amputate parts of his body, including his pinky and ring fingers, turning his hands into claw-like appendages. He is currently listed in the Guinness World Records for having the most horns implanted on his head, a feat that has only solidified his status as one of the most extreme body-modification practitioners worldwide. To date, Michel has undergone more than 60 procedures, a number that continues to grow as he strives to further enhance his body.

Michel’s journey into the world of body modifications began in the 1990s, when he joined the hippie movement and began traveling around Brazil. He got his first tattoo during this time—a tribal design on his arm. His passion for tattoos eventually led him to become a professional tattoo artist, a career he’s pursued since the mid-2000s. Michel’s personal life has also played a significant role in his transformation. He met Carol Praddo, a fellow body-modification enthusiast who is also heavily modified and has earned the nickname “Mulher Demonia” (Demon Woman) from the media. Together, they run a tattoo studio and share a life deeply immersed in body art and extreme modifications.

Despite the extreme nature of his transformations, Michel sees his appearance as a symbol of freedom—freedom from societal expectations and the rigid standards that dictate how one should look. For him, these modifications allow him to express himself in a way that feels authentic, even if it means embracing pain and living with permanent changes. While some people criticize or question his extreme choices, others admire his courage and commitment to shaping his body to reflect his inner self.

Though many people are shocked by his appearance, Michel’s story resonates with those who have ever felt out of place or uncomfortable with conventional standards of beauty. He has found a way to truly make his body his own—showcasing not just his personal transformation, but his ongoing evolution as an individual. His journey serves as a reminder that body modification, for some, is about much more than aesthetics—it’s a deeply personal and meaningful form of self-expression.