Guinness World Records lists someone else with more body modifications
An artist has shared the story behind his bold decision to undergo three separate surgeries to alter one of his hands.
This was no ordinary modification—it was a choice that pushed the boundaries of what many might consider possible.
Marcelo De Souza Ribeiro, who is also known as ‘B-boy,’ hails from Bocaiúva, Brazil.
His journey into body modification began at just 15 years old when he got his very first tattoo.
Since then, he has dedicated himself to transforming his body into a living canvas.
Ribeiro, a father of two, has taken his modifications to new heights.
With over 1,500 tattoos covering his body, Ribeiro took his body modification journey even further by undergoing a dramatic transformation on his left hand. Over the course of three one-hour surgeries, he achieved the look he envisioned.
Ribeiro is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of body modification. From reshaping his ears to resemble elf ears to getting implants in his arms, forehead, and other areas—along with tattooing his lips, eyes, and tongue—his commitment to exploring uncharted territory is undeniable.
So, when it came to splitting his hand, he approached it with confidence rather than hesitation.
Speaking to Business Insider, Ribeiro described the procedures as “smooth, quick, and not painful.” The surgeries, performed by a friend free of charge, were done under anesthesia to ensure safety and manageability.
Explaining the outcome, he shared, “I can now open my hand laterally and fold it in two parts.”
For Ribeiro, his body is more than just a physical form—it’s an evolving work of art. He sees himself as a living, breathing exhibition, where every modification contributes to his ongoing artistic vision. But his passion for body art doesn’t come cheap.
The artist has reportedly spent around $35,000 on tattoos, implants, and other alterations, treating his body as both an investment and a statement.
Although many regard Ribeiro as ‘the most modified man in the world,’ Guinness World Records actually credits another individual with that title, despite Ribeiro’s impressive list of procedures.
According to Guinness World Records, the current record holder for the ‘most body modifications (male)’ is Rolf Buchholz, a 62-year-old from Germany. Buchholz also holds the record for the ‘most piercings, single count (male).’ His record-breaking journey has been officially recognized since 2012.
At the time of verification, Buchholz had a total of 516 body modifications, which included multiple implants and an astonishing 481 piercings, with 278 of those located on his genitals. Over the years, his number of modifications has continued to grow.
Reflecting on his transformation, Buchholz explained: “I didn’t do it for the record. Yes, I ended up achieving it, but my modifications were always for me. I like them, I think they’re good—so I did them.”
However, with his record standing for over a decade, there’s a chance someone may have surpassed it.
Could Marcelo De Souza Ribeiro be the one to claim the title in the future?
