Meet Michel ‘Diabao’ Praddo, the Brazilian tattoo artist who has taken body modification to the extreme. Known as the ‘Human Satan,’ Praddo has recently made headlines by having three of his fingers transformed into claws. It’s a shocking and controversial transformation that has both fascinated and horrified onlookers.
Hailing from the coastal town of Praia Grande, near São Paulo, Michel Praddo, aged 49, has long been addicted to body modifications. He first made waves on social media two years ago when he decided to amputate his first finger on the right hand. Now, he’s taken the dramatic step of removing the little and ring finger on his right hand, as well as the ring finger on his left hand.
In a candid social media post, Praddo shared the photographs of his recent amputation, revealing the physical toll of his unique obsession. He admitted that he initially hesitated before undergoing these procedures, fearing that they could jeopardize his career as a tattoo artist.
“At first, it was very difficult,” he confessed. “But it didn’t take long for me to get back to tattooing almost normally. Sometimes I have pain and a phantom sensation, which still leaves me confused when working or doing other things. But I really wanted to change myself, and I am very satisfied with the results.”
Praddo is not your typical tattoo artist; he’s among the most altered individuals on the planet. Holding the Guinness World Record for the most subdermal ‘horn’ implants on his head, he boasts a total of 33 implants that have drastically transformed his appearance. With over 60 procedures under his belt, he estimates that a staggering 85 percent of his body is now covered in ink.
But the transformation doesn’t stop there. Praddo plans to turn his left hand into a claw as well, a project he has aptly named ‘Las Garras,’ or ‘The Claws.’ He’s a man of many passions, and alongside body modification, he’s devoted to his work and weight training.
Praddo’s journey to Guinness World Record fame took him to Milan, Italy, where his unique appearance was verified on the TV program ‘Lo Show Dei Record.’ Reflecting on the experience, he said, “It was something very special and surreal. A dream come true to enter Guinness and also go to Europe.”
Before clinching the world record, Praddo emphasized the significance of the TV program in achieving his goals. “Being there means the realization of my project. I didn’t just imagine it, like many people. I actually made it happen.”
His transformation is as unconventional as it is extreme. Last year, he underwent surgery to remove his ring finger on the left hand and implant a set of silver tusks in his mouth, a procedure that cost him roughly £790. He also claimed to be the third person in the world to have the end of his nose removed, an exceedingly dangerous procedure with unknown long-term health risks. His face is adorned with four horns on either side of his head, and numerous implants are nestled beneath the skin of his forehead. He’s also removed his ears, nose, and nipples, leaving more than 80 percent of his body adorned with tattoos, even including his eyeballs. In a shocking twist, he even consumed one of his amputated nipples.
But Praddo is unapologetic about his transformation and has no intentions of slowing down. In fact, he aspires to earn the title of the world’s most modified man, a lofty goal he shares with his partner of over a decade, Carol Praddo, known as ‘Mulher Demonia’ or ‘Demon Woman.’ Carol is also deeply committed to body modifications and has played a pivotal role in helping Michel achieve his unique look.
“I have been a tattoo artist for 25 years,” Praddo revealed, “most of my tattoos I get from tattoo artists and professionals who I have paid. But my wife has specialized in the area of modifications, and the idea is for me to become her masterpiece when it comes to tattooing!”
Praddo’s journey is not for the faint of heart. He possesses an impressive pain tolerance and is willing to endure significant discomfort to achieve the body he desires. “Actually, I have a good resistance to pain,” he said. “I don’t think anything is so painful. I suffer a lot more in the post-procedures than at the time. And the truth is that there are changes that, without anesthesia, would be almost impossible to be done. I would love not to feel any pain. But if I have to feel pain to achieve what I want, for sure I will face it!”
Michel ‘Diabao’ Praddo’s story is a captivating and polarizing one, showcasing the extraordinary lengths some individuals will go to in their pursuit of personal transformation. His journey continues to challenge societal norms and inspire discussions about the boundaries of self-expression and body modification.
