Michel Faro Praddo, known as Diabão, is famous for his body modifications. Currently, with over 60 modifications and nearly 85% of his body tattooed, he aims to enter the Guinness World Records as the most modified man in the world. But is messing with the body this healthy?

“All these procedures are extremely risky. Every surgical procedure has its risk, whether it’s medium or high, all carry risks,” says Alexandre Kataoka, plastic surgeon and medical specialist at the Secretariat of Justice of the State of São Paulo.

Diabão himself recently experienced a complication and had to be taken to the hospital after his abdominoplasty sutures ruptured ̵

 

1; during the surgery, he also opted for umbilical removal.

 

Michel's modifications include 17 silicone implants; 30 scarifications; seven transdermal implants; removal of part of his nose, ears, and removal of his nipples and ring finger; an eyeball tattoo (scleral tattooing); a tongue bifurcation, a silver dental implant, among others.

Michel himself stated in a recent interview with UOL that “the finger removal was performed by a Mexican friend considered one of the world's greatest modifiers.” This type of action already raises a red flag, as the surgery was not performed by a physician.

This is because every surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, especially if not performed in an appropriate location.

“No doctor will do this; you are not bringing benefit. Doctors take an oath to promote health. Any intercurrence a doctor causes can even lead to the loss of their CRM [medical license],” explains Fernando Amato, plastic surgeon and full member of the SBCP (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery).

Pneumonia and respiratory infections

The removal of part of the nose, for example, can lead to various complications, not only in the postoperative period but also in the future. In addition to its essential role in breathing, the nose also protects the lungs, preventing respiratory infections.

“The nose's function is to breathe and humidify the air. Its removal can cause various health problems, especially with breathing itself. Since the person will not have the nasal valve, the nose will not perform the function of humidifying the air, so you can have respiratory infections, such as sinusitis and colds, or pulmonary problems. As the air is not being filtered, this person has a higher risk of pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, and similar conditions,” explains Kataoka.

The removal of the ears, on the other hand, affects the entire auditory system, potentially leading to deafness.

“The auricle [external ear] serves to direct sound and protect the ear canal [internal ear]. Removing it will expose the ear canal more and can lead to hearing loss, both because the sound flow is not as adequate or directed, and because it can increase the risk of infection due to the lack of protection there,” says Fernando Amato.

“One of the risks, for example, is the development of meningitis, as it becomes an entry point for bacteria,” adds the medical specialist.

But it's not just removals that can cause problems. Implants and silicone implants also pose health risks, especially infections, which can even lead to organ loss.

“Poor healing is already a problem, but it’s exactly what they want when making these changes. However, this can get out of control, result in a wound that doesn’t close, a larger and prolonged infection, causing cellulitis, erysipelas, or even the loss of an organ’s function. A more severe hand infection could lead to its loss, for example,” explains Amato.

Mouth Modifications

In addition to eye tattoos, and the removal of body parts like the nose and ears, another frequently modified area is the mouth. The Lizardman, for example, has a bifurcated tongue, which can cause speech disorders or respiratory problems.

“Modification of the tongue’s anatomy can lead to changes in its function, such as in speech and swallowing, which can have long-term consequences on occlusal and even respiratory alterations,” highlights Sofia Takeda Uemura, dentist and president of the Crosp Ethics Committee (Regional Council of Dentistry of São Paulo).

“It is also important to remember the risks of bleeding, infection, and nerve section during the procedure,” she adds.

The bifurcation of the sides of the mouth, a procedure performed by Diabão, can lead to angular cheilitis, an inflammation at the corner of the mouth, due to constant moisture caused by the change in lip shape.

“Changes in the anatomy of the mouth can lead to difficulties in lip sealing, which is important for speech and swallowing; and constant exposure of the oral cavity with dryness of the mucous membranes and teeth,” explains Uemura.

The dental surgeon also states that changing the shape of the teeth, such as adding fangs, can alter the bite and masticatory movements, “it can cause improper wear on opposing teeth, changes in the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, generating pain.”