‘World’s Most Modified Man’ Explains Why He Surgically Split His Hand In Half

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.

Marcelo De Souza Ribeiro got his first tattoo at the age of 15Instagram/@marcelobboy

With more than 1,500 tattoos already covering his body, he decided to undergo a dramatic transformation on his left hand, completing three one-hour surgeries to achieve the look he wanted.

Ribeiro is no stranger to pushing the limits when it comes to body modification.

From altering his ears to resemble elf ears, to implants in his arms, forehead, and other parts of his body, as well as tattooing his lips, eyes, and tongue, his willingness to explore uncharted territory is evident.

So, it’s no surprise he approached the idea of splitting his hand with confidence rather than hesitation.

Speaking to Business Insider, Ribeiro described the procedures on his hand as being ‘smooth, quick, and not painful.’

These surgeries, performed by a friend at no cost, were done under anesthesia, ensuring they were safe and manageable for him.

Explaining the outcome, Ribeiro said: “I can now open the hand laterally and fold it in two parts.”

For Ribeiro, his body is more than just a physical vessel; he sees it as an ongoing artistic project—a living, breathing ‘art exhibition,’ as he puts it.

Every modification he has undergone is part of that evolving display. His passion for body art doesn’t come cheap.

Instagram/@marcelobboy

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 unique transformation, Buchholz said: “I didn’t do it for the record. I got the record at the end, yes, but I did the modifications for me. I like the modification, I find it good, so I did it.”

However, with Buchholz’s record being over a decade old, there’s a chance it may have been surpassed.

Could Marcelo De Souza Ribeiro possibly be the one to take that title in the future?