Today, we live in a world where, in most places, we can express ourselves freely, within reasonable limits. Although there are some exceptions, people generally have more freedom to explore trends, experiment with hairstyles, and choose unique clothing than at nearly any other time in history.

This freedom is a positive thing: no one should face judgment or persecution for their choices in self-expression, whether it’s a particular hairstyle, a unique piercing, or a tattoo—as long as it isn’t designed to be hateful or provoke others.

However, there are still limits to what society is ready to accept when it comes to body modification and self-expression. A man named Anthony Loffredo, 35, may be testing those limits.

When Anthony goes out, he attracts the attention of nearly everyone who passes by. Reports suggest that he struggles to find work or even secure a job interview, and some establishments turn him away, with taxi drivers refusing to give him a ride.

The reason? His commitment to transforming himself into a character he calls the “Black Alien.”

While many individuals may be content with unconventional tattoos, unusual piercings, or bold hair colors, Anthony, from France, has taken body modification much further. He’s undergone a nose amputation, had both his ears removed, tattooed his eyeballs and skin black, split his tongue, filed his teeth, and surgically removed two fingers.

He’s also had demonic symbols burned into his skin and implanted horns under his scalp to achieve a more monstrous look.

According to the Daily Mail, Loffredo, who once worked as a nightclub bouncer, claims he’s only 65 percent done with his transformation. One of his planned modifications involves amputating a leg and replacing it with a biomechanical limb.

Reflecting on his body before his many surgeries (of which he’s lost count), the 35-year-old told Channel 4’s show last year: “Yes, I was happy, but not in the right body. It wasn’t my body, my real body.”

In an interview with the Club 113 podcast, he added, “I’m fascinated—it fascinates me—everything about the human body. My look is inspired by everything because no one really knows what’s out there.”

Despite his extreme appearance, Loffredo says his parents have been supportive, albeit initially shocked. He’s also found love; as of last December, he was reportedly dating model and tattoo enthusiast Melina Shakur.

Due to the legality of certain procedures, Loffredo often travels to other countries to continue his transformation, sometimes undergoing general anesthesia in underground clinics and tattoo parlors.

However, recent reports suggest that he’s considering taking a break from further modifications. Earlier this year, he expressed a desire to “focus on something real” and step away from additional procedures.

In fact, he and Melina Shakur have reportedly discussed the possibility of him removing some of his tattoos.

We wish him well on his journey. His look is certainly unique and unconventional, but the most important thing is that he’s happy with his choices.