A French primary school teacher whose body is covered in tattoos, including on his eyeballs and tongue, has defended his appearance after facing criticism from people who find it frightening.

Sylvain Hélaine, who has taught in the same area of France for 18 years, recently discussed his appearance on ITV's This Morning. He said that although some adults react negatively to his tattoos, most of the children he teaches accept him quickly.

Hélaine, who began getting tattoos at 27 while living in the UK, has also had his tongue tattooed and undergone procedures to remove his nipples, belly button and 22 moles to create a smoother surface for tattooing, according to UNILAD.

His story has reignited discussion about extreme body modification, personal expression and the potential health consequences of procedures that permanently alter the body.

Sylvain Hélaine Says His Pupils Look Beyond His Appearance

Hélaine said that children generally respond differently to his appearance than adults do. He estimated that 99% of his pupils do not mind his tattoos, arguing that initial reactions often change once people have the opportunity to get to know him.

He also described how perceptions can differ across generations, saying that children tend to accept him within minutes, while parents and grandparents may need longer.

The teacher said he does not routinely discuss his appearance during lessons, preferring to focus on teaching. Pupils who have questions can ask him outside class.

However, Hélaine acknowledged that his appearance can influence how people interpret his behaviour. He argued that the same action might be judged more harshly when performed by someone whose appearance already attracts attention.

His comments highlight the distinction between a person's appearance and their conduct. While body modification can be a form of personal expression, the procedures involved may carry medical risks that are separate from how others respond to the results.

Eyeball Tattoos Can Cause Serious Eye Damage

One of Hélaine's most striking modifications is tattooing the whites of his eyes, a procedure known as scleral tattooing. It involves injecting pigment beneath the surface tissue to change the appearance of the sclera, the white outer layer of the eye.

Unlike conventional skin tattoos, the procedure takes place in an extremely delicate area. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists advises against eyeball tattooing for cosmetic purposes because of its potential to cause serious, irreversible harm.

According to the New South Wales Ministry of Health, complications can include infection inside the eye, bleeding, inflammation, sensitivity to light and damage that may lead to blindness. Incorrect needle placement can also perforate the eye or damage internal structures.

The long-term effects are not fully understood, and the procedure can make it harder for clinicians to assess the eye because the natural colour of the sclera is obscured.

These risks do not mean that every person who undergoes the procedure will experience complications. However, the possibility of permanent visual damage makes cosmetic eyeball tattooing substantially different from tattooing ordinary skin.

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Tongue Splitting Can Affect Speech and Swallowing

Hélaine has also split his tongue, creating a forked appearance. The procedure involves separating the tongue tissue and is considered an invasive form of body modification.

The American Dental Association warns that tongue splitting can cause severe bleeding, infection, inflammation and damage to the lingual nerves, which are involved in sensation. Depending on the injury, nerve damage may affect taste or cause lasting numbness.

Other possible complications include swelling that interferes with breathing, scarring and difficulties with speech, eating or swallowing. The risk is particularly concerning because the mouth contains bacteria that can enter injured tissue and contribute to infection.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons have also warned about the risks associated with tongue splitting. In England and Wales, a Court of Appeal ruling found that tongue splitting performed by a body modification practitioner for non-medical purposes constitutes grievous bodily harm, even with consent.

Anyone who has undergone tongue splitting and develops uncontrolled bleeding, increasing swelling or signs of infection should seek urgent medical attention.

Extreme Body Modifications Require Informed Decisions

Hélaine has said that he dislikes the pain involved in getting tattooed, even though he enjoys seeing his appearance evolve. He described feeling proud when a session is complete, despite the discomfort beforehand.

His experience illustrates that people may pursue body modification for personal reasons even when the process is painful. However, understanding the possible consequences is essential before undergoing permanent or invasive procedures.

Skin tattooing can also cause allergic reactions, scarring and infections, particularly when equipment or ink is contaminated. The risks vary according to the procedure, the body part involved, the practitioner's technique and the quality of infection-control measures.

People considering extensive modifications should seek reliable information about the specific procedure, its reversibility and the potential for lasting damage. Procedures involving the eyes, tongue or other sensitive structures warrant particular caution because complications may affect essential functions.

Hélaine's defence centres on the idea that people should not be judged solely by their appearance. The medical risks, meanwhile, offer a separate lesson: personal expression and informed decision-making can coexist, but anyone considering extreme body modification should understand that some consequences may be permanent.

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