Amber Luke, famously known as ‘Australia’s most tattooed woman,’ has once again captivated public attention by unveiling rare photographs showcasing her appearance before her dramatic body transformation.
Amber, who has gained the nickname ‘Dragon Girl,’ has invested a staggering $300,000 in body modifications, including tattoos covering nearly every inch of her skin, multiple plastic surgeries, piercings, and cosmetic injections. The model recently shared exclusive before-and-after pictures, offering a rare glimpse into her unrecognizable past appearance, highlighting the extent of her transformation.
Despite already having covered 99% of her body with tattoos, Luke has no plans to halt her ongoing journey of self-reinvention. She recently opened up about her philosophy, explaining her view on personal evolution: “I will never reach a point where I am ‘done’ evolving—both inside and outside. Transformation, for me, represents strength and boldness.”
Amber’s fascination with extreme body art started early. She revealed that her desire to get one of her most daring modifications, tattooing her eyeballs, began when she was just 20 years old. She first came across the procedure online and felt an immediate connection to its striking, unconventional appearance, saying, “It was so profoundly unique—I knew instantly it was something meant for me.”
The controversial procedure, known as scleral tattooing, involves injecting ink into the whites of the eyes, a highly delicate and risky process. According to health authorities, it is irreversible and carries significant medical risks. Unfortunately, Amber’s experience with eyeball tattooing did not go as planned. A mistake during the process resulted in her being left temporarily blind for three weeks.
Detailing the ordeal, Amber explained, “You’re not supposed to lose vision during the procedure—it’s meant to be painless and straightforward. Unfortunately, the person performing the tattoo punctured my retina, leading to complications that caused complete blindness for nearly a month.”
While some have successfully undergone eyeball tattooing without complications, the procedure remains dangerous and poorly regulated, with long-term health effects still widely unknown.
However, the scleral tattoo mishap was not Amber’s only painful experience related to body art. She also recalled a severe infection from a wrist tattoo she received in her teenage years. “I got a nasty infection after swimming with a fresh tattoo. I was just 16 and didn’t realize it was dangerous. It took two courses of strong antibiotics and painkillers to heal the infection fully,” she shared.
Amber’s dedication to body modification has not been without social consequences. Her heavily tattooed appearance has often led to negative experiences, from discrimination in public spaces to employment challenges. She shared, “My appearance affects almost everything I do. The stigma is real—I can’t even go clubbing because many places have bans on face, hand, and neck tattoos, a rule that’s been around since 2013.”
Australia’s dress codes against visible tattoos, especially in nightlife venues, continue to affect those who embrace body art. A similar case involved a woman with cultural tattoos who was reportedly denied entry to a Brisbane bar, sparking conversations around appearance-based discrimination.
Amber, however, remains defiant despite the obstacles she faces. “Finding regular employment has been challenging, but I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge,” she stated.
The model also shared her perspective on beauty standards, arguing that everyone has the right to define their appearance. Speaking about cultural body modifications and global beauty practices, she noted, “You see people in various cultures stretching their necks, ears, and lips. Everyone has their own definition of beauty, and that should be respected.”
However, Luke admitted that public reactions can sometimes be hurtful. She recalled instances where strangers approached her in public with cruel remarks. “It’s astounding how many people think it’s acceptable to approach someone and insult their appearance. I’ve heard comments like ‘You’re ugly’ or ‘You’ve ruined yourself,’ yet these people know nothing about me personally.”
Amber remains resilient in the face of criticism. “I understand that not everyone will find my look beautiful—and that’s fine. But what’s not okay is for people to express that negativity to my face in a way meant to tear me down. My appearance is my choice, and I stand by it.”
Fortunately, Luke has a strong support system. She expressed gratitude for the people in her life who respect her choices. “I only keep those around me who support my decisions. If someone can’t accept how I choose to express myself, they don’t need to be in my life. It’s as simple as that.”
The model recently surprised her followers by sharing rare images of herself before her extreme transformation. Reflecting on her unmodified appearance, she confessed, “I honestly despise how I looked before. Losing my visual identity would feel devastating after all the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve put into creating my look.”
Amber Luke’s journey is a testament to the power of self-expression, resilience against societal judgment, and the ongoing evolution of personal identity.