A BODYBUILDER dubbed “Russian Popeye” is facing the reality of a double amputation after years of pumping biceps with grim cocktail.
Kirill Tereshin, 29, has been injecting synthol into his arms for many years and is now facing the possibility of losing both.
The MMA fighter is reportedly suffering from a severe infection that medics are struggling to treat.
Doctors have said in order to save his arms, he needs several skin-graft operations, but they have been unable to go ahead with the surgery due to Tereshin’s poor medical test results.
Doctors may not have time to stabilise his condition before proceeding with the surgery, it has been said.
The synthol injections caused tissue fibrosis followed by necrosis, seriously affecting his health.
Disturbing footage he shared online reportedly show that one of his muscles had “burst”, leaving a hole in his arm and rotting tissue.
Tereshin began injecting synthol into his arms in 2017 and made headlines around the world as ‘Popeye’ after his oversized arms drew comparisons with the iconic cartoon character.
He injected the highly dangerous chemical directly into his veins despite warnings about his bodybuilding obsession.
Tereshin – who has received international attention for his fake muscles – has already been under the knife in an effort to save his arms, but his muscles became so infected that the wounds could not heal, it was reported.
In 2019, he was persuaded to undergo urgent treatment by Alana Mamaeva, 32, a leading campaigner for victims of botched plastic surgery.
Tereshin uploaded a video of his arms after the surgery with lumps of flesh, he claims were muscle extracted from his body.
He said: “These are my treasures” and then added: “Get yourself a piece, it’s ‘sale’ time.”
He added: “It feels very weird, very unusual. My arm feels lighter.
“Now I am going through a rehab, soon we will proceed with the next surgery.”
Dr Dmitry Melnikov is extracted pounds of flesh and the petroleum oil the Russian injected to bizarrely bulk-up his triceps and biceps.
Holding one massive 3lb lump taken from one of Tereshin’s 24-inch arms, he said: “Here it is, scar tissue with fragments of muscles.”
What are the risks of getting surgery abroad?
IT’S important to do your research if you’re thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad.
It can cost less than in the UK, but you need to weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.
Safety standards in different countries may not be as high.
No surgery is risk-free. Complications can happen after surgery in the UK or abroad.
If you have complications after an operation in the UK, the surgeon is responsible for providing follow-up treatment.
Overseas clinics may not provide follow-up treatment, or they may not provide it to the same standard as in the UK.
Also, they may not have a healthcare professional in the UK you can visit if you have any problems.
Source: NHS
In one video, the failed MMA fighter is seen asking the surgeon: “How many muscles have I lost?”
Melnikov, from Sechenov Moscow State Medical University, earlier warned him that he could die if the dodgy implants stayed.
After the surgery the medic told him: “The problem is that this is the petroleum jelly.
“You injected this so thoroughly, that it spread in the muscle and killed it.”
The surgeon later revealed: “We have done 25 per cent of the repairs.”
