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Russian ‘Popeye’ Could Lose Both Arms After Years of Oil Injections, Doctors Warn

Severe infections with tissue necrosis now prevent reconstructive surgery, leaving amputation as a potential outcome.

Overview

  • Treating physicians say persistent infections resistant to antibiotics and progressive necrosis have critically compromised both biceps.
  • Surgeons have repeatedly removed oily material and dead tissue since 2019, but new operations are paused until infection control is achieved.
  • Teams are evaluating staged debridement and possible skin grafts involving vascular and plastic specialists once conditions allow.
  • Dmitry Melnikov of Moscow State University previously warned the extent of damage was life‑threatening if the compounds were not removed.
  • Kirill Tereshin, a 29‑year‑old ex‑soldier and influencer who injected synthol and vaseline to enlarge his arms, has expressed regret as doctors weigh potential bilateral amputation.