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Russian 'Popeye' Says He May Lose Both Arms After Years of Synthol Injections

Doctors say double amputation could be required to stop a persistent infection.

Overview

  • Kirill Tereshin has publicly acknowledged the real possibility of losing both arms and expressed regret over years of self-injections.
  • Treating physicians have warned that a double amputation may be the only life‑saving option due to the severity and persistence of the infection.
  • A vascular, plastic and reconstructive surgical team is overseeing his care, but repair and skin‑graft procedures cannot begin until the infection decreases.
  • Tereshin enlarged his biceps by injecting synthol and vaseline since 2017, a practice tied to fibrosis, necrosis and risks such as oil embolism, heart attack and stroke.
  • A 2019 surgery did not reverse the damage, and a 2021 MMA bout highlighted structural failure in his arm, marking a prolonged deterioration.