‘Russian Popeye’ At Risk of Double Arm Amputation After Severe Infection from Synthol Use

Kirill Tereshin, better known as the ‘Synthol Kid,’ faces a harrowing battle to save his arms. On Nov. 24, 2025, Russian reports indicate he’s fighting a severe infection, and doctors are considering having both of his arms removed in surgery. 

Site enhancement oils like synthol have been widely used in the sport of bodybuilding. It can add extra volume to muscle groups without training or nutrition, making it an attractive option for some. However, since 2017, Tereshin has taken it a step too far. 

Aiming to boast some of the biggest arms on the internet, he’s injected his biceps with synthol several times throughout the years. In 2018, he expressed fear of dying, given how out of control the habit had become. This wouldn’t be Tereshin’s first arm surgery. He received a life-saving procedure to remove the oil and rotten muscle from his biceps back in 2021. 

Surprisingly, Tereshin has gone to great lengths to modify other aspects of his appearance. He recently refused doctor recommendations and changed his face with ‘alien injections.’ He explained why he made the decision, sharing, “I have believed in aliens since I saw UFOs as a teenager. I know that they exist and that they are the most powerful race in the entire world. I feel like I‘m going to them.” 

‘Russian Popeye’ Kirill Tereshin Could Lose Both Arms After Years of Synthol Use 

According to doctors, time could be running out for Tereshin’s condition to become stable. He requires several skin-graft procedures to save his arms, but cannot receive them until the infection is gone.

At just 29 years old, medical personnel believe a double arm amputation may be the safest and best course of action. The potential operation would require a team of professionals, including a vascular surgeon, a plastic surgeon, and a reconstructive surgeon.

“Everything is fine with me, the tests went really well,” Tereshin said on YouTube. “My arms are well enough for skin graft surgery, it will happen this week. They made up this false information. Before you listen to the Internet, first find out whether it’s true or not and don’t listen to these fairy tales.”

Tereshin has documented his unique health journey, allowing fans an intimate look at his struggles. He’s even shown videos of a ‘burst’ in his bicep, which left him with a big hole under rotting muscle tissue. 

Synthol use has impacted bodybuilding greats through the years. Milos Sarcev has opened up about using synthol in his arms. He described it as the single biggest mistake of his bodybuilding career, noting that it ruined the symmetry, aesthetics, and quality of his biceps. 

Tereshin faces a long road to recovery ahead. If the infection clears, doctors will have to determine whether he’ll need the double arm amputation. 

RELATED: Synthol Kid “Ruki Bazuki” Gets Knocked Out In Slap Championship

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