Chinese Influencer Flaunts '800 Million Won Artificial Abs'... Experts Warn of Serious Health Risks

Chose Cosmetic Procedures After Failing to Build Muscles Through Exercise
Some Experts Raise Health Concerns Over Artificial Muscles

It has come to light that a Chinese man spent over 800 million won to create artificial abs using hyaluronic acid injections instead of exercising. Experts warn that excessively creating artificial muscles can compress the skin and carries a high risk of vascular necrosis.

On November 11, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that a man active on social media under the name Andy Hao Tienan has drawn attention for creating artificial eight-pack abs with hyaluronic acid injections.

Hao, who is from Heilongjiang Province in northeastern China, is a fashion and beauty content creator with around 100,000 followers. He recently revealed his abs and claimed that his hyaluronic acid-created abs represent the "first case in China." Hyaluronic acid is a substance that helps lubricate joints and retain moisture. Hao plans to receive a total of 10,000 injections and has currently completed 40% of the process. He stated that several months ago, he spent 4 million yuan (approximately 821 million won) to inject 40 doses of hyaluronic acid into his shoulders, collarbones, chest, and abdomen.

He explained that he chose cosmetic procedures because he was unable to achieve his desired muscular physique through exercise. Responding to critics, he said, "I agree with the saying that muscles do not grow on cowards," adding, "But since I have endured countless injections, I am no longer a coward. Do you have the courage to do the same?" Hao also mentioned, "If my abs remain after three years, I will apply to the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest-lasting artificial abs made with hyaluronic acid," and added, "I will do a live broadcast cracking walnuts on my abs."

In a video released at the end of October, about five months after the procedure, he expressed satisfaction, saying, "There has been no swelling of the muscles at all, and they look exactly as I wanted. Many people say hyaluronic acid dissolves within a few months, and doctors warn that it can migrate or clump, but over time, it looks even more natural and better. The lines between my abs are still distinct and have not merged into one."

Hao's story has sparked controversy on Chinese social media. One user commented, "My goodness, is this really how rich people spend their money? With 4 million yuan, you could buy enough protein powder for a lifetime and build real muscles." Another joked, "If you want to show them off, you'll have to go shirtless every day; otherwise, isn't that 4 million yuan wasted?"

However, some experts have expressed concerns about creating artificial muscles like Hao. Li Jarun, a plastic surgeon at Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, who has over 1.7 million followers on social media, warned that Hao's actions could be dangerous to his health. Dr. Li pointed out, "Forty doses of hyaluronic acid injections can compress the skin and carry a very high risk of vascular necrosis."

He explained, "While the muscles may look realistic when at rest, they will definitely appear distorted when moving, because all muscles are moving tissues." He further added, "After the injections, the natural muscles could actually decrease. Hyaluronic acid and fillers can erode bone and put pressure on the muscles, making them thinner. When the filler dissolves, the original muscles may look even weaker. Migration of hyaluronic acid is also a very possible side effect."