What did the influencer do to get his ‘eight-pack’?
In a bizarre mix of vanity and viral ambition, Chinese influencer Andy Hao Tienan revealed he has undergone extensive hyaluronic acid injections worth nearly $560,000 to achieve an “eight-pack” body shape. He said he has received 40 doses in his collarbones, shoulders, chest, and abdomen and plans to undergo as many as 10,000 injections in total, as per a report by TOI.
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Tienan claims around 20% of his body now contains the gel-like substance, justifying his decision by saying traditional exercise failed to give him the muscle definition he wanted. “I totally agree that muscles do not grow on cowards … But I’ve had so many injections, I’m no coward anymore,” he said.
What are these injections and how do they work?
The treatment uses hyaluronic acid (HA) — a naturally occurring compound found in the skin and joints — that’s commonly used in cosmetic medicine for wrinkle reduction or facial contouring. However, Tienan’s procedure takes it to an extreme by applying HA to large muscle areas like the abdomen and chest, where it’s rarely, if ever, used in such volume, as per a report by TOI.
Instead of building real muscle, the injections create the illusion of definition by sitting just under the skin and forming artificial “ridges.” While HA fillers are typically safe in small, professionally administered doses, experts emphasize that this procedure pushes medical boundaries far beyond standard practice.
What are the health risks of such extreme procedures?
Medical professionals are sounding the alarm. Plastic surgeon Li Jialun from Wuhan cautioned that injecting large amounts of filler could lead to severe complications such as skin damage, blood vessel necrosis, and even bone erosion. “While the muscles may look realistic when still, they will appear distorted during movement,” Li warned, as per a report by TOI.ALSO READ: What does 67 mean, who made the 67 meme and why is it so popular?
Other potential issues include vascular occlusionwhere filler blocks blood flow, and infection or granuloma formation after repeated injections. Overfilling can also stretch skin permanently, leaving sagging areas once the filler dissolves. Although Tienan claims his abs look “more natural with time” and plans to apply for a Guinness World Record if they last three years, experts note that most HA fillers dissolve within 6–12 months — meaning repeated injections would be required, amplifying all associated risks.
Is it worth the risk?
While Andy Hao Tienan may have captured viral attention, his case highlights growing concerns over extreme body modification trends fueled by social media aesthetics. Experts stress that no aesthetic result is worth risking long-term tissue damage or serious complications.
Note: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any cosmetic or medical procedure.
FAQs
What did Andy Hao Tienan inject to create his “eight-pack”?
He used hyaluronic acid, a filler typically used for facial cosmetic procedures, injected in large quantities across his chest, abdomen, and shoulders.
Are such hyaluronic acid injections safe in large volumes?
Experts warn that high-volume or improper use can cause serious risks, including tissue necrosis, infection, and long-term deformation.