A Chinese influencer has stunned social media after revealing that he spent 4 million yuan (around $560,000) on hyaluronic acid injections to sculpt a set of artificial eight-pack abs.
The man, known online as Andy Hao Tienan, claims to be the first person in China to achieve this through cosmetic injections instead of exercise. Originally from Heilongjiang province in northeastern China, Hao has gained nearly 100,000 followers for his beauty and fashion content.
According to his social media profile, Hao says that 20% of his body now contains hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that helps retain moisture and lubricate joints. He reportedly plans to complete 10,000 injections in total and has already reached 40% of that goal.
A few months ago, Hao attracted attention after spending millions of yuan to inject 40 doses of the acid into his shoulders, collarbones, chest, and abdomen, shaping his abs without lifting a single weight.
Hao admitted he turned to cosmetic procedures because he couldn’t achieve his desired body through exercise.
“I totally agree that muscles don’t grow on cowards,” he said. “But after so many injections, I’m no coward anymore. Could you dare to do the same?”
He even joked about applying for a Guinness World Record if his abs remain intact after three years, promising to “crack walnuts” on them during a live stream.
Nearly five months after the procedure, Hao said he was still satisfied with the results. “There’s no muscle swelling at all — it’s just how I wanted it,” he said in a recent video. “Many said the hyaluronic acid would dissolve or clump, but it actually looks more natural now. The lines between the abs are still clear and haven’t merged.”
However, medical experts are warning that Hao’s extreme approach could carry serious health risks.
Dr. Li Jialun, a plastic surgeon at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College in Wuhan, said injecting such a large amount of hyaluronic acid could “crush the skin and cause necrosis of blood vessels.”
Li added that while the abs might look realistic when still, they would likely appear distorted in motion because “muscles are dynamic units.” He also warned that the fillers can erode bone and weaken natural muscle, leaving them thinner once the acid dissolves.
Hao’s expensive experiment has sparked lively debate online. One commenter wrote, “Is this really how rich people spend their money? Four million yuan could buy a lifetime of protein powder.” Another joked, “He’d better walk around shirtless every day — or that money’s wasted.”
