On her TLC show Dr. Pimple Popper, Dr. Sandra Lee has a passion for helping others, which often leads to memorable moments . A beloved dermatologist based in California, Dr. Lee makes a huge impact on her patients. She’s the last hope many have for treatment and, more often than not, Dr. Lee changes people’s lives for the better.
Though Dr. Lee’s best known for popping pimples online, unforgettable moments frequently occur on her show, Dr. Pimple Popper. While pimples still make an appearance, viewers often see the more difficult cases. Here are five of the best moments from the show:
#5: Juan – Dr. Pimple Popper Season 5, Episode 1
In the season 5 premiere, Juan visits Dr. Lee due to the large cysts he’s had since his teens. Other doctors have drained Juan’s cysts before, but he hopes Dr. Lee can remove them completely. During the surgery, Dr. Lee runs into difficulties because of all the scar tissue in the area. She’s still able to completely remove his three largest cysts. Juan was relieved, and looking forward to cutting his hair for the first time in years.
#4: Ken – Dr. Pimple Popper Season 6, Episode 4
Ken noticed cysts growing on his head when he was 19 years old, and he’s developed several more since. One thing to know about Dr. Lee is that she never advises patients to pop their growths. Unfortunately, Ken admits that he was desperate enough to try draining some himself. She counted a total of seven cysts on Ken’s head, which she diagnosed as pilar cysts. While removing the second cyst, Dr. Lee realizes it’s four cysts together, making it a proliferated pilar cyst. It’s a difficult process because of Ken’s former prodding, but Dr. Lee delights Ken by removing the largest cysts.
#3: Jennifer – Dr. Pimple Popper Season3, Episode 1
After living with unusual growths on her ears for 11 years, Jennifer visits Dr. Lee. The growths are immediately diagnosed as keloids, which are “an overgrowth of scar tissue.” Despite the risk of losing part of her ear, Jennifer is determined to have the growths removed, so Dr. Lee gets started. Luckily, the keloids were easier to remove than Dr. Lee anticipated. Jennifer was shocked by her transformation, and left the office with more confidence than she'd had in over a decade.
#2: Rhonda – Dr. Pimple Popper Season 3, Episode 3
Rhonda came to see Dr. Lee because of the bumps all over her head, including a horn-like growth that she was worried about. Though the horned growth (alternatively compared to a toenail or horse's hoof) was quite stubborn, Dr. Lee was able to remove all of Rhonda’s bumps. The horn, Rhonda’s primary concern, was sent off to be tested for cancer and, thankfully, came back negative!
#1: Genner – Dr. Pimple Popper Season 2, Episode 1
In the season 2 premiere, Dr. Lee meets Genner. He’s flown in from the Philippines to receive help with a bump that has grown continuously for 14 years. Dr. Lee quickly informs him that the growth is called a rhinophyma, something she sees again in Dr. Pimple Popper season 4. The condition is “a thickening of the skin [and] it’s actually an extreme form of rosacea.” After informing Genner of the risks, like extreme scarring, Dr. Lee uses an electric laser to remove the growth and reshape his nose. Genner is grateful to Dr. Lee and seems optimistic when parting with the Dr. Pimple Popper team.