TV Dermatologist 'Dr. Pimple Popper' Recovers After Suffering Stroke

Sandra Lee, known for her popular reality show, is bouncing back after a health scare last fall.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:09pm

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A translucent X-ray photograph showing the ghostly outline of a human brain with a faint blood vessel, conceptually illustrating the medical details of a stroke.An X-ray view into the inner workings of the brain reveals the impact of a stroke, as 'Dr. Pimple Popper' Sandra Lee recovers from a health scare.Upland Today

Dr. Sandra Lee, the reality TV dermatologist and surgeon known as 'Dr. Pimple Popper', suffered an ischemic stroke last November while filming her show. Lee, 55, said unmanaged cholesterol levels and high blood pressure were likely contributors to the stroke, plus the stress of balancing her medical practice with the demands of her TV show. After spending two months in physical and occupational therapy, Lee has returned to production and is preparing to debut new episodes of 'Dr. Pimple Popper' on Lifetime.

Why it matters

As a prominent figure in the medical community and a reality TV star, Lee's stroke highlights the health risks that come with the high-stress lifestyle of balancing a medical career and a television production schedule. Her recovery journey also serves as an important reminder for viewers about the importance of managing conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent strokes.

The details

Lee said she experienced what she thought was a 'hot flash' while filming new episodes of her show at her Upland, California office. That evening, she experienced shooting pains in one leg and trouble navigating stairs. The next day, she had slurred speech and weakness on her left side. An MRI revealed she had suffered an ischemic stroke, where a vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes obstructed. Lee spent two months in physical and occupational therapy working to regain function in her left hand and improve her balance and movement before returning to production in January.

  • In November 2025, Lee suffered a stroke while filming her show.
  • Lee returned to production in January 2026.
  • New episodes of 'Dr. Pimple Popper' are set to debut on Lifetime on Monday.

The players

Dr. Sandra Lee

Also known as 'Dr. Pimple Popper', she is a reality TV dermatologist and surgeon who stars in the popular show of the same name.

Lee's father

Also a dermatologist, he advised Lee to go to the emergency room after she experienced symptoms of a stroke.

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What they’re saying

“As a physician I couldn't deny that I had slurred speech, that I was having weakness on one side, but I was like, 'Well, this is a dream, right?'”

— Dr. Sandra Lee, Reality TV Dermatologist

“I don't like that I don't have total control of my left hand or the grip wasn't as strong. If I feel like I'm not at my best — it's very scary.”

— Dr. Sandra Lee, Reality TV Dermatologist

“People watch the videos over and over again because it helps them go to sleep at night. Others watch it like it's a scary movie or a roller coaster.”

— Dr. Sandra Lee, Reality TV Dermatologist

What’s next

Lee is continuing physical therapy as she prepares to debut new episodes of 'Dr. Pimple Popper' on Lifetime. Her neurologist has told her that her symptoms are mostly gone, though she still notices slight differences when she speaks.

The takeaway

Lee's stroke recovery journey highlights the health risks that come with the high-stress lifestyle of balancing a medical career and a television production schedule. Her story serves as an important reminder for viewers about the importance of managing conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent strokes.