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Upland Today
By the People, for the People
TV's 'Dr. Pimple Popper' Recovers After Stroke
Reality star Sandra Lee bounces back after suffering an ischemic stroke last fall while taping her show.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:26pm
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An X-ray view of the internal structures of the brain, highlighting the blockage that caused TV's 'Dr. Pimple Popper' to suffer a stroke.Upland TodayLast November, reality TV dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee, known as 'Dr. Pimple Popper', suffered an ischemic stroke while filming her show. After being rushed to the ER and undergoing physical and occupational therapy, Lee is now back on set and preparing to debut new episodes, though she still experiences some lingering effects from the stroke.
Why it matters
Lee's stroke highlights the health risks that high-stress careers and demanding production schedules can pose, even for medical professionals. Her recovery journey also provides an inspiring example of resilience and the importance of managing conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
The details
While taping new episodes of her show 'Dr. Pimple Popper' last November, Lee experienced sudden symptoms including sweating, leg pain, and trouble speaking and walking. Tests revealed she had suffered an ischemic stroke, likely due to unmanaged cholesterol and high blood pressure exacerbated by the stress of balancing her medical practice and TV production. After two months of intensive therapy, Lee has regained most of her function but still notices slight differences in her speech and grip strength.
- On the week before Thanksgiving 2025, Lee experienced stroke symptoms while filming her show.
- Lee was rushed to the ER and diagnosed with an ischemic stroke.
- Lee spent two months undergoing physical and occupational therapy to regain function.
- Lee returned to production on her show in January 2026.
- New episodes of 'Dr. Pimple Popper' are set to debut on Monday, April 14, 2026.
The players
Dr. Sandra Lee
Also known as 'Dr. Pimple Popper', she is a reality TV dermatologist and surgeon who stars in the show of the same name, known for tackling unusual skin conditions on camera.
Lee's father
Also a dermatologist, he advised Lee to go to the ER when she experienced stroke symptoms.
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's neurologist has said her symptoms are mostly gone, but she continues physical therapy to fully regain function in her left hand and improve her balance. New episodes of 'Dr. Pimple Popper' are set to debut on Monday, April 14, 2026.
The takeaway
Dr. Sandra Lee's stroke experience serves as a cautionary tale about the health risks of high-stress careers, even for medical professionals. However, her resilience and dedication to her recovery process provide an inspiring example of bouncing back from a serious health scare.
