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Upland Today
By the People, for the People
Dr. Pimple Popper Sandra Lee Suffers Stroke While Filming
The popular dermatologist and TV personality experienced an ischemic stroke during production of her Lifetime series.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:12pm
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An X-ray view of the internal structures of the brain, revealing the impact of a stroke-induced blockage.Upland TodayDr. Sandra Lee, known as 'Dr. Pimple Popper,' revealed she suffered a stroke while filming Season 2 of her Lifetime series 'Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out' in November 2025. The incident occurred at her dermatology practice in Upland, California, where she initially dismissed her symptoms as a hot flash. After her condition worsened, Lee sought emergency care and was diagnosed with an ischemic stroke, leading to a two-month production halt as she underwent rehabilitation.
Why it matters
As a prominent medical professional and TV personality, Dr. Lee's stroke diagnosis highlights the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms, even for healthcare providers. Her experience also sheds light on the challenges of balancing a demanding career in medicine with the rigors of filming a reality TV show.
The details
While seeing patients at her Upland, California, dermatology practice during filming, Dr. Lee experienced excessive sweating and a feeling of being unlike herself, which she initially attributed to a hot flash. After finishing work, her condition worsened, with restlessness, shooting pains in one leg, and difficulty walking. The next morning, her symptoms became more alarming, including a hand that would slowly collapse when extended and trouble speaking clearly. An MRI confirmed she had suffered an ischemic stroke, a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain.
- In November 2025, the incident occurred while Dr. Lee was seeing patients at her Upland, California, dermatology practice during filming.
- After finishing work, Dr. Lee went to her parents' house, where her condition worsened.
- The following morning, Dr. Lee's symptoms became more alarming.
The players
Dr. Sandra Lee
Also known as 'Dr. Pimple Popper,' she is a prominent dermatologist and the star of the Lifetime series 'Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out.'
Upland, California
The location of Dr. Lee's dermatology practice, where the stroke incident occurred during filming.
What they’re saying
“What essentially happened is, I had a part of my brain that died. It was just a shock.”
— Dr. Sandra Lee
What’s next
Production on 'Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out' was immediately halted and remained paused for two months while Dr. Lee underwent intensive physical and occupational therapy to regain strength and coordination, particularly in her left hand.
The takeaway
Dr. Lee's stroke diagnosis serves as a reminder that even healthcare professionals can experience medical emergencies, underscoring the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and seeking prompt treatment. Her experience also highlights the challenges of balancing a demanding career in medicine with the rigors of a high-profile television production.
