Dermatology is a field that many people associate with acne treatments, skin cancer checks, and cosmetic procedures. But thanks to Dr. Sandra Lee—better known as Dr. Pimple Popper—millions now see dermatology as fascinating, emotional, and even entertaining.
What started as a quiet career in a California dermatology clinic has turned into a global phenomenon. With billions of YouTube views, a TLC television show, and her own skincare line, Dr. Lee has become a household name. This blog takes you through her inspiring rise—from a dedicated physician to an unlikely pop culture star.
Early Life and Medical Training
Sandra Siew Pin Lee was born on December 20, 1970, in Queens, New York, to Malaysian Chinese immigrant parents. Her father, a dermatologist, and her mother, a nurse, introduced her early to the world of medicine.
Growing up in Southern California, Sandra was inspired by her father’s work and the way he cared for patients. She attended UCLA for her undergraduate studies and went on to earn her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. After an internship at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and a dermatology residency at Southern Illinois University, she pursued advanced training in cosmetic and surgical dermatology.
By the early 2000s, she was fully equipped with the skills to run a dermatology practice that balanced medical expertise with cosmetic artistry.
Building a Career in Dermatology
Dr. Lee joined her father’s practice in Upland, California, eventually taking it over and renaming it Skin Physicians & Surgeons.
Her career covered three main areas:
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Medical Dermatology: treating acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin cancers.
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Cosmetic Dermatology: offering Botox, fillers, laser treatments, and chemical peels.
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Surgical Dermatology: removing cysts, lipomas, moles, and other growths with precision.
Patients often describe her as approachable and compassionate, someone who made them feel comfortable even while treating embarrassing or painful conditions. But while her practice was thriving, she had no idea that the world was about to meet her in a very unusual way.
The YouTube Breakthrough
In 2014, Dr. Lee started uploading short clips to YouTube. Initially, these videos were educational—skincare tips and cosmetic procedures. But one day, she posted a blackhead extraction video.
It went viral.
Viewers were strangely captivated by the process. The relief of seeing clogged pores cleared, the precision of her extractions, and her calm narration made the content addictive. She leaned into the demand, posting more extraction videos and giving her fans—who began calling themselves “popaholics”—exactly what they craved.
By 2015, her channel had hundreds of thousands of subscribers. By 2017, she had millions. Today, she has more than 7 million subscribers and billions of views, making her one of the most recognizable doctors on YouTube.
The Psychology Behind the Appeal
Why do people love watching pimples pop? Psychologists suggest a few reasons:
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Resolution and Relief – Watching pressure released provides a sense of closure.
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ASMR Effects – Many find the sounds and visuals soothing, even sleep-inducing.
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Gross Fascination – Humans are naturally drawn to things that are both repulsive and compelling.
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Empathy and Transformation – Seeing patients find relief after years of suffering is uplifting.
Dr. Lee transformed what was once considered “gross” into something people openly enjoy, creating a cultural shift in how skin health is discussed.
TLC Show: Dr. Pimple Popper
Her YouTube success caught the attention of television producers, and in 2018, TLC launched “Dr. Pimple Popper.”
The show takes viewers inside her clinic, where she treats patients with severe or rare skin conditions. Unlike her YouTube clips, the TV show highlights not just the medical procedures but also the emotional stories behind each patient.
Some have lived with massive lipomas, cysts, or growths for decades, often facing social stigma or physical pain. The show documents their journeys from suffering to transformation, emphasizing Dr. Lee’s empathy and surgical skill.
The program quickly became a hit, running multiple seasons and spawning specials. It also introduced millions to the importance of dermatology beyond cosmetics.
Expanding Into Skincare: SLMD
With so many fans asking about her favorite skincare routines, Dr. Lee launched her own line, SLMD Skincare.
The brand focuses on dermatologist-approved, affordable products that address common skin concerns like acne, aging, and sensitivity. Popular items include:
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Salicylic Acid Cleanser
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Benzoyl Peroxide Spot Treatment
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Retinol Serum
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Daily Moisturizer with SPF
By offering over-the-counter access to dermatologist-formulated products, she extended her mission of making skincare accessible to a broader audience.
Media Appearances and Cultural Impact
Dr. Lee has appeared on talk shows, in magazines, and across global media. Her work has sparked debates on social media about whether pimple popping is “too gross” or “oddly satisfying.”
Beyond entertainment, she has also normalized conversations around skin health. By showing real conditions and treatments, she helped reduce the stigma for people struggling with acne, cysts, or other visible skin issues.
She also inspired a new generation of medical professionals to embrace social media for education and outreach. Today, there are countless doctors sharing procedures online—but Dr. Lee remains the pioneer.
FAQs About Dr. Sandra Lee
Is Dr. Sandra Lee still practicing?
Yes. She continues to see patients at her Upland, California clinic alongside her media projects.
Does she only do extractions?
No. Her practice covers all aspects of dermatology, including skin cancer screenings, cosmetic procedures, and complex surgeries.
How did she get the name Dr. Pimple Popper?
It came from her YouTube persona, after her extraction videos became wildly popular.
Is her content safe to watch?
Yes, though squeamish viewers may want to avoid it. For many, it’s relaxing or even therapeutic.
Can anyone book an appointment with her?
Yes, but her waiting list is long due to her global fame.
Lessons from Her Journey
Dr. Sandra Lee’s rise offers key lessons:
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Be Open to New Platforms: She turned YouTube into a powerful educational and branding tool.
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Turn Taboo Into Talkable: By normalizing “gross” content, she created a niche market.
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Build Trust Through Authenticity: Her warmth and transparency made her relatable.
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Expand Beyond the Clinic: With TV shows and skincare lines, she diversified her influence.
Conclusion
From her father’s dermatology clinic in California to becoming an international TV personality, Dr. Sandra Lee’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Through compassion, expertise, and an openness to share her work with the world, she transformed both her career and the way millions think about dermatology.
As Dr. Pimple Popper, she has built a legacy that blends medicine with media, proving that even the most unexpected niche can capture the world’s attention. Her story reminds us that with authenticity and courage, success can come from the unlikeliest of places—even a blackhead extraction.
