'Dr Pimple Popper': Sandra Lee tries 'not to be intimidated' by Roger's rhinophyma case
Warning: Graphic content
One would think that after treating a host of unusual skin conditions, nothing intimidates Dr Sandra Lee aka 'Dr Pimple Popper' anymore, but that might not be the case. Thanks to the pandemic, Dr Lee had to resort to virtual consultations with her patients, which was documented on 'Dr Pimple Popper: Before the Pop'. The show introduced us to Roger from Texas, who suffers from the 'most extensive case of rhinophyma' that Dr Lee had ever seen.
Roger showed two 'grapefruit size' lumps that was growing on his nose. The Texas resident revealed that the lump started off as a sore on his nose, which over the course of twelve years grew into a massive size. He also told Dr Lee that the growth of the lumps was accelerated over the past three odd years. After examining him virtually, Dr Lee explained to Roger and his niece Tori, that he had a condition called 'rhinophyma'.
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You can watch the clip of Roger's virtual consultation on 'Dr. Pimple Popper' here
What is Rhinophyma?
When Roger heard his diagnosis from Dr Lee, he revealed that he had heard it before from the other doctors. Dr Lee also explained to him that his was the biggest rhinophyma case that she had ever come across. She then went on to explain what rhinophyma is so that both Roger and his niece would have a better understanding of what they were dealing with.
Rhinophyma is a part of rosacea (a common skin condition, especially among people of Celtic descent), which is significantly more common among men. It affects the nose, causing thickening of the skin and dilated pores. The skin around the nose thickens due to excess production of oil from the sebaceous glands (oil glands). Even though this is not a life-threatening condition, its appearance can personally affect those who have it.
Roger's however was classified as "truly critical" by Dr. Lee as she pointed out that the growth was lacking proper blood supply. Roger's lumps also had blood and pus discharge which attracted flies. During his virtual consultation, he explained how he stopped stepping out of his house and didn't have a job as people were afraid of him. He recalled an incident where he was asked to leave a store because his appearance was scaring children. Dr. Lee was heartbroken after hearing Roger's tragic story, although she wanted to help him, she couldn't make any promises until she saw him in person and examined his nose from every angle to decide whether she can remove it safely or not.
Season 6 of 'Dr. Pimple Popper' kicks of with Roger making a trip to California with his niece Tori in the tow. After seeing his lump up close, Dr. Lee revealed in her green room interview that she was trying her best not to be intimidated by it. She says, "Roger has the most extreme level of Rhinophyma that I've ever seen. I'm really trying not to let it intimidate me because I know he feels that I'm his last hope and maybe I am. Maybe I'm the only one that will really try to take my time and find an answer for him."
So, did Dr Lee manage to successfully remove Roger's grapefruit-sized lumps and give him a new lease of lie? Well, you'll have to watch the premiere episode of 'Dr. Pimple Popper; Season 6 to get your answers. The episode titled 'My Giant Nose is Killing Me' also features sisters Sandra and Jessie alongside Roger. The sisters turn to Dr Lee for help with treating their undiagnosed face bumps. Looks like Dr Lee has quite a few challenging cases on her hand this season.
'Dr Pimple Popper' Season 6 premieres on Wednesday, July 14, at 10/9c on TLC.