This Is How Much It Costs To See Dr. Pimple Popper
Dr. Sandra Lee, aka Dr. Pimple Popper, shot to stardom thanks to her grossly addictive pimple popping videos on YouTube before transitioning to TLC, where she stars in her own reality show aptly titled Dr. Pimple Popper. Dr. Lee is a master of extracting the toughest and most disgusting pimples and blackheads, along with other lumps and bumps from her patients, leading us, as viewers, to long for her magical touch.
Luckily, you don't necessarily have to apply to appear on Dr. Pimple Popper to be treated by Dr. Lee, but seeing the good doctor is going to set you back a pretty penny no matter what. After all, she's based in California, so if you're not local, it's going to cost you a plane ticket, too.
Dr. Pimple Popper's clients come from far and wide
As Dr. Pimple Popper told Forbes, clients come from all over the world to visit her. "I've had people come from London, and I've had people come from Saudi Arabia and from across the country. People have come from Canada for their cysts," Dr. Lee enthused.
The blemish expert operates out of her practice Skin Physicians and Surgeons, where a consultation will set you back $120, according to The Cheat Sheet. The good news is the fee goes towards your future treatment costs, so it's not a bad deal. Various procedures and treatments are offered but super-fans will no doubt opt for those all-important extractions.
Mama Mia reported in 2018 that an extraction session costs between $500 and $600, with Dr. Lee justifying the price to Forbes, saying, "A lot of these people really want these things to be removed. They're benign and they're not anything that needs to be removed medically, which is why insurance won't pay."
Celebrities and willing guinea pigs are welcome to visit Dr. Pimple Popper
It's not just fans of the show who are eager to visit the Dr. Pimple Popper star, as celebrities frequently express their wishes to see her, too. "Some will come out and say it, like Gillian Jacobs from Love, who went on Jimmy Kimmel and talked about it. Ashley Graham follows me and likes my posts," Dr. Lee proudly told Refinery29.
An Oscar winner, whom she refused to name, has written to the reality star and also purchased her merchandise. "Even Ayesha Curry called when she had a mini pimple emergency, so I drove down to give her a cortisol injection on set," the in-demand doctor said.
Plenty of dermatologists refuse to remove the kind of stuff Dr. Lee expertly gets rid of. For those unwilling to shell out for the privilege, Dr. Lee actually offers the service for free, she says, "if my patients let me videotape and use the video." She assures any takers that their anonymity will be protected, though.
Being on the show will help
Although you might prefer to keep your disgusting skin issues private, understandably so, consider appearing on Dr. Pimple Popper and at least you won't have to pay to be squeezed back to perfection. In an interview with Refinery29, Dr. Lee revealed casting agents find potential patients the old fashioned way, as well as through Reddit, Facebook ads, and even public submissions, so keep your eyes peeled. If you're considering applying for the show, ensure you include photos of the affliction.
Those who are lucky enough to be chosen will have the costs of their onscreen procedure, whether it's a simple pop or a lengthy extraction, covered completely. Dr. Pimple Popper confirmed, "The production company foots the patient's bill for their travel expenses as well as my fees." This option could be particularly attractive to those living outside of state, who can't readily drive to her offices.
Your insurance likely won't cover it
As Dr. Pimple Popper explained to Refinery29, the reason onscreen procedures being free of charge is so important is because of the complicated insurance issue. Even though appearing on the hit show carries the potential for public embarrassment, it might be worth it in the long run to not have to shell out for the privilege and get your skin fixed in the process because, as Dr. Lee explained succinctly, "Medical insurance is complicated."
The legendary dermatologist admitted it's tough to advise on which dermatological procedures are covered by which insurance plans, particularly as it also "differs state to state." As the Dr. Pimple Popper star revealed, "Sadly, I find that the reason a lot of my patients haven't had their condition treated is because they don't have the money to have it done. If you have to cover a complicated surgery out of pocket, it can be very expensive."