In the Dr. Pimple Popper episode where Dr. Sandra Lee removes a spongy, brain-like bump from a patient’s head, it’s likely that the bump is a type of growth known as a sebaceous cyst, lipoma, or possibly a dermoid cyst. These types of bumps can feel spongy or soft to the touch, and they can sometimes have a brain-like texture due to their contents or structure.
Here’s a general idea of how Dr. Lee would remove such a bump:
1. Assessment and Diagnosis
- Dr. Lee would begin by assessing the bump, which could be soft and spongy, and potentially filled with fluid or a mixture of sebum, hair, and other materials (in the case of a sebaceous cyst). A lipoma would typically be a soft, fatty lump, while a dermoid cyst could have a more solid, spongy texture with a complex structure that might feel like a brain.
- Sometimes, the doctor might perform a physical examination and ask the patient about the history of the bump. If needed, a biopsy or imaging (such as an ultrasound) might be performed to help determine the exact nature of the bump.
2. Numbing the Area
- Once it’s determined that the bump can be safely removed, Dr. Lee would inject a local anesthetic (like lidocaine) into the area surrounding the bump. This numbs the area so the patient doesn’t feel pain during the procedure.
3. Making the Incision
- Dr. Lee would then make a small, carefully placed incision over the bump, ensuring minimal scarring. The incision allows her to access the bump without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding tissue.
4. Removing the Bump
- Depending on the type of bump, she would carefully remove the entire growth. If it’s a sebaceous cyst, she would typically try to remove both the cyst wall and the contents to prevent the cyst from recurring. If it’s a lipoma or dermoid cyst, she would carefully remove the fatty tissue or the spongy material inside.
- For a brain-like bump, the texture could be spongy or filled with a substance that resembles brain tissue, especially in the case of a dermoid cyst, which sometimes contains various tissues like hair, skin, and even teeth. Dr. Lee would carefully remove the contents, being careful not to rupture or squeeze too hard, as it could cause leakage.
5. Closing the Incision
- After the bump is removed, the incision is usually closed with stitches. If it’s a small procedure, Dr. Lee might use dissolvable stitches, so the patient won’t need to return for stitch removal.
6. Post-Procedure Care
- After the procedure, Dr. Lee would advise the patient on aftercare. This typically involves keeping the area clean, avoiding any irritation or pressure on the site, and keeping an eye out for signs of infection (such as redness or pus).
7. Follow-up
- A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure the area heals well and there’s no recurrence of the growth.
Why Does It Look “Brain-Like”?
- The “brain-like” appearance comes from the texture and structure of certain cysts, particularly dermoid cysts, which can have a spongy, lumpy, or soft feel, sometimes due to the presence of various types of tissue inside, including fatty or fibrous tissue. The growth’s consistency can resemble a brain-like texture due to these characteristics.
In summary, Dr. Lee’s careful and precise approach ensures that the bump is safely removed with minimal risk of recurrence or complications, while keeping the patient comfortable throughout the process.