Dr Pimple Popper: Rodger thought he had a ‘pimple’ on his nose, 12 years later he could barely breathe | 9Now.

WARNING: This video and article contains graphic content.

Twelve years ago, Rodger, 60, noticed a pimple-sized bump on his nose.

But this ‘pimple’ didn’t go away. It got bigger and bigger and was soon the size of a tennis ball.

Now the growth was so large, Rodger could barely breathe.

Stream episode of Dr. Pimple Popper for free on 9Now.

“I used to look normal,” he chuckled. “Look at it now.”

For over a decade, the growth has caused pain for Rodger and impacted his everyday life. Now, he would be risking his life to remove it. 

“It itches a lot, and it’s heavy. I can’t breathe,” he revealed.

He can’t eat properly without moving the growth to the side. He can’t talk properly without lifting it up.

Despite his sense of humour, there was a heartbreaking reality to Rodger’s condition.

“I haven’t worked for a while because everybody gets scared of me… Everybody laughs at me,” he said.

READ MORE: Doctors shock as twin sisters Tracie and Stacie reveal secret they’ve kept hidden under their hair for 15 years

He “doesn’t feel comfortable” leaving the house.

”I would love to be around my family more,” he admitted. “I miss them. I wish I was back to normal.”

Rodger sought help from multiple hospitals but said he was turned away because he “didn’t have insurance.”

In an episode of Dr. Pimple Popper, he sought the help of dermatologist Sandra Lee, who was his “last hope”.

Dr. Lee was “shocked” to see “the most extensive and biggest case of rhinophyma I’ve ever seen.”

In the video below, she explains her diagnosis:

Her main concern was how exactly it was attached to his nose, which could impact whether the growths could be safely removed.

“This keeps getting more complicated the more I look at this,” she admitted. “I hope I can help you.”

READ MORE: Secrets of the LEGO Masters Brick Pit

With the help of specialist Dr. Bennett the pair would not only need to remove the growth but carefully reconstruct Rodger’s nose. But it was more risky than it seemed.

In a “heartbreaking” turn of events, Dr. Bennett and Dr. Lee had to stop the procedure. With the unexpected loss of blood, the surgery was becoming “too high risk”.

Seven months later he was transferred to a head and neck specialist where he would undergo general anesthesia and the life-changing procedure would be performed. 

“A man’s life is in our hands. This is an extremely risky procedure,” said Dr. Lee.

“When you wake up, how are you going to look?” asked the nurse.

“Handsome,” Rodger replied.

READ MORE: Doctor’s shock as man arrives with ‘world’s biggest cyst’ – and he’s been living with it for 37 years

With a lot of healing to do, Rodger would begin the first day of the rest of his life. 

“I’m happy, I just want to go out there on the streets and show myself,” he smiled.

“My whole life has changed.” 

To follow Rodger’s story and to see the results watch Season 3, Episode 12 and 13 of Dr. Pimple Popper on 9Now.

Stream episode of Dr. Pimple Popper for free on 9Now. 

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest news from your favourite shows via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.