Honestly, Hollywood is usually the place where secrets go to hide, especially when it involves a surgeon's chair. We're used to the "it's just olive oil and sleep" routine. But then there's Ricki Lake. She just doesn't play that game. If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've likely seen the buzz about the Ricki Lake before and after facelift photos that she shared herself. She isn't just "looking refreshed"—she's being incredibly loud and proud about exactly how she got that jawline back.
It wasn't a mystery or a "leaked" tabloid photo. Ricki went on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and basically said, "Yeah, I did it, and it's the best thing ever."
Why Ricki Lake Decided to Go Under the Knife
The story doesn't actually start with a scalpel. It starts with a major lifestyle overhaul. Back in October 2023, Ricki and her husband, Ross Burningham, decided to get serious about their health. They didn't go the Ozempic route—which is almost unheard of in Malibu circles these days—but instead stuck to a strict keto diet, intermittent fasting, and hiking with weighted vests.
She lost over 40 pounds. That’s a massive achievement.
But here’s the thing about losing weight at 55: skin doesn't always snap back like a rubber band. Ricki was super blunt about it. She loved her new body and felt stronger than ever, but she hated the loose skin hanging under her chin. She knew that no amount of Pilates or expensive night creams was going to fix that "thing hanging" (her words, not mine).
The Specifics of the Procedure
On July 18, 2024, Ricki underwent a deep plane lower face and neck lift, along with a mild CO2 laser treatment to help with skin texture and scarring.
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If you aren't a plastic surgery nerd, a "deep plane" lift is different from the old-school "skin-only" facelifts that made people look like they were in a permanent wind tunnel. It goes deeper into the muscle layers, which is why she looks like herself, just... tighter.
- Surgeon: Dr. Allen Foulad (Beverly Hills)
- The Catalyst: 40-pound weight loss
- The Add-on: CO2 laser for that "icing on the cake" glow
- The Recovery: About 10 days of "real" downtime
Ricki shared photos of herself in bed with bandages wrapped around her head, husband by her side. It wasn’t glamorous. It looked like surgery. And that’s exactly why people are obsessed with her transparency.
The "Before" vs. The "After"
When you look at the Ricki Lake before and after facelift comparisons, the most striking change isn't her eyes or her forehead—it’s the neck and jawline.
Before the surgery, even at her thinnest, there was a visible heaviness in the lower face. It’s that classic "turkey neck" area that plagues almost everyone eventually. After the procedure, her jawline is sharp. Like, actually sharp.
What’s even crazier is the lack of visible scarring. During her interview with Andy Cohen, she literally pulled her hair back to show the camera that there were no tell-tale marks. It’s a testament to modern techniques, sure, but also to her willingness to show the world the "ugly" parts of healing.
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Owning the Narrative in 2026
We’ve moved into an era where "fake" is out and "honest" is in. Ricki's hair journey was the precursor to this. Remember when she shaved her head because of the decades of damage from Hairspray and talk show styling? She’s been building this brand of radical honesty for years.
She admits she was "extra cute" and loved herself even before the surgery. This wasn't about self-loathing or trying to look 25 again. It was about finishing a journey she started with her health.
"One year later, I look back on my brave choice and consider it one of the best decisions I ever made for myself." — Ricki Lake via Instagram.
Addressing the Stigma
There’s still this weird shame around cosmetic work. We see a celebrity look ten years younger overnight and we roll our eyes when they credit "hydration." Ricki is basically the antidote to that. She’s explicitly stated she wants to de-stigmatize the process.
If you have the means and it’s bothering you, why not fix it? That’s her vibe.
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What This Means for You
If you’re looking at Ricki and thinking about your own "thing hanging," there are a few takeaways. First, surgery is the "icing," not the cake. Ricki did the hard work of getting healthy first. A facelift on top of an unhealthy lifestyle isn't going to give those same vibrant results.
Also, research matters. Ricki followed a friend’s recommendation to find Dr. Foulad, a doctor who specialized in the natural-looking deep plane technique.
Steps to take if you're considering a similar path:
- Consult with Board-Certified Surgeons: Don't just look at Instagram; look at credentials.
- Be Patient with Weight Loss: If you're on a weight loss journey, wait until your weight has stabilized for at least six months before booking a lift.
- Focus on Skin Quality: Like Ricki, consider lasers or medical-grade skincare to complement the structural changes of a lift.
- Prepare for the "Ugly" Week: Have a support system (like Ricki’s husband Ross) to help when you’re swollen and bandaged.
Ricki Lake’s transformation is a masterclass in how to age on your own terms. She’s 57 now, rocking gray hair, a fit body, and a face that matches her energy. It’s not about perfection; it’s about feeling like the best version of the person you’ve worked hard to become.
Next Steps for Your Own Glow-Up:
If you're inspired by Ricki's transparency but aren't ready for surgery, you can start by focusing on skin elasticity through professional-grade retinoids and consistent sun protection. For those seriously considering a procedure, begin by researching "Deep Plane Facelift" specialists in your area to understand the structural differences compared to traditional lifts. Every face is different, so a personalized consultation is the only way to know what will actually work for your specific anatomy.