Ricki Lake’s Stunning Facelift: 7 Shocking Details About Her Deep Plane Transformation After 40-Pound Weight Loss
The iconic talk show host and actress Ricki Lake has been transparent about the latest chapter in her decades-long transformation, confirming she underwent a significant cosmetic procedure to complement her recent, dramatic weight loss. As of December 2025, Lake is celebrating the stunning results of what she calls "one of the best decisions I ever made for myself," a comprehensive face and neck lift that has captivated fans and the media alike.
This procedure, which she openly discussed on its one-year anniversary in July 2025, was the final step in a powerful personal health journey. After losing over 40 pounds through diet and exercise—and notably refusing to use weight-loss medications like Ozempic—Lake opted for surgery to address the loose skin that resulted from her successful transformation, solidifying her commitment to health and self-acceptance.
Ricki Lake: A Quick Profile and Career Highlights
Ricki Pamela Lake is an American actress, television host, and producer whose career spans several genres, from cult classic films to groundbreaking daytime television. Born on September 21, 1968, her journey in the entertainment industry has always been marked by authenticity and a willingness to discuss personal topics.
- Full Name: Ricki Pamela Lake
- Born: September 21, 1968 (Age 57 as of late 2025)
- Birthplace: Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, U.S.
- Breakout Role: Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray. This role launched her career at just 18 years old.
- Talk Show Host: Hosted The Ricki Lake Show from 1993 to 2004. At 24, she was the youngest person to host a syndicated talk show at the time, focusing on younger audiences and relatable, often dramatic, topics.
- Television Work: She has appeared in numerous films and TV series, including a second run of The Ricki Lake Show (2012–2013) and competing on Dancing with the Stars.
- Personal Life: Lake is an advocate for body positivity and has been open about her struggles with weight and hair loss throughout her career. She is currently married to Ross Burningham.
The Decision: Why Ricki Lake Chose a Facelift After Weight Loss
For decades, Ricki Lake has been a champion for body acceptance, but her latest health drive was a deeply personal choice. Beginning in October 2023, the star embarked on a committed weight loss journey with her husband, shedding a significant 30 to 40 pounds through a combination of intermittent fasting and the keto diet.
The success of her weight loss, however, brought a common challenge for those over 50: excess, sagging skin. The rapid weight reduction left her with noticeable laxity around her jawline and neck, a phenomenon often referred to as "turkey neck" or jowling. She candidly admitted that while she was thrilled with her new physique, the loose skin was a persistent issue that diet and exercise alone could not fix.
In a move that highlighted her commitment to a natural approach, Lake publicly stated that she refused to use popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, opting instead for a dedicated lifestyle change. The facelift was not a shortcut, but rather a final, surgical refinement to reward her hard work and complete her physical transformation.
She described the surgery as "the icing on the cake" after achieving her fitness goals. This perspective reframed the cosmetic procedure not as vanity, but as a necessary step to align her outward appearance with her internal feeling of health and vitality.
The Specifics: Deep Plane Lower Face and Neck Lift Details
Ricki Lake did not opt for minor non-surgical treatments; she chose a highly effective, comprehensive surgical approach. On July 18th (the anniversary she celebrates), she underwent a procedure performed by renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Saul, that targeted the deeper structures of the face and neck.
The specific procedures she received included:
- Deep Plane Lower Face Lift: This advanced technique goes beneath the superficial muscle and fat layers (SMAS) to lift and reposition the deeper facial structures. Unlike a traditional SMAS lift, the deep plane technique achieves a more natural, longer-lasting result by releasing and repositioning the ligaments and muscles, effectively restoring a youthful contour to the cheeks and jawline.
- Neck Lift: This procedure specifically addresses the loose skin, fat, and muscle banding in the neck area, which was crucial for her after the significant weight loss. It eliminates the "waddle" and defines the angle between the chin and the neck.
- Mild CO2 Laser: A mild carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment was performed concurrently. This is a skin resurfacing technique used to improve the texture, minimize fine lines, and reduce the appearance of scarring, ensuring a smoother, more rejuvenated skin surface post-surgery.
Lake has been exceptionally open about the process, sharing before-and-after photos and discussing her recovery. She called the decision "brave" and expressed immense satisfaction with the results, stating that the surgery successfully addressed the skin laxity that her weight loss had created.
A Public Shift: The New Era of Transparency in Cosmetic Surgery
Ricki Lake’s candid discussion of her deep plane lift is part of a broader cultural shift among celebrities. For decades, plastic surgery was a closely guarded secret, but stars like Lake are choosing transparency, often sharing their journeys on social media. This openness helps demystify cosmetic surgery and allows them to control their own narrative.
By revealing the details of her procedure—the deep plane technique, the neck lift, and the CO2 laser—Lake provides valuable information to her audience. She has used her platform to highlight that cosmetic enhancements can be an integral part of a complete wellness and transformation journey, rather than a standalone procedure to simply stop aging.
Her experience serves as a powerful testament to the results achievable when significant weight loss is followed by targeted surgical intervention to address skin elasticity challenges. The 56-year-old actress and host has never looked healthier or happier, marking a renewed sense of confidence that is visible in her recent public appearances.
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