Ricki Lake has openly admitted that her decision to undergo a facelift nearly two years ago was made impulsively, with minimal research, following a significant 40-pound weight loss. The 57-year-old actress and television personality discussed this candidly during a recent episode of the Inside Edit podcast, hosted by celebrity stylist Maeve Reilly.
An Impulsive Decision with Lasting Impact
Lake, best known for her role in Hairspray, revealed that she booked the procedure without thorough investigation. "I didn't do any research when I decided very impulsively to have my face done," she confessed. The process moved quickly: after a friend's recommendation, she consulted with a doctor in mid-June and scheduled the surgery for July 18, never looking back.
Motivation Behind the Procedure
The star explained that her weight loss, which brought her to a goal weight of 130lbs, left her with sagging skin under her chin. "It wasn't just that I didn't like what I saw or wanted to look younger. I have gray hair. It's not about that," Lake clarified. She described the issue as an "appendage hanging" that wouldn't naturally tighten, especially at her age of 55 at the time.
Positive Experience and Recovery
Despite the impulsive nature of the decision, Lake called it an "amazing experience." She noted a remarkably quick healing process, hosting an event at the Academy Museum just two weeks post-surgery and looking "flawless." The procedure, a lower face and neck lift performed by Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Allen Foulad, left no visible scarring, which Lake proudly highlighted.
Transparency and Stigma
Lake has been vocal about her journey, first revealing the facelift on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen last year. She emphasized her commitment to transparency, stating, "I love that I can talk about it. I'm fully transparent, always have been, but I don't want there to be any stigma." On the one-year anniversary in July, she shared before-and-after photos on Instagram, calling it "one of the best decisions I ever made for myself."
Weight Loss Achievements
In January 2025, Lake disclosed that she reached her goal weight without using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, unlike some celebrities. "I did not go on any drug because I wasn't prediabetic," she told Us Weekly, though she acknowledged such medications as "game changers" for others. Her weight loss strategy included a strict keto diet, Pilates classes, daily two-mile hikes with a weighted vest, and prioritizing sleep and a low-stress lifestyle, tracked with her Oura ring.
Reflections and Future Outlook
Lake reflected on her journey, stating she felt "extra cute" and loved herself regardless of the skin issue, especially after getting in the best shape of her life. She remains an "open book," encouraging openness about cosmetic procedures and personal health choices. Her story underscores the complexities of body image, aging, and the pressures faced by public figures in the entertainment industry.
