56-Year-Old Actress Reveals Her Facelift Before-and-After Photos: “The Best Facelift Result I’ve Ever Seen”

Actress Ricki Lake (56), best known for her role in the 2007 film Hairspray, has shared her facelift transformation by posting before-and-after photos on social media.

On July 18 (local time), Lake uploaded several photos to Instagram with the caption, “Exactly one year ago today, I made a big decision.” She revealed that one year earlier, on July 18, she underwent a lower facelift, neck lift, and a light laser treatment.

She wrote, “Thanks to my incredible medical team, I’ve become the best version of myself.”

Lake explained that she chose to have the surgery after losing approximately 18 kg (40 lbs) through weight loss. Although she was pleased with the weight reduction, she experienced significant skin laxity beneath her chin.

"After losing the weight, the skin under my chin sagged dramatically," she said. "At 55 years old, I knew my skin wouldn't naturally regain its elasticity, so I decided to have a facelift."

The before-and-after photos show a noticeable improvement. Before surgery, loose skin was visible beneath her jawline. After surgery, she displayed a much more defined jawline and firmer neck contour.

Many social media users praised the results, leaving comments such as, “You look so much happier,” and “This is the best facelift result I've ever seen.”

According to Dr. Insoo Kirk of Onul Plastic Surgery, the procedure Lake underwent is a traditional facelift technique. During the operation, the surgeon repositions multiple anatomical layers of the face rather than simply tightening the skin, helping to smooth wrinkles and restore youthful facial contours.

Dr. Kirk explained that a lower facelift is commonly performed to improve jawline definition and reduce marionette lines, which develop from sagging tissue around the corners of the mouth.

Facelift techniques vary depending on the area being treated. For example, surgery targeting the nasolabial folds is typically performed through an incision in front of the ear, while forehead lifting procedures often involve an incision hidden behind the hairline to smooth deep forehead wrinkles and slightly elevate the eyebrows for a more youthful appearance.

Facelifts are also frequently combined with neck lift surgery, as the incision sites for both procedures overlap considerably.

Dr. Kirk also emphasized that patients should follow specific postoperative precautions. Facial muscle movement should be minimized during the early recovery period. Patients who undergo a lower facelift are advised to limit mouth movement, speak as little as possible for the first one to two days, and eat soft foods.

For patients who undergo a neck lift, excessive neck rotation should be avoided. Instead of turning the neck, patients should turn their entire body when looking to the side. Those who undergo midface lifting procedures should also avoid excessive smiling during the initial healing phase.

Although Lake achieved an excellent outcome, facelift surgery—like any surgical procedure—can involve potential risks. Possible complications include temporary sensory changes, swelling related to facial nerve irritation, infection, and, in rare cases, skin necrosis. Experts recommend thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to develop an individualized surgical plan before proceeding.