Jackée Harry, the beloved actress known for her vibrant personality and decades-long career, has recently shared intimate details about her decision to undergo a deep-plane facelift. At 69, the Sister, Sister star is opening up about her journey toward reclaiming her confidence and why this transformative procedure has helped her feel more authentic than ever.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Tonight, Harry revealed that she underwent the extensive surgery last fall, describing her desire to have her skin "yanked" and "snatched" back to its former state. The procedure, which represents one of the most advanced techniques in facial rejuvenation, was performed by Dr. Patrick Davis, who explained that this method essentially "resets your tissues back to where they once were."
The Deep-Plane Facelift Explained
Unlike traditional facelift techniques that primarily tighten the skin's surface, the deep-plane approach works on a more fundamental level. Dr. Davis elaborated that the surgery can take up to four hours to complete and involves repositioning the underlying facial structures to create more natural, longer-lasting results. This comprehensive transformation comes with a significant price tag, ranging from $40,000 to $250,000 depending on various factors.
Harry's journey toward this decision wasn't impulsive. The actress admitted she had been contemplating the procedure for at least two years, engaging in ongoing conversations with her surgeon to ensure she understood every aspect of the process. This careful consideration reflects a growing trend among celebrities who are increasingly transparent about their cosmetic enhancements rather than maintaining an air of mystery.
Looking to Legends for Inspiration
When exploring her options, Harry didn't look far for inspiration. She studied the results of other iconic women who had maintained their elegance through the years, including Kris Jenner, Jane Fonda, and the late Diahann Carroll. The latter, in fact, had given Harry advice years ago that stuck with her.
Harry recalled a conversation with Carroll, who told her, "You should have it done at 35. Do little stuff." At the time, Harry responded, "Oh, I'm gonna get it, but I'm terrified of pain, I don't want the mirror cracked." This exchange reveals the long-standing internal debate many individuals face when considering cosmetic procedures—the balance between desire and fear.
Her boyfriend offered a different perspective, telling her, "You don't need it. Use what God gave you." While his words came from a place of love and acceptance, Harry ultimately realized that her desire for change was about her own self-perception, not others' opinions.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change
The decision to move forward with the surgery required Harry to confront her anxieties head-on. "When you constantly want something that bad, you've got to do it," she reflected. "And I discovered I wanted it that bad." This realization became the turning point that transformed her years of contemplation into action.
One of her primary concerns was whether she would still recognize herself after such a dramatic procedure. "Am I going to look the same?" she wondered before the surgery. This fear of losing one's identity through cosmetic alteration is common, yet Harry's experience proved these worries unfounded. She enthusiastically praised Dr. Davis's work, emphatically stating, "I'm still me."
The Psychological Impact
Perhaps most significantly, Harry revealed that she experiences body dysmorphia, a condition that affects how individuals perceive their appearance. For her, the facelift wasn't about chasing an impossible ideal but rather about aligning her external appearance with her internal sense of self.
"I have no qualms about how old I am or who I am," Harry asserted. "This helps it. Boosts it. Pushes it forward. So why not?" This statement encapsulates a refreshing perspective on aging and cosmetic enhancement—one that prioritizes personal comfort and confidence over societal judgment.
However, Harry remains mindful of the potential pitfalls of cosmetic procedures. She acknowledged the fine line between enhancement and addiction, noting, "You start doing the face that you're gonna wanna start doing the breasts, then you wanna do the waist, so you gotta be careful to not be addicted." This self-awareness demonstrates her thoughtful approach to the process, recognizing when enough is enough.
Looking Toward the Future
As she continues to heal and see the final results emerge, Harry has one particular milestone in mind. The actress shared that the first glamorous moment she's anticipating is to "walk down the aisle" alongside her boyfriend, whom she describes as "younger." This romantic aspiration highlights how the procedure has contributed to her sense of vitality and readiness for life's next chapter.
Harry's openness about her experience comes at a time when conversations about cosmetic surgery are evolving. Rather than treating these procedures as taboo secrets, many public figures are now sharing their stories to demystify the process and help others make informed decisions.
A Career Still Going Strong
The actress currently portrays Paulina Price on Days of Our Lives, a role she has held since 2021. The series streams on Peacock, introducing Harry to new generations of viewers while she continues to captivate longtime fans. Her decision to undergo the facelift demonstrates that personal enhancement and professional longevity can go hand in hand, challenging outdated notions that aging actresses must simply fade away.
Harry's story resonates because it balances aspiration with realism, glamour with groundedness. She didn't claim the procedure solved all her problems or transformed her into someone else. Instead, she emphasized that it helped her feel more like herself—a nuanced distinction that speaks to the heart of why many choose cosmetic enhancement.
In an industry that often prizes youth above all else, Harry's transparency about her age, her insecurities, and her choices represents a form of empowerment. By owning her decision and sharing both the practical details and emotional journey, she's contributing to a more honest dialogue about beauty, aging, and self-care in the public eye.
The actress's experience serves as a reminder that cosmetic procedures, when approached thoughtfully and for the right reasons, can be a tool for self-expression rather than a mask of insecurity. Her story encourages others to make choices based on their own desires and well-being, rather than external pressure or unrealistic expectations.