Plastic surgery is a broad field with procedures that can improve, restore, or change areas of the face and body. Some procedures are known as cosmetic, meaning they are chosen to improve how a person looks. Other procedures are reconstructive, meaning they help repair form or function after injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
People across Canada consider plastic surgery for many different concerns. For some people, the goal is to look more balanced. Some patients hope to restore their body after changes from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. Choosing the right procedure depends on anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and recovery needs.
Use this guide to understand the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, including facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. It also covers key questions to consider before a plastic surgery consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
In general, plastic surgery is grouped into cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic plastic surgery is focused on appearance. Most cosmetic procedures are elective, which means they are planned by choice rather than medical need.
Common reasons for cosmetic plastic surgery include:
- Creating better facial balance
- Reducing age-related changes
- Changing body proportions
- Improving volume changes after weight loss or pregnancy
- Improving the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Helping patients feel better in clothing
- Improving self-confidence while keeping results natural-looking
Cosmetic procedures in Canada are usually not covered by provincial health plans and are often paid for privately. Fees can vary based on the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and location.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Procedures
Reconstructive surgery helps repair or restore form and function. It may be needed after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Examples of reconstructive plastic surgery include:
- Breast reconstruction following mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction following tumour removal
- Cleft lip and palate reconstruction
- Burn injury reconstruction
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar treatment and revision
- Wound repair
- Surgery for facial trauma repair
- Surgery for congenital differences
When reconstructive procedures are medically necessary, some may be covered by a provincial health plan. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
Common Facial Plastic Surgery Options
Facial procedures may be used to improve balance, soften aging changes, and restore a rested look. Most patients do not want to look “different.” Good facial plastic surgery should often look natural and balanced.
Rhytidectomy, Commonly Called Facelift Surgery
Sagging in the lower face and jawline may be improved with a facelift, also called rhytidectomy. It may help with jowls, loose facial skin, and deeper folds around the mouth.
A facelift may address:
- Jowls near the jawline
- Skin laxity in the lower face
- Deep facial folds near the mouth
- Cheek tissue that has dropped
- Less clear separation between the face and neck
Modern facelift surgery often focuses on deeper support layers under the skin. This approach may help produce a smoother, longer-lasting result without making the face look pulled. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting.
Neck Lift Surgery, Also Called Platysmaplasty
A neck lift improves loose skin, muscle bands, and fullness under the chin. The medical term for tightening the neck muscle is platysmaplasty.
A neck lift may help with:
- Prominent neck bands
- Sagging neck skin
- An undefined jawline
- Fullness under the chin
- A hanging neck appearance
In some cases, the plan includes tightening both skin and muscle. Under-chin liposuction may be helpful for certain patients. Since aging often affects both the face and neck, a facelift and neck lift may be done in one plan.
Blepharoplasty, or Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, improves tired-looking eyes by removing or adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery can address:
- A weighted upper eyelid look
- Loose upper eyelid skin
- A tired-looking or aged appearance
- Extra skin that sits against the eyelashes
- Visual field concerns in some medical situations
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Under-eye bags
- Under-eye swelling or fullness
- Loose skin under the eyes
- Dark-looking shadows under the eyes
- A fatigued look that remains after sleep
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures because small changes around the eyes can make the whole face look more rested.
Brow Lift, Also Called Forehead Lift
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, raises a low or heavy brow. A brow lift can make the upper eye area look more open and reduce forehead heaviness.
A brow lift may address:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- Heavy upper eyelids caused by brow descent
- Forehead wrinkles
- Frown lines in the glabella area
- A tired, sad, or stern look
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. Depending on anatomy, a patient may need one procedure, the other, or both.
Nose Surgery Procedure (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. It can advanced plastic surgery be cosmetic, functional, or both.
Nose surgery can address concerns such as:
- A bump on the bridge
- Tip droop
- A boxy nasal tip
- A crooked nasal shape
- Overall nose size or projection
- Asymmetry in the nose
- Breathing issues related to structure
When breathing is a concern, surgery may include work on the septum, the wall between the nostrils. The medical term for septum surgery is septoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes appearance, while functional nasal surgery focuses on airflow.
Ear Surgery Procedure (Otoplasty)
The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. Otoplasty is often chosen for ears that stick out.
Ear surgery can help improve:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Uneven ears
- Prominent ear cartilage folds
- Ears that sit far from the head
- Earlobe appearance concerns
Otoplasty is common in adults and children. For younger patients, ear growth, maturity, and family goals help guide timing.
Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift shortens the space between the upper lip and the nose. This area is known as the upper lip length. A lip lift can improve upper lip show without adding dermal filler.
Common lip lift concerns include:
- Upper lip length that looks long
- Less upper tooth visibility with a smile
- A thin upper lip appearance
- Uneven lip balance
- Age-related changes around the mouth
Lip lift surgery differs from lip filler. Lip filler adds volume. A lip lift improves the upper lip by changing its position and visible shape.
Chin and Jawline Implant Surgery
Facial implants may improve balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery can improve facial profile balance when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other features.
Types of facial implant surgery may include:
- Surgical chin implants
- Surgical cheek implants
- Implants for the jawline
Chin surgery may be planned with rhinoplasty when the nose and chin both influence profile balance.
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. The fat is often taken from the abdomen or thighs, prepared, and then placed into the face.
Common facial fat grafting concerns include:
- Sunken-looking cheeks
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Lost facial volume due to aging
- Soft tissue volume loss
- Imbalance in facial volume
Fat grafting can support facial rejuvenation on its own or be combined with facelift surgery, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedures.
Types of Breast Plastic Surgery
Breast surgery is among the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Patients may want to increase breast volume, reduce breast size, lift the breasts, improve symmetry, or restore the breast after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. Breast augmentation may use either saline implants or silicone gel implants. The choice of implant depends on body type, breast tissue, goals, and surgeon guidance.
Patients may consider breast augmentation for:
- Small natural breast size
- Breast volume loss after pregnancy
- Breast volume loss after weight change
- Asymmetry between the breasts
- A fuller look in clothing
Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. A careful surgical plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift for Sagging Breasts
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises and reshapes breasts that have dropped. The main purpose is not to add volume. The procedure focuses on improving breast position and shape.
A breast lift may help with:
- Breasts that sag
- Nipples that sit low or point down
- Enlarged or stretched areolas
- Loose skin on the breasts
- Breast shape changes from pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients combine a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Some patients choose a breast lift without implants for a more natural result.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Patients may consider breast reduction for:
- Neck strain
- Shoulder strain
- Back pain
- Bra strap grooves
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Difficulty exercising
- Difficulty fitting bras or clothes
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary in some cases. Provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment all affect coverage.
Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Breast implant revision adjusts or replaces existing breast implants. Breast implant revision may be chosen for appearance-related reasons or medical issues.
Common reasons for breast implant revision include:
- Desire to change implant size
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, a firm scar tissue response around an implant
- Implant position changes
- Breast asymmetry
- Aging changes after breast augmentation
- A desire for implant removal
Implant removal may be combined with a breast lift. New implants may be chosen with a changed size, shape, or position.
Breast Reconstruction Procedure
Breast reconstruction restores breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy. Implants, natural tissue, or a mix of both may be used for breast reconstruction.
Types of breast reconstruction may include:
- Implant-based reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
- Rebuilding the nipple and areola
- Fat transfer to the breast
- Surgery to refine breast symmetry
This is a deeply personal choice. Some patients choose reconstruction. Other people prefer to remain flat. Both options are valid.
Gynecomastia Surgery for Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia surgery treats enlarged male breast tissue. Treatment may involve liposuction, gland tissue removal, or both.
Gynecomastia surgery may address:
- Puffy nipples
- Fullness under the areola
- Chest tissue fullness
- Male chest asymmetry
- Feeling self-conscious at the beach, gym, or in fitted shirts
The best technique depends on whether the fullness is caused by fat, gland tissue, loose skin, or a mix of these.
Body Contouring Plastic Surgery Procedures
Extra skin, stubborn fat, or loose tissue may be improved with body contouring surgery. Pregnancy, aging, and major weight loss are common reasons people consider body contouring.
Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, which are known as diastasis recti.
Tummy tuck surgery can help improve:
- Loose skin on the abdomen
- A lower abdominal overhang
- Stretch-marked skin below the belly button
- Abdominal muscle separation
- Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. The best candidates are often near a stable weight and want better abdominal contour.
Fat Reduction With Liposuction
Liposuction surgery uses a thin tube called a cannula to remove localized fat. It is used for body contouring, not general weight loss.
Patients may consider liposuction for:
- Abdomen
- Flank areas
- The hips
- Thigh contours
- The upper arms
- Back fullness
- Under the chin and neck
- The chest
- Knees
Good skin tone is important. When loose skin is present, liposuction alone may not create the desired contour. Skin removal surgery may be needed if loose skin is the main concern.
Customized Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a customized plan for body changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight change. This plan often brings together breast surgery and abdominal contouring.
A mommy makeover may include:
- Tummy tuck
- Breast lift surgery
- Breast augmentation surgery
- Reduction mammoplasty
- Body contouring with liposuction
- Fat grafting for contouring
Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. It is for anyone with similar body changes. Health, goals, recovery time, and future pregnancy plans all help guide the best approach.
Brachioplasty, or Arm Lift Surgery
An arm lift, also called brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the upper arms.
Common arm lift concerns include:
- Hanging skin under the arms
- Weight-loss-related arm skin looseness
- Aging-related arm laxity
- Avoiding sleeveless clothing
- Skin rubbing or irritation
The trade-off is a scar along the inner or back part of the arm. For many patients, better shape is worth the scar, but this should be discussed carefully.
Thigh Lift Surgery
A thigh lift removes extra loose skin from the thighs. It is often chosen after major weight loss.
Common thigh lift concerns include:
- Extra inner thigh skin
- Skin friction between the thighs
- Difficulty fitting pants
- Thigh heaviness caused by extra skin
- Thigh changes after weight loss or bariatric surgery
There are several thigh lift patterns. A surgeon chooses the pattern based on how much loose skin is present and where it is located.
Body Lift Surgery
Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. The procedure may improve several areas, including the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Patients may consider a body lift after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Bariatric surgery
- Pregnancy-related body changes
- Age-related skin laxity
Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. The best candidates are usually in good health and at a stable weight.
Body Fat Grafting
Fat grafting moves fat from one area of the body to another. It may be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Common treatment areas include:
- The breasts
- Buttocks
- Hip shape
- Facial soft tissue
- Contour changes after surgery or injury
Although fat grafting uses your own fat, not all transferred fat will survive. Results can change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Skin Lesion, Scar, and Surface Treatments
Beyond face, breast, and body surgery, plastic surgery may include skin, scar, and soft tissue procedures.
Surgical Scar Revision
The look or feel of a scar may be improved with scar revision. It may not remove the scar completely, but it can make it less raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Scar revision may address:
- Scarring after surgery
- Trauma scars
- Scarring after burns
- Thickened scars
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that pull during movement
Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Plastic Surgery for Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Plastic surgeons often remove benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when a careful closure is important. A medical assessment may be needed for some lesions to rule out skin cancer.
Patients may seek removal for:
- Irritation
- Growth
- Bleeding
- Appearance concerns
- Diagnostic testing
- Comfort in daily life
Any changing mole or suspicious skin lesion should be checked by a qualified medical professional.
Plastic Surgery After Skin Cancer
Reconstruction may be needed after skin cancer removal to close the area and restore appearance. This is common on the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction may involve:
- Simple direct closure
- Using a skin graft
- Local tissue flaps
- More advanced reconstruction
Skin cancer reconstruction aims to support safe cancer removal while protecting function and appearance.
Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical options can address early aging changes, facial lines, lost volume, and skin quality. Most non-surgical treatments have less downtime, but the results do not last as long as surgery.
Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
Selected facial muscles can be relaxed with BOTOX and other neuromodulators. They are often used for expression lines.
Patients may consider neuromodulators for:
- Expression lines between the brows
- Lines across the forehead
- Crow’s feet
- Small nose wrinkles
- Dimpling in the chin
- Neck bands in some cases
Results are temporary and usually need repeat treatments. A natural neuromodulator result should look softer and rested, not stiff or frozen.
Dermal Filler Treatments
Dermal fillers can restore or add volume. Many dermal fillers are made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance used to shape and support soft tissue.
Patients may consider fillers for:
- Lip enhancement
- Midface fullness
- The chin
- Jawline contour
- Under-eye hollowing
- Nasolabial folds
- Lines below the corners of the mouth
Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. To avoid an overfilled look, filler treatment should be planned carefully and conservatively.
Medical Chemical Peels
A chemical peel uses a controlled solution to improve the outer layers of skin.
Common chemical peel concerns include:
- Uneven colour
- Dull-looking skin
- Small fine lines
- Sun-damaged skin
- Mild post-acne marks
- Rough skin texture
Chemical peels can range from light treatments to deeper treatments. The type of peel affects recovery time.
Laser, IPL, and Radiofrequency Skin Treatments
Skin tone, redness, texture, hair growth, scars, and aging changes may be treated with laser and energy-based treatments.
Common options may include:
- Laser resurfacing for texture
- Intense pulsed light (IPL)
- Radiofrequency energy treatments
- Non-surgical skin tightening
- Laser-based hair reduction
- Laser treatment for small visible vessels
The right laser or energy treatment depends on skin type, skin tone, and the concern. For patients with darker skin tones, this is especially important because pigment changes can occur.
Skin Resurfacing With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
A deeper resurfacing option called dermabrasion removes outer layers of skin. Microdermabrasion treats the surface more gently and is not as deep.
These treatments may help with:
- Skin texture
- Light scarring
- Skin dullness
- Surface irregularity
- Fine lines
Skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance help determine the right choice.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgery Procedure
The right procedure should be chosen based on the concern, not just the procedure name. Sometimes patients come in wanting one treatment, but another procedure is a better match for their anatomy.
Common examples include:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- Loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position may cause a soft jawline.
- A full belly can involve extra fat, loose skin, diastasis recti, or internal weight.
- Breasts that look flat may need lifting, added volume, fat grafting, or more than one procedure.
- Under-eye bags may be caused by fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation.
The best plan usually starts with three questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which procedure best treats that cause?
- What trade-offs should be expected with that choice?
Every procedure has trade-offs, which may include scars, downtime, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
What Patients Often Worry About Before Surgery
Most patients feel a mix of emotions before plastic surgery. Excitement is common, but so are nerves. It is normal to worry about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and whether the result will look natural.
“Will I Still Look Like Myself?”
This is a very common worry. The goal for many people is to look refreshed while still looking like themselves. Natural-looking plastic surgery should respect your facial features, body frame, age, and personal style.
The goal is usually to improve balance, not chase perfection.
“What Is the Recovery Like?”
The recovery period depends on which procedure is done. Some non-surgical treatments have little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.
In general, patients should plan for:
- Swelling and bruising
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- Time away from work
- Follow-up visits
- Care for scars
- A gradual return to exercise
- Gradual settling before final results are seen
Recovery does not happen instantly. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“Will There Be Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. The goal is careful scar placement and strong scar healing.
Scar quality depends on:
- Family scar tendencies
- Skin tone
- The type of procedure
- The incision location
- How much tension is on the wound
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Exposure to the sun
- Post-surgery aftercare
Scars usually fade with time, but they do not disappear completely.
“How Safe Is Plastic Surgery?”
Every surgery has risk. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Safety is influenced by:
- Your overall health
- Your current medications
- Use of tobacco or nicotine
- The type of procedure
- The facility where surgery is done
- How anesthesia is managed
- The training and experience of the surgeon
- Care after the procedure
A good consultation should explain benefits, risks, alternatives, and what is realistic.
Plastic Surgery in Canada
Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. Understanding medical credentials is important because marketing terms can be confusing.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon in Canada
Training and credentials should be a major part of choosing a plastic surgeon in Canada. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Before choosing a surgeon, patients can ask:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise medicine in this province?
- Do you perform this procedure often?
- What facility will be used for the procedure?
- Who provides anesthesia?
- What are my personal risks with this procedure?
- Who do I contact if I have a complication?
- How often will I be seen after surgery?
- Do you have examples of patients with similar concerns?
These questions are not meant to be difficult. It is about knowing what to expect before moving forward.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
Plastic surgery pricing in Canada varies widely. Procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location can all affect price.
Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Costs may vary in smaller Canadian cities, but price should not outweigh safety, training, and follow-up care.
A very low price can be a warning sign if it means corners are being cut on safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare.
Medical Tourism vs. Surgery in Canada
Lower-cost surgery outside Canada may appeal to some Canadians. This may seem appealing, but there are extra risks to think about.
Risks or challenges with medical tourism may include:
- Less access to follow-up care
- Travel during early recovery
- Infection risk
- Different medical standards
- Hard-to-get records
- Difficulty finding care for complications at home
- Difficulty communicating clearly
- Revision surgery costs
Having surgery closer to home can make follow-up easier, especially if swelling, healing concerns, or complications occur.
How to Prepare for a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. A consultation should not feel rushed or pressured.
You can prepare for the visit by doing the following:
- List your main concerns before the visit.
- Bring a list of medications and supplements.
- Share your health and medical history honestly.
- Tell the truth about smoking, vaping, cannabis, and nicotine use.
- Bring photos if they help explain your goals.
- Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Find out what result is realistic for your anatomy.
Your consultation should include a clear review of your options. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Good Candidates for Plastic Surgery
A good candidate is usually someone who is healthy, informed, and realistic. Realistic patients understand that surgery can help appearance, but it cannot make life perfect or solve every issue.
You may be a suitable candidate if:
- You are medically well enough for surgery
- You have a specific concern
- Your weight is stable if you are considering body surgery
- You do not smoke or can stop before and after surgery
- You know what to expect during recovery
- You are comfortable with the risks and limits
- You are not doing it because of pressure from another person
- Your expectations are realistic
A safer plan may involve waiting if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing unstable health, or feeling pressured.
Can Plastic Surgery Procedures Be Combined?
It may be safe to combine some procedures. In some cases, procedures should be separated into different surgeries. Combining procedures may reduce total recovery time, but it can also increase surgical time and healing demands.
Plastic surgery procedures that are often combined include:
- Facelift with neck lift
- Combining eyelid surgery and brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Breast lift with augmentation
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- Combined mommy makeover procedures
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Facial fat grafting as part of facial surgery
The safest plan depends on your health, procedure length, anesthesia, recovery support, and risk level.
Summary of Plastic Surgery Procedures in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Reconstructive options may repair tissue after cancer, injury, burns, or medical conditions. Wrinkles, volume loss, skin texture, and early aging changes may also be improved with non-surgical treatments.
A trending procedure is not always the right procedure. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
A responsible approach should be built around safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care. If you are considering eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, start by learning what each option can and cannot do.