Plastic surgery includes many procedures that can change, rebuild, or improve the face and body. Some procedures are cosmetic, which means they are chosen to improve appearance. Reconstructive procedures are used to help repair form or function after concerns such as injury, cancer, birth differences, burns, or medical conditions.
In Canada, people search for plastic surgery for many reasons. Some want to look more refreshed. For others, the goal is to restore body shape after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. For some patients, the need is related to trauma, skin cancer, breast cancer, or a congenital concern. The best procedure depends on your anatomy, goals, health, lifestyle, and available recovery time.
This page explains the main types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada, with sections on facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring, reconstructive surgery, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The guide also explains important points to review before booking a consultation.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Most plastic surgery procedures fall into two broad groups, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic plastic surgery deals with appearance-related goals. These procedures are usually elective, meaning they are chosen by the patient and are not medically required.
Common cosmetic goals may include:
- Creating a more balanced face
- Softening signs of aging
- Creating a more balanced body shape
- Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy
- Refining the nose, eyelids, ears, lips, breasts, abdomen, arms, or thighs
- Supporting a better fit in clothing
- Helping confidence through natural-looking improvements
Most cosmetic procedures in Canada are paid for privately. Fees are affected by factors such as the procedure, surgeon, facility, anesthesia plan, follow-up care, and city or province.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Canada
Reconstructive plastic surgery is focused on restoring form and function. Patients may need reconstructive surgery after cancer surgery, trauma, burns, infections, birth differences, or medical conditions.
Common examples include:
- Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
- Skin cancer reconstruction after tumour removal
- Cleft lip and palate surgery
- Reconstruction after burns
- Surgery for hand function or repair
- Scar improvement surgery
- Wound repair
- Repair after facial trauma
- Surgery for congenital differences
Some reconstructive procedures may be covered by a provincial health plan when they are medically necessary. Procedures done only to improve appearance are usually not covered.
Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures
Facial plastic surgery may improve facial balance, soften signs of aging, and help restore a refreshed look. The goal is often not to look “different.” The best facial surgery results often look natural and balanced.
Facelift Procedure (Rhytidectomy)
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. This procedure may soften jowls, tighten loose facial skin, and improve deeper folds around the mouth.
Common facelift concerns include:
- Softness or jowling at the jawline
- Sagging skin in the lower face
- Deeper smile lines
- 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. That deeper support can help create a smoother result that lasts longer and avoids a pulled look. 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 is used to improve neck skin laxity, muscle bands, and under-chin fullness. Platysmaplasty is the medical term for tightening the neck muscle.
Patients may consider a neck lift for:
- Visible neck bands
- Loose skin on the neck
- Soft jawline definition
- Submental fullness
- A “turkey neck” look
Skin and muscle tightening may both be needed in certain patients. For patients with extra fat but good skin tone, liposuction under the chin may help. In many cases, the face and neck age together, so a facelift and neck lift may be planned at the same time.
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
Tired-looking eyes may be improved with eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, by adjusting extra skin, fat, or tissue around the eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery may help with:
- Heavy upper lids
- Redundant upper eyelid skin
- A tired or aged look
- Eyelid skin that hangs over the lashes
- Vision concerns in some medical cases
Lower eyelid surgery can address:
- Bags under the eyes
- Under-eye swelling or fullness
- Extra skin below the eyes
- Shadowing under the eyes
- A tired appearance that does not improve with sleep
Eyelid surgery is one of the most common facial procedures plastic surgery in my area because small eye-area changes can make the face look more rested.
Brow Lift Surgery (Forehead Lift)
A low or heavy brow may be raised with a brow lift, also called a forehead lift. It may improve the upper eye area and reduce forehead heaviness.
Patients may consider a brow lift for:
- A heavy, lowered brow
- Heavy upper lids from brow descent
- Forehead lines
- Lines between the brows
- A tired, sad, or stern expression
A brow lift is different from eyelid surgery. A brow lift focuses on eyebrow position, while eyelid surgery focuses on extra eyelid skin. Many patients need either one procedure or the other, while some benefit from both.
Rhinoplasty for Nose Shape and Breathing
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, changes the shape, size, or structure of the nose. Depending on the patient, rhinoplasty can be cosmetic, functional, or a combination.
Rhinoplasty may help with:
- A nasal bridge bump
- Tip droop
- A wide nasal tip
- A nose that is not straight
- Overall nose size or projection
- An uneven-looking nose
- Breathing issues related to structure
If breathing is part of the problem, the septum, which is the wall between the nostrils, may need treatment. That procedure is known as septoplasty. Appearance is the focus of cosmetic rhinoplasty, while airflow is the focus of functional nasal surgery.
Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
The shape, position, or size of the ears may be changed with ear surgery, also called otoplasty. Prominent ears that stick out may be improved with otoplasty.
Ear surgery can help improve:
- Noticeably prominent ears
- Ears that do not match well
- Ear folds that look large
- Ears with too much projection
- Earlobe concerns
Both adults and children may choose or need otoplasty. For children, the timing depends on ear growth, maturity, and family goals.
Lip Lift Surgery
A lip lift reduces the space between the upper lip and the nose. The distance is called the upper lip length. By changing lip position, a lip lift can make the upper lip more visible without adding volume with filler.
Common lip lift concerns include:
- A longer upper lip
- Less visible upper teeth when smiling
- An upper lip that looks thin
- Lip proportions that feel unbalanced
- Mouth-area aging changes
A lip lift should not be confused with lip filler. Filler adds volume. A lip lift changes the position and shape of the upper lip.
Chin, Jawline, and Facial Implant Surgery
Implants can be used to improve facial balance in the chin, cheeks, or jawline. Chin surgery is often used when the chin looks small compared with the nose or other facial features.
Facial implants may involve:
- Surgical chin implants
- Cheek implants
- Implants for the jawline
Because the nose and chin affect how the face looks from the side, chin surgery may sometimes be combined with rhinoplasty.
Fat Grafting to the Face
Facial fat transfer restores volume using a patient’s own fat. Fat is usually taken from areas such as the abdomen or thighs, processed, and placed into the face.
Common facial fat grafting concerns include:
- Loss of cheek fullness
- Under-eye volume loss
- Age-related facial volume loss
- Soft tissue thinning
- Imbalance in facial volume
Depending on the goal, fat grafting may be used alone or as part of a facelift, eyelid surgery, or other facial procedure.
Plastic Surgery Procedures for the Breasts
Breast surgery is one of the most common areas of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in Canada. Some patients want more volume, less size, a breast lift, better symmetry, or breast restoration after cancer surgery.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and shape. Breast implants may be saline or silicone gel. Body type, breast tissue, personal goals, and surgeon guidance all help determine implant choice.
Breast augmentation surgery can help improve:
- A naturally small breast shape
- Volume loss after pregnancy
- Volume loss after weight change
- Breast size or shape imbalance
- Desire for more fullness in clothing
Patients often worry that breast augmentation may look too large or unnatural. A careful plan should consider chest width, skin quality, lifestyle, and long-term maintenance.
Breast Lift Procedure
Breasts that have dropped can be raised and reshaped with a breast lift, also called mastopexy. A breast lift does not mainly increase breast volume. Its main goal is better breast position and shape.
Common breast lift concerns include:
- Lower breast position
- Nipples that point downward
- Areolas that have stretched
- Extra breast skin
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
Some patients choose a breast lift with implants for more upper breast fullness. Others prefer a lift without implants for a natural result.
Reduction Mammoplasty
Breast reduction removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to make the breasts smaller, lighter, and more balanced.
Common breast reduction concerns include:
- Chronic neck pain
- Shoulder discomfort
- Back discomfort
- Grooves from bra straps
- Skin rubbing beneath the breasts
- Trouble exercising
- Problems with clothing fit
In Canada, breast reduction may be considered medically necessary for some patients. Coverage depends on provincial rules, symptoms, and medical assessment.
Revision Breast Implant Surgery
Surgery to adjust or replace existing breast implants is called breast implant revision. It may be needed for cosmetic reasons or medical concerns.
Common breast implant revision concerns include:
- Desire to change implant size
- Implant rupture
- Capsular contracture, which is firm scar tissue around an implant
- Breast implant movement
- Breast asymmetry
- Natural aging changes after breast implants
- Breast implant removal
Some patients choose to remove implants and have a lift. Others choose new implants with a different size, shape, or placement.
Breast Reconstruction Surgery
The breast may be rebuilt after mastectomy or lumpectomy with breast reconstruction. It may use implants, natural tissue, or a combination.
Breast reconstruction options may include:
- Breast reconstruction with implants
- Breast reconstruction with natural tissue flaps
- Nipple and areola reconstruction
- Fat grafting for contour improvement
- Revision surgery for symmetry
The choice around breast reconstruction is personal. Many patients want breast reconstruction. Some patients choose a flat closure instead. Either choice can be valid.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction, also called gynecomastia surgery, treats enlarged male breast tissue. Liposuction, gland removal, or a combination may be used.
Male breast reduction can help improve:
- Puffy nipples
- Firm tissue beneath the nipple-areola area
- A fuller male chest
- Male chest asymmetry
- Self-consciousness in swimwear, gym settings, or fitted clothing
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
Body contouring surgery improves shape by removing extra skin, reducing stubborn fat, or tightening tissue. It is often considered after pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes extra abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall. It can also repair separated abdominal muscles, known as diastasis recti.
A tummy tuck may address:
- Sagging abdominal skin
- A lower stomach apron
- Stretch-marked lower belly skin
- Separated core muscles
- Stomach changes after pregnancy or weight loss
A tummy tuck is not meant to be a weight-loss procedure. Patients usually do best when they are close to a stable weight and want to improve abdominal shape.
Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction removes localized fat using a thin tube called a cannula. It is used for body contouring rather than general weight loss.
Liposuction may be used on areas such as:
- Abdomen
- Flanks, also called love handles
- Hip area
- Thigh areas
- The upper arms
- Back fullness
- The chin and neck
- Chest area
- Knee area
Good skin tone is important. Liposuction alone may not be enough when the skin is loose. 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.
Mommy makeover options may include:
- A tummy tuck procedure
- Surgical breast lifting
- Surgical breast enhancement
- Breast reduction surgery
- Fat reduction with liposuction
- Fat transfer for volume
Although the name suggests otherwise, the procedure is not only for mothers. Anyone with similar changes may consider this type of plan. A safe plan depends on the patient’s health, goals, recovery time, and plans for future pregnancy.
Arm Lift for Loose Upper Arm Skin
An arm lift or brachioplasty improves upper arm shape by removing loose skin.
Arm lift surgery can help improve:
- Hanging upper arm skin
- Loose skin after weight loss
- Aging changes in the arms
- Feeling uncomfortable in sleeveless tops
- Skin rubbing and irritation
A scar along the inner or back arm is the key trade-off with brachioplasty. Because the scar is permanent, patients should carefully discuss whether the improved shape is worth it.
Inner Thigh Lift
A thigh lift removes extra loose skin from the thighs. Many patients choose it after major weight loss.
Thigh lift surgery can help improve:
- Loose inner thigh skin
- Chafing from loose thigh skin
- Trouble with pants fit
- A heavy feeling from extra skin
- Post-weight-loss or post-bariatric thigh changes
Thigh lift surgery can be done with different patterns. The best thigh lift pattern depends on skin amount and the location of the looseness.
Body Lift Surgery
Body lift surgery is used to remove loose skin around the lower body. It may improve the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, buttocks, and lower back.
Body lift surgery may be helpful after:
- Substantial weight loss
- Bariatric surgery
- Post-pregnancy body changes
- Aging-related lower-body skin looseness
Because it is a larger surgery, recovery takes more time. Before a body lift, patients should be healthy overall and close to a stable weight.
Body Contouring With Fat Transfer
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, moves fat from one part of the body to another. It may be used to add natural volume or improve contour.
Common treatment areas include:
- Breast volume
- The buttocks
- Hips
- The face
- Contour irregularities after surgery or injury
Your own tissue is used in fat grafting, but not every transferred fat cell survives. Results can change over time, and more than one session may be needed.
Procedures for Skin, Scars, and Surface Concerns
Plastic surgery also includes treatments for the skin surface, scars, and soft tissue.
Scar Revision Surgery
Scar revision improves the look or feel of a scar. Scar revision may not erase a scar, but it can improve scars that are raised, tight, wide, or noticeable.
Common scar revision concerns include:
- Surgery-related scars
- Injury-related scars
- Burn-related scars
- Raised or thick scars
- Restrictive scars
- Scars that limit movement
Treatment may include surgery, copyright injections, laser treatment, silicone therapy, or a combination.
Removal of Moles, Cysts, and Skin Lesions
Plastic surgery may be chosen for benign skin lesions, cysts, moles, and lumps when the closure should be as careful as possible. Certain lesions should be checked medically to rule out skin cancer.
Skin lesion removal may be done for:
- Skin irritation
- A growing lesion
- Bleeding from the lesion
- Cosmetic reasons
- Medical diagnosis
- Physical comfort
If a mole changes or a skin lesion looks suspicious, it should be assessed 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. Reconstruction is especially common on visible or delicate areas such as the face, nose, eyelids, ears, lips, scalp, and hands.
Skin cancer reconstruction can involve:
- Closing the area directly
- Skin graft reconstruction
- Moving nearby tissue with a local flap
- Advanced reconstructive techniques
The goal is safe cancer removal while preserving function and appearance as much as possible.
Common Non-Surgical Cosmetic Options
Some patients can meet their goals without surgery. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments may help with early signs of aging, facial lines, volume loss, and skin quality. These treatments usually involve less downtime, but results are more temporary.
BOTOX and Neuromodulators
BOTOX and other neuromodulators work by relaxing selected facial muscles. They are often used for expression lines.
Common areas include:
- Glabellar frown lines
- Forehead expression lines
- Outer eye wrinkles
- Nose bunny lines
- Peau d’orange chin texture
- Neck muscle bands in some situations
Neuromodulator results are temporary, so maintenance appointments are often part of the plan. Treatment should often create a softer, more rested look instead of a frozen appearance.
Dermal Fillers
Volume can be restored or added with dermal fillers. They are often made with hyaluronic acid, a gel-like substance that shapes and supports soft tissue.
Dermal fillers may treat:
- Lip shape
- The cheeks
- Chin contour
- The jawline
- Hollowing under the eyes
- Lines from the nose to the mouth
- Lines from the mouth corners toward the chin
Good filler planning depends on the right product, careful injection technique, facial anatomy, and clear goals. A conservative plan matters because overfilling can create an unnatural look.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peel treatment uses a controlled solution to refresh the outer skin layers.
Chemical peel treatments can help improve:
- Uneven skin tone
- Tired-looking skin
- Mild lines
- Photoaging
- Light acne marks
- Skin texture concerns
Peel strength can range from light to deeper treatments. The type of peel affects recovery time.
Laser Skin Treatments and Energy-Based Procedures
Laser and energy-based procedures can address skin tone, redness, texture, unwanted hair growth, scars, and signs of aging.
Common options may include:
- Laser skin resurfacing
- IPL skin treatment
- RF skin treatments
- Skin tightening treatments
- Laser-based hair reduction
- Laser treatment for redness and broken vessels
A safe plan should match the treatment to skin type, skin tone, and the specific concern. This is especially important for patients with darker skin tones because pigment changes can be a risk.
Skin Resurfacing With Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion is a deeper resurfacing procedure that removes outer skin layers. Compared with dermabrasion, microdermabrasion is lighter and more superficial.
Patients may consider these treatments for:
- Surface texture
- Minor acne scarring
- Dullness
- Uneven skin feel
- Fine surface lines
The right choice depends on skin quality, goals, downtime, and risk tolerance.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgery Option
Choosing the right procedure starts with the concern, not the procedure name. It is common for patients to ask about one procedure and discover that another option may better suit their anatomy.
Examples include:
- Heavy upper lids may be caused by extra eyelid skin, a low brow, or both.
- A soft jawline can come from loose skin, neck bands, fat, or chin position.
- Fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or internal weight may cause abdominal fullness.
- Flat-looking breasts may need a lift, implants, fat grafting, or a combination.
- Fat pads, hollowing, skin laxity, or pigmentation may contribute to under-eye bags.
A clear plastic surgery plan should answer three key questions:
- What is the cause of the concern?
- Which option is the best match for that cause?
- What trade-offs come with that option?
Trade-offs can include scars, recovery time, swelling, cost, maintenance, and possible complications.
Plastic Surgery Fears and Questions
Mixed feelings are normal before a plastic surgery procedure. Feeling excited and anxious at the same time is common. Concerns about safety, pain, scars, recovery, cost, and natural results are very common.
“Will the Result Still Look Like Me?”
This concern comes up often. Patients often want a rested look, not a changed identity. 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.
“How Much Downtime Will I Need?”
Downtime varies by procedure. Non-surgical treatments may need little or no downtime. Larger surgeries, such as tummy tuck, body lift, or mommy makeover, need more planning.
In general, patients should plan for:
- Bruising and swelling
- Restrictions on exercise or lifting
- Time away from work
- Follow-up visits
- Scar care
- A staged return to physical activity
- A result that improves as swelling settles
Surgical healing is gradual. For many procedures, results continue to refine over weeks and months.
“Will I Have Scars?”
Any surgical cut leaves some type of scar. Surgeons aim to place scars carefully and support good healing.
Many factors affect scar quality, including:
- Genetics
- Skin colour and tone
- Which procedure is done
- Where the incision is placed
- Pulling on the healing incision
- Smoking status
- Exposure to the sun
- Scar aftercare
Scars usually fade over time, but they do not disappear completely.
“Is Cosmetic Surgery Safe?”
Every surgery has risk. Risks may include bleeding, infection, poor scarring, anesthesia problems, asymmetry, delayed healing, numbness, fluid buildup, and dissatisfaction with the result.
Surgical safety depends on several factors, including:
- General health
- Your current medications
- Smoking or nicotine use
- The planned procedure
- The facility where surgery is done
- The anesthesia approach
- The training and experience of the surgeon
- Your aftercare and follow-up
A careful consultation should review benefits, risks, alternatives, and realistic expectations.
Important Plastic Surgery Information for Canadian Patients
Across Canada, plastic surgery is overseen through licensing, provincial colleges, hospital systems, surgical facilities, and professional standards. It is important to understand the difference between marketing language and recognized medical training.
Finding a Qualified Plastic Surgeon
If you are researching plastic surgery in Canada, look closely at training and credentials. The surgeon should have medical training, surgical training, and certification in the specialty of plastic surgery.
Patients should ask:
- Do you have certification in plastic surgery?
- Are you licensed to practise in this province?
- Is this a procedure you perform regularly?
- Which surgical facility will be used?
- What type of anesthesia is used and who provides it?
- Which risks are most relevant to me?
- What is the plan if there is a complication?
- How many follow-up visits are included?
- May I see before-and-after examples for similar procedures?
This is not about challenging the surgeon. It is about making an informed choice.
Canadian Cosmetic Surgery Pricing
The cost of cosmetic surgery in Canada can vary a lot. Pricing depends on procedure complexity, surgeon experience, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or devices, garments, follow-up care, and location.
Large Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Montreal, may have higher fees because overhead and demand are higher. Pricing may be different in smaller cities, but the lowest cost should not be the main deciding factor.
A very low price may be a warning sign if safety, training, facility standards, or aftercare are being reduced.
Medical Tourism Compared With Plastic Surgery in Canada
Some patients in Canada consider medical tourism to save money on surgery. Although this may sound appealing, extra risks should be considered.
Patients should think about medical tourism concerns such as:
- Difficulty getting follow-up care
- Travel during early recovery
- Higher concern about infection
- Different facility or safety standards
- Harder access to records
- Difficulty managing complications back in Canada
- Communication barriers
- Unexpected revision costs
Surgery closer to home can make follow-up care easier if swelling, healing concerns, or complications happen.
What to Bring to a Plastic Surgery Consultation
A consultation gives you the chance to learn what is possible, safe, and realistic. You should not feel rushed or pressured during the consultation.
It helps to prepare before your consultation:
- Prepare a short list of your main concerns.
- Bring a list of your medications and supplements.
- Tell the surgeon about your medical history.
- Be honest about smoking, vaping, cannabis use, and nicotine exposure.
- Reference photos can be helpful if they explain your goals.
- Make sure you ask about recovery time, scars, risks, and alternatives.
- Ask what result is realistic for your body or face.
A good consultation should clearly discuss your options. The right advice may be to delay surgery, choose a smaller treatment, improve health first, or avoid surgery.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
Plastic surgery candidates should usually be healthy, informed, and realistic. They understand that surgery can improve appearance, but it cannot create perfection or solve every life concern.
You may be ready for plastic surgery if:
- You are medically well enough for surgery
- You can explain a clear concern
- Your weight is stable for body surgery
- You can follow smoking and nicotine restrictions
- You understand the recovery process
- You are comfortable with the risks and limits
- The choice is based on your own goals
- You understand what is realistic
A safer plan may involve waiting if you are pregnant, planning major weight loss, using nicotine, managing unstable health, or feeling pressured.
Combined Plastic Surgery Procedures
It may be safe to combine some procedures. Other surgeries may need to be done in stages. Doing more than one procedure at once may shorten total recovery, but it can increase surgery length and healing stress.
Examples of combined procedures include:
- Combining facelift and neck lift
- Eyelid surgery with a brow lift
- Combining rhinoplasty and chin surgery
- Breast lift with augmentation
- Tummy tuck and liposuction
- Breast and body procedures in a mommy makeover
- Body lift with thigh or arm contouring
- Facial surgery combined with fat grafting
The right approach depends on the patient’s health, how long the procedure takes, anesthesia, recovery support, and overall risk.
Final Thoughts About Plastic Surgery Procedure Types in Canada
Plastic surgery in Canada includes a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Certain procedures are used to improve the face, breasts, or body. Others help 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.
The best procedure is not always the most popular one. The best plan is based on anatomy, goals, health, and personal comfort.
Every plastic surgery plan should put safety, natural-looking results, clear expectations, and proper follow-up care first. Before choosing eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift surgery, or reconstructive plastic surgery, it helps to understand what each option can and cannot do.